Maura Higgins and Pete Wicks are being tipped as the next big power couple, potentially outshining Posh and Becks. The former Love Island star and TOWIE favourite have been somewhat coy about their relationship status prior to their appearances on I’m A Celeb and Strictly Come Dancing, but they’ve recently dropped several hints suggesting more than just a friendly bond.

Maura, 34, shared some juicy details with her jungle campmate GK Barry last week, admitting she and the TOWIE heartthrob were caught in a passionate kiss but wanted to keep things private because “‘you don’t know where it’s gonna go”. When Reverend Richard Coles asked if she and her mystery man – who she confirmed was a familiar face – were an item, a slightly red-faced Maura admitted she wasn’t sure, because she “doesn’t know the rules” and was still officially single. Pete, 36, has also hinted at his feelings for Maura on social media.

Maura and Pete clearly have chemistry ( 
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Pete reposted a meme urging his 1.8 million Instagram followers to vote for her as Queen of the Jungle and was quick to comment (with three clapping emojis) on another post calling for votes. As they gear up for a reunion in London, where they’ve already enjoyed several dates before Maura’s trip to Oz, an insider told OK! their future is looking very bright indeed.

“They’ve got it all, they’ve got what it takes to be the next big power couple, the next Posh and Becks,” the source claimed. “There’s nothing showmance or forced about this at all. They are totally smitten with each other and those feelings are very genuine.”

Maura spoke to her campmates are her budding romance ( 
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The source added: “It’s understandable that Maura was given a few words of warning about Pete’s past, but she’s headstrong and she can make her own mind up, and she doesn’t take any nonsense, she knows what she’s doing.

“And Pete has fallen for her completely, he can’t stop thinking about her. They adore each other and everyone who knows them can see how happy they make each other.”

Initially, friends of the duo played down the romance rumours which started after they were seen kissing outside a London hotel in August. However, there’s now plenty of evidence suggesting they’re more than just mates.

Maura told GK Barry that she was taking it slow with Pete ( 
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Last week, Maura discussed the public’s fascination with her love life with jungle campmate GK Barry, 25, five years on from her Love Island stint. When quizzed about her status with Pete, Maura clarified: “I’m single. People can date and not be in a relationship and take things slow.”

As Pete’s tenure on the dance floor comes to an end and with Maura having returned from the jungle, it seems that the time apart has only made them more eager to let their relationship flourish. “The more time they’ve spent apart, the more they’ve realised how they feel and the bond between them has strengthened,” our insider revealed.

“It’s the ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder’ thing.”

There were rumours that Pete was growing close to Jowita ( 
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They continued, suggesting the separation could have spurred new feelings. “Anything could’ve happened while they were apart, Maura could’ve found love in the jungle and the same for Pete on Strictly, but actually they’ve started talking about each more and it shows that they really do want to be together because it’s a genuine connection.”

Last week, amid rumours that Pete was cozying up with his pro dance partner Jowita Przystał, he appeared to silence the speculation by urging fans to back Maura for Queen of the Jungle. The TOWIE star shared a comical image of Maura taken from the I’m A Celeb page, captioning it: “I’ve been George of the Jungle but now it’s time to vote for Maura of the Jungle”.

Our source indicates that friends and family from both camps are rooting for this burgeoning romance, even if there were some early hesitations on Maura’s side due to Pete’s reputation as a ladies’ man.

“They’ve both got 100% support from the people around them,” the source claimed. “Of course some of Maura’s friends and family were worried about his reputation at first, but she’s headstrong and does what she wants, and Pete’s crowd respect that.”

Victoria and David have built an empire together ( 
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The insider added that the duo’s mix of attractiveness, smarts, and humour, coupled with their significant fan followings, could see them become the next Posh and Becks, who have been A-listers for over two decades.

“Maura’s done so well in the jungle,” they continued. “She’s funny, she’s honest, she’s smart, and people love that about her. And Pete was on the other biggest show in the UK, it’s their time to shine.”

In addition, another source mentioned that Maura’s career prospects were also looking bright post-show: “TV execs are particularly excited at this moment… not only does she have the good looks, but she’s also got the personality to match.”