Pete Wicks and Maura Higgins shared a kiss at this year’s glamorous Pride of Britain event. The Mirror looks back at their flirty past, which includes cozy lunches and moments where they shared “intense” looks.
After months of rumors, Pete Wicks and Maura Higgins confirmed their relationship with a kiss, even though Pete had said earlier that night he was “single.” According to The Mirror, the two were seen kissing and getting close at the Pride of Britain afterparty at the Red Bar in London’s Grosvenor House Hotel.
This news probably won’t shock fans, as there have been rumors about Pete and Maura for a while. Meanwhile, Pete, 35, has also faced a lot of attention over his friendship with his Strictly Come Dancing partner, Jowita Przystal, because their strong chemistry made fans wonder if there was more going on. The Mirror looks back at Pete and Maura’s flirty history and their playful moments together.
Close Conversation
This isn’t the first time Pete and Maura seemed close at the Pride of Britain Awards. At the 2023 event, they were seen having a deep conversation and sharing looks that hinted at something more than just friendship.
Maura broke up with her Hollywood stuntman boyfriend, Bobby Holland Hanton, in March, and Pete, known for his playboy image, has been single for a while. Though he has a reputation as a womanizer, Pete has spoken openly about wanting to settle down. In a recent interview with The Times, he said, “I’m nearly 36. I want to get married and have kids. I’ve had many great opportunities, but what’s the point if I can’t share them with someone?” He also admitted that he’s not ready for a serious relationship yet because he’s still figuring himself out.
Maura has been a strong supporter of Pete. In September, she cheered him on when he released his memoir Never Enough: My Words Unfiltered by posting “Proud of you” on her Instagram story.
The two have also been seen having fun trying out dance moves on TikTok, with Maura getting into the spirit as Pete continues on Strictly Come Dancing.
Lunch Kiss
In August, Pete and Maura were spotted enjoying a cozy outdoor lunch at the Broadwick Soho Hotel. Even though it was a public place, they didn’t hold back when it came to kissing. Pete reportedly arrived about an hour after Maura, who was with friends. An eyewitness told The Sun that after sitting for a while, Maura leaned in for a long, passionate kiss with Pete, which was more than just a friendly peck. The source added that they could barely take their eyes off each other, with Pete keeping his arm around Maura all evening. They looked very much in love and weren’t trying to hide it.
Intense Looks
After photos of them in Soho went public, body language expert Judi James commented that they seemed “equally smitten” with each other, which is rare for celebrities. She told The Mirror that when famous reality stars like Maura and Pete start a relationship, it often looks one-sided or staged, where one person seems more interested than the other. But in their case, Judi noted that their eye contact and gazes at each other looked balanced and intense. This kind of connection is unusual for reality stars, as one usually looks captivated while the other might be distracted by cameras.
Making Light of Rumors
They also seem to be having fun with the rumors about their relationship.
Maura responded to the gossip with some playful humor by wearing a t-shirt featuring the photo that got everyone talking, along with the slogan “We can’t be friends.”
She wore the shirt while supporting Pete and his friend Sam Thompson during their live podcast recording at Hammersmith Apollo. Maura shared a picture of herself in the shirt on her Instagram Story and wrote, “Hilarious night… You smashed it!”
Podcast probe
Pete recently chatted with Olivia Attwood, a former star from TOWIE, on her podcast So Wrong It’s Right, where she asked him about his relationship with Maura. Olivia, 33, didn’t hold back and directly asked, “Your dating life. Maura Higgins?” Pete responded, “Me and Maura have known each other for a long time.”
Olivia kept pushing, saying, “You’ve had a kiss; we’ve seen it!” Pete replied, “No, you haven’t seen it.” Olivia wasn’t letting him off the hook, adding, “We’ve seen a picture of it.” She then asked, “Are you and your dance partner romantically involved?”
Pete burst out laughing and exclaimed, “My God!” Olivia said, “You don’t get awards by not asking the questions!” Instead of answering, Pete joked, “One of the biggest problems is my b******.” He added, “I have to wear Spanx… otherwise, Shirley will end up with a couple of black eyes!”
After party kiss
Even though Pete and Maura haven’t talked much about their clear chemistry, people at the Pride of Britain Awards noticed their feelings for each other. Maura was seen giving Pete a sweet kiss on the nose, followed by a kiss on the lips.
An attendee told The Mirror that they overheard Pete talking about being single at the afterparty, despite their affectionate behavior. The guest said, “Pete did seem cozy with Maura at times, but he wasn’t shy about telling people he was single. He proudly declared he was single on the red carpet during interviews and even joked about not being in a relationship at the bar after the awards.”
Drake Hogestyn: Career, cause of death and final episode
When I was a teenager during the summertime, I used to watch Days of Our Lives.
The long-running series has showcased many vibrant characters over the years, and Drake Hogestyn was undoubtedly one of the most memorable.
Now we mourn the loss of this beloved star, who passed away just one day shy of his 71st birthday.
Donald Drake Hogestyn, known to many as John Black from Days of Our Lives, left an indelible mark on the world of daytime television.
After an incredible 38 years and nearly 4,300 episodes on the iconic show, his passing just one day before his 71st birthday has left fans heartbroken.
Born in 1953 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Hogestyn was destined for greatness from a young age, with a father who hailed from New York and a devoted mother who nurtured his talents.
Hogestyn’s journey to stardom began in the 1980s when he ventured into acting with Columbia Pictures. In a talent search that attracted 75,000 hopefuls, he emerged as one of just 30 selected, securing a significant role in the prime-time series Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.
Drafted by Yankees
However, what many fans might not know is that before he captivated audiences on screen, Hogestyn was a promising baseball player who had even been drafted by the New York Yankees. As a skilled third baseman in their minor league system, it seemed he was on the path to playing at Yankee Stadium. Yet, an unexpected injury shattered those dreams, steering him toward a different kind of spotlight.
In 1986, Hogestyn made his mark on Days of Our Lives, first appearing as a mysterious character known as “The Pawn.”
Audiences were excited, and Hogestyn quickly became a fan favorite, transforming into the iconic John Black. Over the years, he navigated dramatic storylines filled with amnesia, espionage, and intense relationships, making him one of the most recognizable faces in daytime television.
His on-screen romance with longtime co-star Deidre Hall, known for her portrayal of Marlena, became a defining element of the series and established them as a true supercouple on daytime television.
Hogestyn’s talent earned him numerous nominations for Soap Opera Digest Awards, with multiple wins for Favorite Hero and Favorite Couple alongside Hall.
Why was he fired?
In 2008, fans were stunned when it was announced that Hogestyn and Hall had been let go from Days of Our Lives due to budget cuts. However, the demand for their return was undeniable, and they rejoined the show a few years later, much to the delight of their devoted fans. Tragically, Hogestyn made his final appearance on the soap on September 9, 2024, just weeks before his passing.
Drake and his wife, Victoria, shared a deep love that began when he was just 15 years old and she was only 12. ”We were meant to be,” he once said in an interview, capturing the essence of their enduring bond. They married in 1986, the same year Hogestyn joined Days of Our Lives, and together they raised four children.
Cause of death
Sadly, Drake Hogestyn’s life came to an end due to pancreatic cancer on September 28, 2024, in Los Angeles.
His family announced the news with heavy hearts, saying, ”He was thrown the curveball of his life when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but he faced the challenge with incredible strength and determination. After putting up an unbelievable fight, he passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones.”
As we remember Drake Hogestyn, we celebrate the joy and inspiration he brought into our lives, both through his unforgettable performances and the love he shared with his family. He will forever remain a cherished part of television history and in the hearts of his fans.
My condolences to his family, friends, coworkers and fans! Rest in peace, Drake!
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