Chris Taylor and Maura Higgins 'are just mates'

Chris Taylor claims he\'s never thought of Maura Higgins as anything other than a "mate".

The \'Love Island\' star has been romantically linked to the brunette beauty in recent weeks, but Chris has played down the speculation, insisting they are not dating.

Chris told Vicky Pattison\'s \'The Secret To\' podcast: "We care about each other, we look out for each other, we basically bully each other."

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The TV star insisted they love to exchange "banter", rubbishing the idea they have a romantic dynamic.

He shared: "I don\'t think we ever say anything nice to each other\'s faces.

"She\'s Irish and it\'s the Irish banter, and that\'s my kind of banter. If you were around us together you\'d think, \'These two f****** hate each other.\'"

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Chris also acknowledged that by entering into a relationship, they would risk ruining their friendship.

He said: "We don\'t see each other that way. We\'re platonic, as they say. Platonic friends."

Earlier this month, fellow \'Love Island\' star Megan Barton Hanson revealed she has a crush on Maura.

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The bisexual TV star admitted she would love to date Maura, but worries she could be too much for her to handle.

She said: "I\'d love to have coupled up with Maura. I think we\'re so similar in so many ways, like our views and stuff - but I don\'t know if I could handle her, she\'s very high maintenance, but I guess I am too.

"Either her or Lucie [Donlan] from that series, she\'s so lovely and natural and down to earth. As every series of \'Love Island\' goes on you can see people editing themselves for the deals when they get out of the Island but she seemed so real and genuine."