Maura Higgins has been spotted for the first time since insinuating that her romance with Pete Wicks ended over ‘cheating’ claims.

The former Love Island and I’m A Celebrity!….Get Me Out of Here! star, 34, had been linked to TOWIE star Pete, 37, since September. Maura even opened up about her strong feelings for Pete during her time in the Australian jungle as she told her fellow campmates that she was finally happy with a new connection.

However, last week, it was reported that the pair called it quits on their love story. It’s said the pair decided they are “better off as friends” after a number clashes in their relationship following their respective stints on Strictly Come Dancing and I’m a Celebrity last year.

It seemed that Maura may have taken the split quite hard as she made a savage dig at Pete on Valentine’s Day. The Irish bombshell enjoyed a luxurious dinner with friends in London on Valentine’s night. Maura looked incredible in an off-the-shoulder red dress as she styled her new locks in a straight sleek style. Maura held hands with her male friend and was all smiles as the cameras flashed. However, when asked where Pete was by photographers, Maura quipped: “Dunno, probably out cheating.”

Maura has now been spotted for the first time since her brutal quip towards Pete. The brunette beauty was spotted out and about in London with her close friend as they arrived at the InterTalent x BAFTA networking breakfast on Tuesday.

Following her reported breakup with Pete, Maura was all smiles as she walked with her hands in her pockets alongside her pal. The flawless star opted for a casual-smart ensemble as she modelled a high-neck white tank top and a pair of flared black trousers. Maura finished off the look with a smart grey overcoat and a pair of white trainers, complete with a classic black Chanel bag.

As always, her bronzed makeup look was done to perfection and she styled her brunette locks in a slicked-back bun.

Maura’s latest public appearance comes amid reports that her former flame Pete is said to be ‘hurt’ by the cheating allegations. Pete’s close friends have denied the rumours, and have insisted that the reality TV star has done ‘nothing wrong’.

Following reports that Maura found “loads of messages with other women,” the source has said that they were “innocent”. An insider told the Sun that the pair had parted ways after Maura was “suspicious” of Pete and “whether he might have been messing her around”.

However, speaking to MailOnline, another source said that Pete “did nothing wrong” and “did not cheat”. They said: “The messages were simply innocent communication with friends and colleagues – he often messages friends of the same sex but it wasn’t cheating.”

The source went on to suggest that the “narrative” is “unfair” given that Pete – once considered a ‘bad boy’ – has “worked really hard” on himself over the years. They said: “Pete has always been open and honest about errors made in his past and how he struggles to commit in relationships.”

They said that he was “upfront” with Maura from the start of their romance and the source said that continuing the “same narrative” when he’s now a “better man” is “very unfair”. They added that it’s “not the same old” Pete, as he has “worked really hard” to “mature” and “better himself” previously.

The source went on to tell the outlet: “He hasn’t done anything wrong and Maura’s claims are unsubstantiated and just bizarre.” They added that Pete “still adores her” and doesn’t want to “trash her,” either publicly or in private.

“She felt she was proved right when she saw loads of messages with other women on his phone. She knew she’d never be able to feel like she could trust him – even if the messages were all innocent, it’s not something she could get past. She didn’t want to be constantly worried about what her man was doing,” they added.

The Mirror has approached Maura’s and Pete’s respective representatives for comment on this story.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads.

Stay up-to-date with all the news from the Love Island villa this summer with our regular newsletter