Love Island’s Curtis says the secret to relationship with Maura is ‘giving her space’
LOVE Island's Curtis Pritchard says the secret to a successful relationship with Maura Higgins is to give her space.
The reality TV stars are one of the last remaining couples still together despite fans' claims they were faking it all along.
Three months after leaving the villa, the pair say they are still going strong and have now revealed the secret to their happiness.
"We don't let anyone else influence it," Curtis told The Sun Online at the Pride of Britain Awards last night.
"When we came out everyone was saying 'why aren't you making it official? Why aren't you posting more on social media?'
"We just want to chill out and take it easy. We've only known each other three-and-a-half months. We are just enjoying what's what.
"I allow her to do all of the things that she wants to do and she allows me the same. That gives us space.
"Then when we come and see each other, we really miss each other."
While Curtis, 23, has been presenting on ITV's Lorraine and announced a dance tour with his brother AJ, Maura has joined next year's Dancing On Ice line-up.
He has previously said their relationship is so strong that it can beat the show curse - and insisted there's no way she'll cheat with her hot skating partner.
Keen to please her, Curtis has even grown a beard to impress the Irish beauty.
"I'm going for the rough look,"laughed Curtis.
"Maura likes it."
Last night 29-year-old Maura was forced to let Curtis down at the last minute because of Dancing On Ice commitments.
He walked the red carpet solo before meeting up with his brother AJ and his Strictly Come Dancing partner Saffron Barker who were running very late.
Curtis said: "She was meant to be here and then filming got put on for Dancing On Ice.
"I will absolutely help her from up above when the show starts, but for the moment I'm going to let her just get the technique and basics.
"You need to get that sorted before you put the icing on the cake."
"But Maura is a very talented dancer. She's a great leader, which is what makes her a great dancer. That's why I think she'll be great on Dancing on Ice."
When quizzed on whether he thinks she's got a shot at winning, Curtis added: "I can't say yes or no, I don't know what's going to happen. You'll see a good journey with Maura.
"I've been watching her progress. She showed me a video of her from day one in comparison to the other day and it's a huge improvement. She's doing fantastic and I'm really proud of her."
The Sun Online exclusively revealed Curtis has been busy filming a new ITV boxing show with his Love Island co-stars Tommy Fury and Molly-Mae.
But last night Curtis kept tight-lipped about the special project that sees him gear up to enter the ring for his first white collar amateur bout.
With a smile, he said: "Me and Tommy just happened to be in the same place at the same time... I don't know how that happened. Sometimes coincidences just happen..."
- The Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards, in partnership with TSB, will broadcast on ITV on November 5 at 8pm.