MAURA Higgins looked smitten with Pete Wicks as they appeared to head away together on a Christmas break.

In our exclusive pictures the Love Island favourite, 34, flashed a big smile beside Strictly Come Dancing heartthrob Pete, 36, as he packed a Mercedeswith cases.

Pete Wicks and Maura Higgins were all smiles as they packed up for Christmas Credit: BackGrid

The rumoured couple’s outfits matched for the taxi ride Credit: BackGrid

Pete helped load Maura’s items into a Mercedes Credit: BackGrid
Irish beauty Maura had wavy hair and wore a cropped black top with jogging bottoms, while Pete complemented her in a jazzy black and white jacket and beanie.

The brooding podcast host, whose luxury Porsche was parked close by, beamed at times and looked relaxed around Maura.

The pair seem to be an official item after Pete’s best pal Sam Thompson cheekily “welcomed Maura to the family” when she appeared on I’m A Celebrity spin-off, Unpacked.

Since Maura’s return to the UK they have spent lots of time together, though it remains to be seen where they’ll be on December 25.

Maura addressed the romance rumours on an appearance of This Morning, telling Alison Hammond: “You do forget about the cameras, and I do like to keep things private, but let’s be real, I said it. I can’t remember saying it, but I said the words ‘I miss him’.

“I do miss him, like I missed all my friends and family. Honestly, he’s been so supportive, honestly. I didn’t know if he was still in Strictly and I’m so proud of him, he’s proud of me, and I can’t wait to see him when I get back.”

She was sixth celeb to be booted out of camp earlier this month and has been making up for lost time with a series of carb heavy meals after a paltry diet of rice, beans and jungle delicacies.

She told fans on social media: “I’ve eaten pasta every night since the jungle.

“No regrets!”

Maura hit the red wine after being given the boot in a double eviction with boxer Barry McGuigan, 63.

When their time in camp wrapped, they appeared on Unwrapped to discuss their jungle antics.

Irishman Barry was quick to joke about Maura’s behaviour outside of the Aussie compound and said: “Its fascinating being on this side, we just stuffed our faces.

“I had a good sleep, not sure you had a good sleep Maura.

“She’s been drinking long into the night.”

Maura, dressed in a strapless leaf-print corset dress wit lace-up detail then interjected: “Barry don’t tell everyone!”

Host Joel Dommett asked Maura how she had celebrated and she said: “I only slept for an hour an a half.

Towie legend Pete did all the heavy lifting Credit: BackGrid

The well-suited pair only had eyes for each other Credit: BackGrid

Pete climbed into his luxury Porsche Credit: BackGrid
“I went crazy with the food, I had a bottle of wine last night, yeah I definitely went overboard.”

Prior to her time in the camp, she lived it up on a host of party nights and at events.

She even admitted she “wasn’t well” and “had the shakes” on her arrival Down Under.

Maura reunited with Pete just a day after returning to the UK.

During her time in the jungle, she addressed the romance speculation between the two.

She insisted she was single – despite having shared passionate snogs with Pete.

“No, I’m single. People can date and not be in a relationship and take things slow.

“What’s the point in getting them involved too soon, when you just don’t know where it’s gonna go, you know?”

Maura added: “Well we’ve already been papped, tongues down each other’s necks and we had no idea!

“The funniest part was I had a vape in one hand and a cigarette in the other, living my best life.”

Maura told how she had downed the red wine following her jungle exit Credit: ITV

Maura and Pete are getting along famously Credit: Getty