Following her split with Love Island boyfriend Curtis Pritchard last week, Maura Higgins was linked to her Dancing on Ice partner Alexander Demetriou amid reports their relationship was growing “increasingly cosy”.
It was claimed Alexandra’s wife Carlotta Edwards, who’s also a skating pro on the ITV show, had grown concerned over their closeness and believed her husband “had his head turned” by Maura.
New reports now suggest Maura and Carlotta had to be kept apart at this weekend’s final over fears they could get into a confrontation.
A source told The Sun, “It's a small set-up at the studio but producers went out of their way to stop Maura and Carlotta coming into contact.
“Dancing On Ice is a family show and the last thing they wanted was a catfight. Backstage they were kept apart with Maura being taken under pro skater Matt Evers' wing.
“Even the make-up department were briefed to work on them at different times.”
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1 of 4Fern Britton and Phil Vickery
ITV mainstays Fern Britton and Phil Vickery announced they were divorcing in January after 20 years of marriage. "After more than 20 happy years together, Phil and I have decided to go our separate ways," said Fern. "We will always share a great friendship and our lovely children."
2 of 4Vanessa Hudgens and Austin Butler
Hollywood couple Vanessa Hudgens and Austin Butler reportedly called it quits in January 2019 after dating since September 2011, with a source telling Us Weekly, "Vanessa and Austin are officially broken up, and Vanessa has been telling those close to her about their breakup."
3 of 4Ashley Roberts and Giovanni Pernice
After meeting on Strictly Come Dancing back in 2018, Giovanni Pernice and Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts announced their split in January 2020. "@IamAshleyRoberts and I have made the decision to separate as a couple. We remain friends and wish each other well for the future," Giovanni tweeted.
4 of 4Pamela Anderson and Jon Peters
They dated briefly in the late 80s, and in January 2020 Pamela Anderson and film producer Jon Peters tied the knot in a private Malibu ceremony. But in true Hollywood style, the couple divorced just 12 days later. Pamela said, "We would be very grateful for your support as we take some time apart to re-evaluate what we want from life and from one another."
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However, a different source told the Mirror that any reports of separation backstage were untrue.
They added, “Any suggestion that anyone was separated backstage is categorically untrue. With all the celebrities back for the last show there was a real last day of term party atmosphere. No tension and certainly no separation.”
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Maura and Curtis dated for seven months after coming fourth in the Love Island 2019 final but she announced their split last Monday in a statement released on her Instagram story.
She told fans, "Curtis and I have made the decision to separate. We enjoyed a great experience from our time in the villa and want to thank everyone for supporting our relationship.
"There is no easy way to get through a breakup and no bad feeling on either side.
"We tried to make it work but it wasn't to be and I wish Curtis nothing but the best for the future."