Curtis Pritchard’s friend claims Maura Higgins ‘wasn’t that into him’ after split

Curtis Pritchard’s friend has reportedly claimed Maura Higgins ‘wasn’t that into’ the dancer and ‘wanted a way out’ of their eight-month romance.

Love Island star Maura, 29, announced her shock split from the ballroom pro, 24, earlier this week, and now a pal has allegedly said their break-up may have been down to a ‘problem on her side’. 

They also denied rumours which suggested Curtis cheated on the former grid girl with dancer Amber Pierson, who is currently performing on his brother AJ’s live tour. 

The insider said: ‘Throughout the relationship all I’ve ever seen is Curtis gushing about how much he loves Maura.He was genuinely so happy with her. I think the problem may have been on her side and not his. 

‘Maybe she just wanted a way out of the relationship and wasn’t that in to him after leaving the villa. I do feel bad for Curtis because he’s taken the high road and won’t get involved in a slanging match with someone he cared so much for.’

The source also pointed out that Maura failed to acknowledge her former boyfriend on Valentine’s Day, despite Curtis’ gushing tribute. 

They added: ‘But I really feel for the poor girl who people are saying Curtis cheated with. All she’s done is be one of like 20 dancers in AJ’s show, and now she’s being trolled online for something she didn’t do. The truth will find a way out eventually.’

MailOnline has contacted Maura and Curtis’ representatives for further comment.   

It was recently claimed Maura and Curtis rowed over her friendship with her Dancing On Ice partner Alexander Demetriou, 28. 

The Sun reported that Alex’s friendly relationship with Maura has caused arguments with his Dancing On Ice skater wife Carlotta Edwards, 34. 

It was reported last month that Carlotta had been left troubled by their ‘close relationship’ and was worried Maura ‘had turned her husband’s head’.

A source told the publication: ‘Maura spent hours and hours with Alex in rehearsals for weeks and they have got really close.  

‘They have grown very friendly and it’s not gone unnoticed with the rest of the cast and crew — or Carlotta. 

‘She is furious about their increasingly cosy relationship which has continued despite Maura being knocked out of the competition.’  

The ‘upset’ reality star was seen grabbing a coffee with the professional skater in Chelmsford, Essex on Tuesday.

The dancing duo were eliminated from the ITV skating show last month but have remained good friends. 

It has also been reported that Maura confronted Curtis over claims that he had cheated on her with dancer Amber. Either way, the relationship appeared to have been doomed. 

The couple were hit by claims that they secretly split three months ago. Maura allegedly felt pressured to stay in her relationship with the hunk in a bid to boost their profile, despite only announcing their split on Monday – claims that Curtis strongly denies. 

According to a source, Maura and Curtis’ relationship turned sour following their row at the National Television Awards in January. 

The couple were reportedly told that if they stayed together they could make millions. 

A representative for Curtis told MailOnline that Curtis had not been unfaithful to Maura and the pair had not faked any aspect of their relationship.

Curtis denied any wrongdoing after being questioned by Maura – but sources say it was the final straw for the couple, who confirmed their split on Monday.

An insider told MailOnline: ‘Maura and Curtis hadn’t been right since the night of the National Television Awards.

‘First it was a video of Curtis looking close to a girl on New Year’s Eve, which was published the same day as Maura’s first live performance on Dancing on Ice. Then their fallout at the NTAs.

‘But the tip of the iceberg for Maura was having to confront Curtis over a tweet which said he kissed Amber, who he performs with on tour. It seemed to be following a pattern.’