Reality star Pete Wicks has spoken candidly about his struggles with mental health and past mistakes following his split from Maura Higgins. 

The former TOWIE star, 36, and Love Island favorite Maura were romantically linked last year, 

with speculation about their relationship growing after they were seen kissing on multiple occasions. 

However, their romance ultimately came to an end, with reports suggesting they decided they were “better off as friends.”

Now, Pete has addressed some of his personal challenges in a heartfelt conversation, 

revealing how he has worked on understanding his emotions and learning from his experiences.

Pete and Maura’s Rumored Romance

Pete and Maura first sparked dating rumors in August last year when they were spotted sharing a passionate kiss. Their apparent chemistry continued to make headlines when Maura left a playful comment on Pete’s social media after he was announced as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing. The comment, which read, “I know what those hips can do. Proud of you,” seemed to tease their rumored relationship, further fueling speculation among fans.

A few months later, the pair was seen kissing again during an afterparty at the Pride of Britain Awards, adding to the ongoing speculation about their status. While appearing on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, Maura briefly touched on her feelings for Pete, though neither of them officially confirmed they were in a relationship.

Following Pete’s time on Strictly Come Dancing, the two were photographed together, but shortly after, reports emerged claiming they had decided to part ways. According to sources, their relationship had been “on and off,” and both eventually agreed that remaining friends was the best decision for them.

Pete’s Reflection on Mistakes and Mental Health

After the split, Pete appeared on Lorraine to discuss his personal journey with mental health as part of Lorraine Kelly’s new mental health campaign. During the interview, he opened up about the mistakes he has made in his past and the struggles he has faced in processing his emotions.

“It took me a long time,” Pete admitted. “I have made a lot of mistakes in my life, and throughout that time, I think a lot of it was because I didn’t really understand myself. I wasn’t able to express how I was feeling, and I think a lot of men suffer with that. Not just men—women as well—but if you don’t take the time to understand your emotions, they can manifest in different ways.”

Pete went on to explain that, for him, those emotions often presented themselves as anger. “For me, it used to be anger because that was the only kind of emotion I understood,” he said. “But as I’ve gotten older, and especially over the last few years, through certain things that have happened—like losing my nan—it’s helped me try to understand myself better.”

Pete and Maura’s Decision to Remain Friends

Earlier this year, reports surfaced claiming that Pete and Maura had chosen to end their romance on good terms. Insiders revealed that while there was a strong connection between them, there were also clashes, leading them to conclude that they were more suited as friends.

“Maura and Pete have decided to call off their romance,” a source shared. “There have been a few clashes, and it was eventually agreed they were better off as friends. Those closest to them know it’s been a very on-and-off relationship, which is why they were so resistant to go public in the first place. They remain close and share a deep connection.”

Despite their split, Pete and Maura appear to have maintained a respectful and supportive relationship. While fans speculated about the reasons behind their decision, Pete’s recent revelations suggest that personal growth and emotional well-being have played a significant role in his journey.

Focusing on the Future

As Pete continues to work on his mental health, he hopes to inspire others—especially men—to be more open about their struggles. His willingness to reflect on past mistakes and acknowledge the challenges he has faced demonstrates his commitment to self-improvement.

With his Strictly Come Dancing journey behind him and a renewed focus on personal growth, Pete Wicks is embracing a new chapter—one where he prioritizes his well-being and learns from his experiences. Whether or not romance is in his near future, it’s clear that he is on a path toward understanding himself better and finding happiness in his own way.

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