has surprised fans by revealing the reason he’s yet to settle down despite rumoured love interest Maura Higgins recently gushing about him.
The 36-year-old reality TV star has been linked with a string of women, including Love Island star Maura and his dance partner Jowita Przystal.
But he has admitted he likes to be alone and values his own space. “It is a little bit of a sad existence,” Pete said when speaking about his love for being alone to fellow reality TV star Olivia Attwood on her Staying Relevant podcast.
However, he revealed that he is now open to sharing that space with someone. “I don’t want to die alone,” he explained. “I do feel like I’m now at a different stage of my life. I’m an older man now than when I was younger and a complete p***k.”
This is a bit of an about-turn from just a few months ago when he told The Times magazine that while he wouldn’t rule out marriage, he’s not “ready to wholeheartedly commit to a romantic relationship” at the moment as he doesn’t “fully understand” himself yet.
Strictly’s Pete Wicks reveals sad reason for not settling down amid Maura Higgins romance rumours (Image: Getty)
Pete, who was recently voted off strictly, is yet to address reports of a romance with Maura, who was recently booted off . She however, has been seemingly a bit more forthcoming.
with presenters Dermot O’Leary and Alison Hammond, Maura, 34, shared her disbelief at how she survived the gruesome challenges and the lack of food in the infamous camp.
But near the end of her candid chat with the This Morning hosts, Alison probed Maura about her love life.
Alison said: “I’m very excited with you meeting up with Pete when you get back, we all know it’s Pete – don’t even go there and say it’s not Pete! You love him and he loves you, what’s gonna happen when you come back?”
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Pete and Jowita (L) Maura speaks to This Morning post I’m A Celeb (R) (Image: Instagram/ITV)
Maura replied, “It didn’t take you long to ask that question, Alison, did it?” She continued: “Do you know what? 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’, and I do miss him. Like I miss all my friends and family.”
“But no, he is the most supportive,” she added: “Honestly, I didn’t know if he was still in Strictly, and I’m so proud of him; he’s proud of me, and yeah, I can’t wait to see him when I get back!”
During the chat, an excited Alison also chimed in and asked Maura if she could attend her wedding as a bridesmaid. Laughing, Maura said: “You can be a bridesmaid, Alison, OK, for God’s sake.”