Strictly's Pete Wicks reveals sad reason for not settling down amid Maura Higgins romance rumours

Former TOWIE star and Strictly Come Dancing contestant Pete Wicks has revealed why he is yet to settle down despite having been romantically linked to a number of women

He's been known as being a bit of a ladies' man, but Pete Wicks has revealed the real reason behind his choice not to settle down yet.

The 36-year-old reality TV star has been linked with a long line of ladies throughout his career, which first launched on TOWIE. Now, as rumours continue to swirl regarding both Love Island star Maura Higgins and his fellow Strictly dance partner Jowita Przystal, Pete has candidly opened up on his love life.

Speaking to fellow reality TV star Olivia Attwood on her Staying Relevant podcast, Pete said he had struggled to keep long-term relationships. Explaining his current feelings, Pete confessed: "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."

Olivia quickly said he had never had an issue finding himself a partner, but Pete interjected: "It's keeping them!"

As Olivia tried to coax more out of Pete, she said: "You don't keep them out of your own choice. I feel like it's because you for so long have not let anyone in. You like your own space, you like to be with your dogs at home and your beer, it's quite a sad scene really actually."

Pete agreed and joked: "It is a little bit of a sad existence." However, he admitted he would be prepared to let in the right person now, saying: "I don't want to die alone." Despite his confession, in September he revealed to The Times magazine that while he'd be open to the idea of marriage, he's not "ready to wholeheartedly commit to a romantic relationship" at the moment as he doesn't "fully understand" himself yet.

Pete's has previously dated former TOWIE stars Megan McKenna, Shelby Tribble and Chloe Sims. Now, he's strongly been linked with Irish star Maura. The pair were seen kissing in October at The Pride of Britain Awards. Despite the show seeming to confirm their romance, Maura went into the I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here jungle claiming to be single.

While the pair are likely to meet up now she has returned back to England - and Pete has also been voted out of Strictly - it remains to be seen if the duo will share another romantic date. He did, however, seem to pour cold water on links to Jowita, saying she will "always have a friend" in him after they gained a close bond in the competition.

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