Strictly Come Dancing's Pete Wicks avoids shutting down Jowita Przystał romance rumours

star has finally addressed his rumoured romance with dance partner , refusing to shut the rumour mill down.

The couple's chemistry has been undeniable as they've rehearsed for the live shows, with their obvious fondness for each other doing nothing but improving their performances.

And if anyone is going to get the goss out of Pete, it's his former TOWIE pal , who wouldn't let the topic slide when she spoke to him on her podcast.

Pete, 36, was speaking to Olivia on her So Wrong It's Right series, in which she chats with guests and hopes to "squash shame".

Digging for more information, Olivia said: "Your dating life. Maura Higgins," after Pete dated the Irish star. Pete started: "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."

But not letting Pete off the hook, Olivia went on: "We've seen a picture of it." Getting stuck in, Olivia continued: "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 Love Island star: "My God!" "You don't get awards by not asking the questions!" said Olivia. Skilfully steering the conversation away, 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."

The 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."

Previously, the couple attended the National Television Awards, where they seemed very much enamoured with each other.

As rumours about their growing affection make rounds, , Pete's best friend, added to the rumours by exclaiming: "Pete's in love."

In a chat with the , Pete revealed his dream movie date situation: "Raining, log cabin in the middle of the woods, fire going, cold night. A couple of bottles of Malbec and cheese board."

His Strictly partner Jowita echoed the sentiment and added: "Snowy night, log cabin! A big bowl of salted popcorn." In a flirty twist, Pete also joked: "It may be a glitter ball."

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