Pete Wicks reckons he had a "lucky escape" from Maura Higgins drama, close pals reveal. The Strictly star split from Love Island favourite Maura in January before she was captured kissing married McFly singer Danny Jones at a BRITs afterparty. And one pal says he's hugely relieved that they split because "drama seems to follow Maura around". The pal added: "Pete has huge respect for Maura and they had fun together. But he believes he had a lucky escape.

"Her star is obviously on the rise but there was always some drama happening around her. He's just very happy to be single and to be moving on with his life." The former reality stars started dating last summer but agreed to part ways after a series of fiery arguments. Maura and Danny have been wrapped up in scandal since video footage emerged of their "drunken kiss" putting strain on Danny's marriage to former Miss England Georgia Horsley.

The pair, who met on the latest series of I'm A Celebrity, were seen looking close at a glitzy party before heading onto the five-star Nobu Hotel in London for more drinks.

Since news broke of their drunken kiss, Danny issued a grovelling public apology to his wife while she moved out of the family home temporarily to spend time with her friends and "get away" from all that is going on.

Danny had initially kept quiet in the week that followed the kiss, but later broke his silence on social media.

Taking to Instagram, he said: "Hello everyone, sorry it's taken me a while to post this but I've taken some time out to be with those closest to me.

"I want to deeply apologise to my wife and family for putting them in this situation. I love them so much and we'll continue to deal with this privately. I love you guys, thank you for your patience, understanding, and support. See you all soon, Danny."

Meanwhile Pete appeared to mock his ex on his Staying Relevant podcast as he told listeners: “BRITs, a lot happened at the BRITs, an awful lot happened at the BRITs… I am probably going to leave that there.”

Raising his eyebrows, he then emphasised and repeated: “A LOT happened at the BRITs, but we’re going to MOVE on from that and tell you about our BRITs experience.”

He's since been loving single life and was spotted with close pal Sam Thompson cosying up to mystery women as they celebrated JLS singer Marvin Humes' 40th birthday.

Sam, 32, was recently left heartbroken after splitting from Zara McDermott who is now in a relationship with Louis Tomlinson.

The pal added: "Pete is very much enjoying his life. Ever since he started dating Maura and then he went on Strictly there's been a lot of hype around his personal life but now he feels he can really chill out and enjoy himself."