Reality favourites Maura Higgins and Joey Essex were spotted sharing a moment of passion backstage at the Pride of Britain Awards.
Former Love Island contestant Maura, 31, and Joey, 32 – who is currently in training for the new series of ITV’s Dancing on Ice – leant in for a kiss in the Red Bar at London’s Grosvenor House on Monday (October 24).
The pair appeared relaxed as they chatted in the venue’s lobby area, before they exchanged an intimate hug and smooch.
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Maura stunned in a yellow tulle dress, akin to Beauty and the Beast’s Belle in the Disney classic, while Joey looked dapper in a dark suit and white shirt, which emphasised his rouge tie.
(Image: justinpalmer_ldn / BACKGRID)
The couple opted to spend more time together later in the evening – departing the scene in a taxi together.
The surprising hook-up comes just weeks after Maura was pictured getting up close and personal to fellow Love Island alum Chris Hughes.
The TV duo left the National Television Awards arm in arm earlier month resulting in excited fans speculating whether a relationship was beginning to blossom.
(Image: justinpalmer_ldn / BACKGRID)
An onlooker told The Sun at the time: “They were having a laugh and looked to be getting on really well.”
However, pictures from Monday night appear to have put paid to that idea.
Maura, meanwhile, has been tipped to host the forthcoming Big Brother reboot on ITV2.
The star is reportedly the favourite amongst execs to be the face of the series when the hit franchise returns next year.
(Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Producers are looking for a fresh face to host the popular televised social experiment when it comes back to UK television screens and are apparently eying Maura for her personality and profile.
Elsewhere, Joey is joining other famous faces on ITV ice skating show, Dancing on Ice, this year.
Upon his stint, he’ll star alongside Love Island’s Ekin-Su, The Wanted singer Siva Kaneswaren and Liberty X singer Michelle Heaton.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
