PETE Wicks has broken his silence on having a ‘very close’ relationship with girlfriend Maura Higgins – while admitting Strictly trolling was ‘horrendous’.
Towie lothario Pete, 37, opened up in a new interview about his private life and the scrutiny that comes with being in the public eye, having seen his career reach new heights with the BBC ballroom show this winter.
He told The Times: “We’ve known each other for a very, very long time. We’re very close.
“But a lot of being in the public eye is that people assume that you have to tell everyone all about your private life and I’ve never, never done that.”
While Pete kept to a minimum about his feelings for Maura, 34, he didn’t hold back when talking about the toll of negative online comments, particularly during his time on Strictly.
He added: “Some of the messages I got were beautiful, but the horrendous things were heartbreaking.
“I’ve learnt you shouldn’t take too much interest in the good stuff or listen to the bad stuff, but normally I’m in control of the narrative.
“This was me at my most vulnerable I’ve been on television, so the negative stuff was harder to take.”
During the latest series, fans saw Pete perform a contemporary dance in tribute to his late-nan Doreen.
Pete and his professional partner Jowita Przystal, 30, had danced their Couples’ Choice to Tina Turner‘s hit Simply The Best, which was Doreen’s favourite song.
Viewers were left wiping away their tears after Pete struggled not to cry following his moving performance.
Elsewhere, Pete and Maura have been going from strength to strength since they started dating in August.
After months of speculation, Pete’s best pal Sam Thompson cheekily “welcomed Maura to the family” when she appeared on I’m A Celebrity spin-off, Unpacked.
Since Maura’s return to the UK they have spent lots of time together, even going on multiple breaks away during the festive period.
The Love Island star addressed the romance rumours during a This Morning appearance, telling Alison Hammond: “You do forget about the cameras, and I do like to keep things private.
“But let’s be real, I said it. I can’t remember saying it, but I said the words ‘I miss him.'”
“I do miss him, like I missed all my friends and family.
“Honestly, he’s been so supportive, honestly. I didn’t know if he was still in Strictly and I’m so proud of him, he’s proud of me, and I can’t wait to see him when I get back.”
