Reality television star Pete Wicks has set tongues wagging after being photographed sharing a conspicuously intimate moment with a mystery brunette at the National Television Awards in London on Tuesday night.
The TOWIE personality, 35, was seen deep in conversation with the unidentified woman in the event's outdoor smoking area, their body language suggesting a close connection just weeks after his highly-publicised split from Love Island star Maura Higgins.
Eyewitnesses described the pair as being 'in their own little world', leaning in close and sharing laughs away from the main awards ceremony crowd inside the O2 Arena.
Post-Split Revelations
The sighting comes after what Pete has described as a 'tough' period following his breakup with Maura Higgins earlier this year. The couple, who had been dating for several months, called it quits amid rumours of conflicting schedules and long-distance challenges.
When approached by reporters after the NTAs, Wicks appeared in good spirits and surprisingly open about his relationship status. 'I'm single and ready to mingle,' he quipped, before adding more seriously, 'But honestly, I'm just focusing on being happy. If love comes along, I'm not going to shut it out.'
Who Is The Mystery Woman?
The identity of the dark-haired beauty has sparked intense speculation among reality TV fans. She appeared to be in her late twenties and was dressed in elegant evening wear, suggesting she was either a fellow celebrity or industry insider attending the prestigious awards ceremony.
Several onlookers noted their easy chemistry, with one commenting: 'They looked very comfortable together, like they'd known each other for ages. Pete was definitely making her laugh a lot.'
A Night of Glitz and Gossip
The National Television Awards once again proved to be a hotbed of celebrity romance rumours and sightings. While Pete Wicks attended without a formal date, his interaction with the mystery woman provided plenty of fodder for showbiz gossips.
Earlier in the evening, the television personality had been photographed on the red carpet looking dapper in a tailored suit, giving no indication of the cozy encounter that would later unfold in the smoking area.
When asked if he was looking for love following his split from Maura, Pete remained philosophical: 'I believe everything happens for a reason. Right now, I'm just enjoying life and seeing what happens.'
