Pete Wicks cosies up to Strictly partner Jowita in VERY close rehearsals – amid romance with Maura Higgins

PETE Wicks has been seen cosying up to Strictly partner Jowita Przystal during very intense rehearsals for the next live show.

Strictly stars Pete, 36, and Jowita, 30, will take to the dancefloor again on Saturday night.

And it looks like they're working hard to avoid a repeat of last week, when the former Towie star's performance was "filled with mistakes".

A cosy-looking snap showed Pete with his hands around Jowita's waist while she placed a hand on his shoulder.

Their foreheads were touching and Pete appeared to be lost in the moment with his eyes closed.

Last week fans slammed the Strictly judges for "overscoring" Pete, despite Shirley Ballas noting that it wasn't his finest performance.

One penned on X: "WTF is this thing with overmarking him every single f***** week.

"Are they all f*****g drunk. #strictly."

Another added: "I hate to say it but Pete was overmarked :/ #StrictlyComeDancing #Strictly."

Pete and Jowita's close rehearsals come after he and Love Island star Maura Higgins confirmed their romance.

They were snapped kissing after enjoying a date night in London, putting to bed months of rumours.

No doubt Pete and Maura are making the most of any time they get together.

Not only is he busy with Strictly but The Sun revealed last month that she will take part in the upcoming series of I'm a Celebrity.

A Jungle insider said: "With Tommy Fury pulling out it gave show bosses the opportunity to look at other Love Island stars and Maura stood out as the perfect candidate.

"She'll bringing a bit of glamour to the jungle and make a brilliant campmate because she's got a great sense of humour and is bound to get on with everyone.