Maura Higgins turns heads on red carpet in striking Pride of Britain Awards gown

Maura Higgins cut a sophisticated appearance as she resembled Hollywood icon Sophia Loren on the red carpet at this years star-studded Pride Of Britain Awards

Reality TV star Maura Higgins wowed the crowd at this year's Pride Of Britain Awards as she cut an elegant appearance.

Wearing a black dress with a plunging neckline, the former Love Island star teamed her look with a pair of elbow length black gloves. She accessorised her stunning outfit with a pearl necklace and matching bracelets. Strutting her stuff for the waiting photographers, Maura clearly knew how to work her magic on the red carpet.

Over recent months, Maura, 33, has been the talk of the town as she has been romantically linked to Strictly Come Dancing star Pete Wicks. And so when he appeared on Olivia Attwood's podcast, So Wrong It's Right, that was one of her first questions aimed at the former TOWIE star - and she was not prepared to allow him to wriggle his way out of answering her questions.

In August, Maura was spotted kissing Pete outside the Broadwick Soho Hotel, which only confirmed the dating rumours. Shortly before, in October last year, Maura and Pete were seen in a close embrace at London's Grosvenor House and this time their romantic moment was caught on camera.

They were seen gazing into each other's eyes during what seemed to be a deep conversation. However, neither reality stars have spoken out about the rumours. Olivia asked him: "Your dating life. Maura Higgins." In response, Pete said: "Me and Maura have known each other for a long time." Unsatisfied with his answer, Olivia continued: "You've had a kiss, we've seen it!"

But sticking to the memo, Pete denied anything happened between them as he said: "No, you haven't seen it." Olivia then added: "Next thing I need to know, are you and your dance partner romantically involved?" Unable to maintain a straight face, Pete burst into laughter - but didn't deny the rumours. But if the rumours are true, it seems Maura may have competition on her hands with his professional dance partner Jowita.

A source told The Mail on Sunday: "Pete has fallen head over heels for Jowita. He thinks she is amazing in every way. The feeling is mutual from her side and things have definitely progressed between them. They are all over one another behind the scenes, in a way that a loved-up couple would be."

The source continued: "It appears that we may have the first Strictly romance of the series, which is so exciting. They are the talk of the show. The other contestants are really happy for them. They are always smiling. It's lovely. It will certainly brighten up the show following the dreadful saga around Giovanni Pernice and Amanda Abbington."

Watch the Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards, in partnership with TSB, ITV, on the ITV Hub on Thursday Oct 24 at 8pm.

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