Strictly Come Dancing's Pete Wicks 'gutted' over Maura Higgins issue after 'last night together'

Strictly Come Dancing's Pete Wicks has reportedly been left 'gutted' at not being able to jet off to support his rumoured new love interest, Maura Higgins, as she is set endure the trials and tribulations of the I'm A Celebrity jungle.

As Maura stepped into the jungle on Thursday (November 21), an insider has revealed why Pete is unlikely to make the trip Down Under.

The source told Closer magazine: "Pete's gutted he can't get out to support Maura in the jungle, but it looks like he just won't be able to."

It seems like the pair made the most of their final hours together as the insider added: "He and Maura had a really nice last night together and he'll really miss her - he's smitten! But his diary is absolutely rammed and work offers have been flying in since he started on Strictly."

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But despite rumours continuing to grow about their relationship, Maura was keen to shut them down as she told the Daily Mirror: "I mean, I've been on a date with many people.”

Before she added: “I'm not [dating]. Where have you heard that? I date but I'm very much single,” she says. “Honestly, I just think the interest in my dating life is so boring. People go on dates. Like everyone goes on dates, but then it suddenly becomes that I am in a relationship with this person, or that person.”

Meanwhile, Pete remained eager to give little away to former Love Islander and I'm A Celeb contestant Olivia Attwood as he spoke on her podcast, So Wrong It's Right, last month when he said: "She is lovely, me and Maura have known each other for a very long time."

Before adding: "I think Maura is great and we get on really well and we have done for a very long time."

Despite the pair's constant denials that they have been dating, they have been snapped together on many occasions in recent months and could even be seen sharing a kiss at the after party of the Pride of Britain awards last month.

The reality TV stars also shared an intimate moment as they were also seen kissing outside the Broadwick hotel, London in August.

Pete is still going strong on Strictly and is down to the final seven contestants with professional partner Jowita Przystal. They dance again tonight (Saturday, November 23) at 7.05pm on BBC One.

Representatives for Maura declined to comment. Reps for Pete have also been contacted for comment.