Watch as Pete Wicks directly answers if he's dating Strictly's Jowita or Maura Higgins

star had nowhere to hide as he was directly asked to address dating rumours about Love Island's Maura Higgins and his dance partner Jowita Przstal.

In the last few weeks the TOWIE Lothario has been linked to both women with fans guessing what is going on in his chaotic dating life.

Pete and Jowita Przystał's dance-floor chemistry has been undeniable after the pair have been spotted cosying up during rehearsals. Their immediate bond has given them an advantage for their live performances with the duo winning high praise for their routines. While Craig Revel Horwood has even commented he's

Confusingly, the pair's obvious fondness for each other comes after Love Island's Maura Higgins was spotted kissing the former TOWIE star outside the Broadwick Soho Hotel in August, cementing rumours the two were dating - although they've remained tight-lipped about their situation.

Trying her best to get the goss out of Pete, his Essex pal wouldn't let the topic slide when she spoke to him on her podcast.

Pete, 36, was chatting with Olivia on her So Wrong It's Right series this week, and she was digging for more information. Olivia, 33, started: "Your dating life. Maura Higgins." Pete answered: "Me and Maura have known each other for a long time."

Olivia probed her reality TV mate, saying: "You've had a kiss, we've seen it!" But Pete denied anything romantic had happened between the two, insisting: "No, you haven't seen it."

Not letting Pete off the hook, Olivia continued: "We've seen a picture of it," adding: "Next thing I need to know, are you and your dance partner romantically involved?"

Pete burst out laughing, but didn't shut the rumours down, simply telling the former contestant Olivia: "My God!" She responded: "You don't get awards by not asking the questions!" Skilfully deflecting, Pete explained: "One of the biggest problems is my b*******."

Adding: "Well I'm having to wear like Spanx ... because otherwise Shirley will end up with a couple of black eyes."

Pete and Maura were seen getting close at London's Grosvenor House, with their intimate embrace captured on film last October. Adding further weight to the claims, they were seen gazing into each other's eyes during what appeared to be a deep and meaningful conversation.

Meanwhile, rumours are intensifying around Jowita and Pete, with new photos showing them appearing to kiss behind-the-scenes.

A source spilled to The Mail on Sunday that Pete is smitten with Jowita. "Pete has fallen head over heels for Jowita. He thinks she is amazing in every way. The feeling is mutual from her side and things have definitely progressed between them. They are all over one another behind the scenes, in a way that a loved-up couple would be."

The insider continued: "It appears that we may have the first Strictly romance of the series, which is so exciting. They are the talk of the show. The other contestants are really happy for them. They are always smiling. It's lovely. It will certainly brighten up the show following the dreadful saga around Giovanni Pernice and Amanda Abbington."

Follow Mirror Celebs on , , , , , and .

READ MORE: