Why Maura Higgins ended things with Pete Wicks and the motive behind her scathing ‘cheating’ comment

Maura Higgins broke up with Pete Wicks after trust issues, insiders have revealed. 

The Love Island beauty and TOWIE star have been dating for around two months after their six year friendship blossomed into love last year.

Recent reports by MailOnline disclosed that the reality TV stars have decided to go their separate ways following a string of arguments. Sources familiar with the situation have now come forward, revealing that Maura stumbled upon incriminating messages on Pete’s phone.

A source told The Sun: ‘Maura was suspicious of Pete and whether he might have been messing her around. There’s been some rows over trust.

‘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.

Maura Higgins broke up with Pete Wicks after trust issues, insiders have revealed (pictured together in May)

The insider further shared that Maura felt uneasy constantly worrying about Pete’s actions and behaviors and is now resolute about moving forward without him. MailOnline reached out to Pete’s representatives for a statement regarding the matter.

On Friday, Maura took a brutal swipe at her ‘cheating’ ex as she was photographed enjoyed a Valentine’s Day night out.

While leaving Sheesh restaurant in London alongside her friends, Maura publicly addressed their breakup for the first time. A photographer inquired about Pete’s whereabouts to which Maura casually responded, ‘Don’t know, probably cheating,’ as captured in a video acquired by The Sun.

Maura took another swipe at the TOWIE star following her ‘cheating’ quip, as she shared an Instagram clip singing along to a Whitney Houston hit on Saturday.

The star, 34, enjoyed a night out at a Queen Of The Night tribute show in honour of the iconic singer on Valentine’s Day.

Posting a string of videos from the night out with her pals, one video showed Maura singing along to Whitney’s classic tune I Will Always Love You, while featured her belting out the track Where Do Broken Hearts Go.

The duo were pictured kissing at red carpet events and even enjoyed a cozy getaway together in Ireland over New Year’s Eve, but went their separate ways shortly after.

Last week, MailOnline revealed Maura and Pete had decided they were ‘better off as friends’. 

MailOnline revealed last week that the reality stars recently agreed to part ways after a series of rows , with sources now revealing Maura found messages on Pete’s phone

‘Maura and Pete have decided to call off their romance,’ an insider said.

‘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.’

A friend added: ‘You never know with Maura and Pete, the attraction is so strong that you wouldn’t rule out reunion at some point – even in the short term.’

Maura entered the I’m A Celebrity jungle as a late arrival with Reverend Richard Coles, while Pete delighted BBC viewers on Strictly Come Dancing performing alongside pro dancer Jowita Przystal at the exact same time.

As soon as both shows  finished, the couple finally had the chance to reunite, spending Christmas together at Glasson Lakehouse Co. Westmeath, close to Maura’s hometown in Ireland.

MailOnline revealed last week that the reality stars recently agreed to part ways after a series of rows , with sources now revealing Maura found messages on Pete’s phone 

Maura took another swipe at the TOWIE star following her ‘cheating’ quip, as she shared an Instagram clip singing along to a Whitney Houston hit on Saturday 

Speaking on a podcast interview in January, Pete expressed his fondness for Maura, explaining the pair had been supporting each other from afar from six years.

He said: ‘Maura and I have known each other for a long time now… about six years.

‘We have the same sense of humour, she’s super intelligent and I think that is sometimes something that people don’t realise about Maura.’

‘She’s incredibly witty. We have always been there for each other for the past six years at a distance.

‘It’s different now. We spend more time together now than we did before. My relationship with her is that I think she’s a great person and I would hope that she thinks I’m alright.’

Pete, who reportedly grew close to dance partner Jowita on Strictly, has spoken about his difficulties with commitment, admitting settling down ‘scares’ him.

He has previously had romances with former TOWIE co-stars Megan McKenna, Shelby Tribble, Chloe Sims and Ella Rae Wise. 

Maura, meanwhile, fell for Curtis Pritchard on Love Island in 2019 before dating Chris Taylor, who she met on the same series.

Following their split, Maura was in a relationship with axed Strictly professional Giovanni Pernice but they parted ways after four months.

After being spotted sharing a kiss at the National TV Awards in 2022, Maura and TOWIE’s Joey Essex denied that they were romantically involved.

In March 2024, Maura split from stuntman Bobby Holland Hanton after ten months together.

She told The Times in January that she was ‘happy right now’ after being questioned about her relationship status with Pete.