Maura Higgins kisses Dancing On Ice star Joey Essex before leaving awards show with him in taxi

LOVE Island's Maura Higgins was pictured kissing Dancing On Ice star Joey Essex at last night's Pride of Britain Awards.

The smitten pair locked lips inside London's Grosvenor House before leaving the venue in the same taxi.

Maura looked glam in a frilly yellow dress while Joey looked smart in a black suit and red tie.

The former Towie star pulled Maura in towards him and held her close without a care about passers-by.

It comes after he showed off his chiselled body as he danced by his swimming pool topless over the weekend.

He's been hard at work training for the upcoming series of DOI alongside Love Island 2022 winner Ekin-Su.

The reality TV star recently revealed he was 'lucky to have his finger' after an accident whilst training on the ice.

He explained on his Instagram story: "I've ended up with a metal finger, I'm lucky to still have the finger to be honest.

"You live and learn. If you are ever going to be a dancer on the ice, don't take risks straight away. Go slow. It's all about patience."

After announcing his place on the show, Joey vowed he would win, stating: "I wanted something in my life.. I quite like structure.

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"This is more serious for me – I've done all the dating shows.

"I like doing serious stuff, but it's scary, it's a competition.

"I would love to win. I'm going to put all my energy into this."

Meanwhile Maura caught up with her old pal Chris Hughes at the National Television Awards, with the pair seen leaving the O2 together.

An insider told us: "Chris and Maura both headed to the Hilton together.

"Chris was explaining to Maura where it was and was gesturing as they walked out together.

"They were having a laugh and looked to be getting on really well."