Pete Wicks and Maura Higgins break silence after 'kissing at Pride of Britain Awards'

Pete Wicks and Maura Higgins have taken to social media after it emerged that they had kissed at the Pride of Britain Awards. BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Pete, 36, and former Love Island star Maura, 33, shared a kiss an afterparty at Grosvenor House, in London.

The pair partied until 1am at the hotel's Red Bar following the awards ceremony on Monday, October 21. They are said to have made it clear to onlookers that they were an item, following rumours of a potential romance.

It is understood they shared a tender moment in a corner before the couple kissed. Both Pete and Maura have since taken to Instagram with posts about the annual event.

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But they are yet to directly address the romance rumours, Mirror reports. Pete took a break from his Strictly training to provide red carpet coverage with friend Sam Thompson.

He posted photos of himself and his friend, writing: "It was on honour to work at @prideofbritain again… [Sam] and I are very fortunate to be able to do some of the things we do but last night is without doubt the most special evening of the year.

"It's a beautiful event with beautiful people and a humbling experience to be in a room with true hero's who deserve the spotlight not just for one night but every day. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees - see you next year."

The former the Only Way is Essex star also shared a series of posts on his Instagram Story. One showed him in a rehearsal for Strictly Come Dancing with partner Jowita Przystał.

Another post showed Pete and Sam interviewing JLS star JB and his dance partner Amy Dowden on the red carpet. Love Island finalist Maura also posted online about the Pride of Britain Awards.

In one post, she said: "A truly special evening." A later post which saw her posing in a hotel lobby read: "Dreamy hotel @themayfairtownhouse."

It comes following recent speculation of a potential romance between Pete and Maura. Rumours began circulating when they were spotted having a 'passionate' kiss in August.

Maura then left a 'cheeky' reply to he news that Pete had signed up for the new series of Strictly. Reacting, she appeared to poke fun at the rumours circling them by teasing: "I know what those hips can do. Proud of you."

More recently, Maura appeared to poke fun at the speculation when she was gifted a t-shirt, which had "we can't be friends" written above a picture of her kissing Pete on the front. It was from Pete's friend Sam amid the tour of their podcast Staying Relevant.

Maura was seen wearing the top in a photo later shared on social media following an event.