The long hair and extensive assortment of tattoos were unmistakable as Pete Wicks wined and dined a mystery blonde during a night out in London – just days before confirming his relationship with Jowita Przystał.

Wicks, who had previously played down any romantic attachment to his former Strictly Come Dancing partner, surprised fans by sharing three very passionate kisses with the Polish ballroom professional at London’s O2 Arena on Friday evening.

The popular TV personality was hosting a live version of his Staying Relevant podcast with best friend Sam Thompson at the cavernous venue when Przystał joined him onstage to perform what would have been their Showdance, during which they appeared to confirm their romance.

But notorious lothario Wicks, 36, had less familiar but equally intimate female company while dining out at The Maine Mayfair earlier that week.

Przystał didn’t appear to be anywhere in sight as the reality TV regular shared a kiss with his blonde companion over a slap-up meal, in pictures obtained by The Sun.

A source told the publication: ‘They were intimate the whole time. You would think they were alone. Pete and his date arrived about 8.30pm. It was very intimate and they seemed really giddy.

Pete Wicks (pictured earlier this month) was spotted kissing a mystery blonde on a night out in London – just days before confirming his relationship with Jowita Przystał

The former TOWIE star surprised fans by sharing three passionate kisses with the Polish ballroom professional at London’s O2 Arena on Friday evening

‘At one point they disappeared midway through dinner for about 15 minutes. I think they thought they had the place to themselves.

‘The waiters just left them to it and the band just played as they kissed like teenagers. There were lots of leftovers by the time we left about 11:00pm.’

Separate sources have since confirmed the TV personality is ‘officially dating’ Przystał, having grown close on Strictly Come Dancing – while he was rumoured to be in the early stages of a romance with Maura Higgins.

An insider told the Daily Mail: ‘Pete and Jowita are now an item, they’ve been dating for a few weeks.

‘They kept things professional on Strictly, there was no crossover with Maura. But once Pete was single they grew close again and recently the relationship has blossomed into something more.

‘You could tell something is going on between them during their routine – it was extremely raunchy and dance partners don’t usually kiss quite like that.’

The former TOWIE star sent fans into a frenzy when he shared a gushing tribute to Przystał in honour of her birthday last month, leading some to question whether the post was him ‘hard launching’ their romance.

Wicks shared a sweet snap of himself and the ballroom professional in a dance studio on his Instagram Stories ahead of her return to Strictly Come Dancing.

The sold-out audience at the O2 got more than a glimpse of the epic dance number, which exemplified their electric chemistry

Sources close to the couple confirmed the pair are now officially dating, having grown close while performing together on Strictly Come Dancing in 2024

He included a steamy dance floor snap, a close-up car selfie, a rehearsal snap, and several photos from their nights out together.

Alongside the post, he wrote ‘It was never about dancing… it was about the person.

‘Happy birthday @jowitaprzystal – I am so blessed and grateful to have you in my life. My pocket rocket (love heart emoji).’

Wicks and Love Island star Higgins were first linked in August last year, but the former couple went their separate ways in February.

She was later seen kissing married McFly star Danny Jones at the BRIT Awards.

At the time, the TV personality distanced himself from the drama this caused by going on his already planned luxury holiday to Dubai.

A source told the Daily Mail: ‘Pete has moved on and couldn’t care less about Maura. He feels indifferent about the drama currently surrounding her.

‘He is focusing on himself and enjoying a break in the sun before getting back into work.’

The Daily Mail has contacted a representative for further comment.