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PETE Wicks' romance with former CBB star Megan McKenna is all anyone in Essex can talk about.

Pirate Pete brought the Essex-born beauty to the TOWIE 200 dinner party earlier this month and caused quite a commotion.

Megan and Pete enjoyed a romantic dinner date at a sushi restaurant

The pair then boycotted Georgia's Greek party over the weekend and opted to hang out over an intimate sushi dinner instead.

As the pair appear close to confirming their status as boyfriend and girlfriend, relationship expert James Preece gives us the lowdown on TOWIE's hottest new couple.

"I think they are definitely more of a "lust" match than than a love match," James tells OK! Online exclusively.

Megan and Pete's budding romance appears to be growing stronger after the two are snapped walking Pete's pet dogs

From the impression that they give of themselves, both appear to be quite vain and self-obsessed so as much as it may seem harsh, they probably like themselves more than each other.

"They don't have much in common other than fancying each other so, unless they work on getting to know each other and spend time forming mutual interests, it is unlikely that it will become anything more than a short, fun romance."

During a recent interview on Sunday Brunch, Pete revealed he was dating someone but said that it was early days so he wanted to keep it private.

But James thinks Pete is actually doing the opposite.

"Pete may have been hesitant as, having been a city trader previously and only recently joining TOWIE, he is relatively new to the limelight so he may have been cautious about protecting his personal life."

Pete told his new girlfriend Megan she needed to impress his dogs

But James says even if the genetically-blessed duo don't go the distance, he can't see them ever not being friends.

"I don't think they have any chance of a long term relationship but they aren't pretending they see this either," James says.

"They're taking it one step at a time and having fun, without becoming too serious too quickly.

"This is a good thing. They will stay together for a while but then quickly move on when they get bored.

"However, as they're both having fun, without taking it too seriously (think Jeremy and Steph!), it means that they'll have a healthy relationship where they both have space, fun and don't put too much pressure on each other to commit.

Megan Mckenna and Pete Wicks go on a double date with Chloe Sims and Jon Clark at the brickyard resturant in Essex. Featuring: Megan Mckenna, Pete Wicks Where: London, United Kingdom When: 23 Mar 2016 Credit:

"With this in mind, even if they do break up, they'll probably have a strong enough relationships to be able to stay friends.

"Neither of them are looking to settle down right now so I expect they are quite happy just to do what feels good in the moment.

"While they are getting so much attention, they will find it hard to make any sort of relationship last as jealousy, trust and ego will get in the way.

"They are obviously enjoying each other's company.  I hope over time they find happiness but I'm not sure it's with each other."