The pair shared a kiss at an event last night.

Romance rumours have been swirling around Love Island alum Maura Higgins and TOWIE star Joey Essex after the pair were spotted smooching at last night's Pride of Britain Awards. At the event, which was held in the Grosvenor Hotel in London, the pair were seen getting close at the hotel's bar. Joey was subsequently spotted embracing Maura, and resting his head on her shoulder. Last year, Maura split from her boyfriend, Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice after a number of months together. At the time, Giovanni announced their split by sharing a written statement on Instagram and Twitter. He wrote: "Firstly great relationships with great people can come to a natural end. This has been the case for me recently. "There was absolutely no wrongdoing and this should be the end of any speculation. "Whilst I respect and understand interest in my personal life, wouldn't it be fantastic to instead use this space to raise awareness of subject and issues which need the attention. "My eyes have been opened to so many things during my career. But I am learning so much from this series of Strictly. "The show has highlighted many important conversations for different communities and increased representation. "These are the conversations which deserve the time, energy and recognition. "We must concentrate on what's important and how we can all make a difference in life." Over Christmas, Maura was asked by a fan during a Q&A how she deals with break-ups. To this, she said: "Allow yourself to grieve. Spend time with the people you love & always remind yourself that everything happens for a reason!!! The people who want to be in your life will be in your life!!"