Sam expressed his pride in Pete for moving beyond the "Lothario Pete Wicks" and "Pete Wicks from The Only Way is Essex" labels, reports Lancs Live.
Now Pete's friend, former Made in Chelsea star Sam Thompson, has weighed in on their alleged relationship, claiming he has "never seen Pete in such a good mood" amid the rumours.
After host Craig Doyle encouraged him not to fear commitment as "Maura Higgins is absolutely gorgeous", Pete responded: "Maura is a very good friend of mine, we've known each other for a very long time and we get on well.".
Pete Wicks' best friend has spoken out about the rumours surrounding a potential romance between the Strictly Come Dancing star and Maura Higgins.
The duo were spotted sharing a kiss after the Pride of Britain Awards in October, and Pete spent Christmas in Maura's native Ireland.
