Maura Higgins and Joey Essex have sparked romance rumours after "getting flirty" at the Pride of Britain Awards.

Maura Higgins and Joey Essex have sparked romance rumours after 'getting flirty' at the Pride of Britain Awards

Maura Higgins and Joey Essex have sparked romance rumours after 'getting flirty' at the Pride of Britain Awards

The former 'Love Island' star, 31, and upcoming 'Dancing on Ice' contestant, 32, were spotted getting close at the ceremony at London's Grosvenor House on Monday (24.10.22), and it's now said they are planning to go on a first date.

A friend told The Sun Online: "They’ve met before on the celebrity party circuit but Monday was the first time things have turned flirty.

"They were flirting like crazy and all over each other. Eventually, Maura just grabbed Joey’s tie and pulled him in for a kiss, right in front of everyone. He loved it."

Maura - who finished sixth on 'Dancing on Ice' in 2020 - and Joey were spotted leaving the awards ceremony in a taxi and are said to have been messaging each other "non-stop" since.

The friend added: "They did leave together in a taxi but Joey’s a gentleman so there was no funny business that night.

"He had to be at 'Dancing On Ice' training at 7.30am the next day anyway, so all they did was kiss and chat.

"There is a connection there — a real meeting of minds.

"They both fancy the pants off each other — it could be the start of something pretty special.

"Maura’s really keen for a date with Joey and they’ve been messaging non-stop since."

Maura previously dated pro dancer Curtis Pritchard after hooking up with the star on 'Love Island' in 2019, while Joey was previously in a relationship with his 'TOWIE' co-star Sam Faiers.

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