Pete Wicks is a well-known English television personality, author, and animal welfare advocate who first rose to prominence as a cast member on the popular ITVBe reality series, The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE). Since his debut in 2015, Wicks has become a recognizable figure in British media, celebrated for his distinctive style, honest personality, and commitment to various charitable causes, particularly those involving dogs.
Early Life and Rise to Fame
Born on November 1, 1988, in Harlow, Essex, Peter James Wicks had a career in the corporate world before he became a reality television star. He worked as a director for a company that supplied consultant doctors to the National Health Service (NHS).
His entry into television was almost by chance when he was introduced to the producers of TOWIE by a friend. Wicks joined the cast in its 15th series in 2015 and quickly became a fan favorite. His storylines on the show, which often revolved around his on-screen relationships and friendships, established his reputation as a charismatic and authentic personality.
Television Career Beyond TOWIE
Wicks’s success on TOWIE served as a launching pad for a diverse career in entertainment. He has appeared on a range of other reality and celebrity-focused shows, showcasing his adaptability and willingness to take on new challenges.
Celebs Go Dating: Wicks appeared on this show multiple times, seeking to find love with non-celebrities. His candid and often humorous approach to dating made him a standout contestant.
Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls: In 2018, he tested his survival skills on this demanding series.
Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins: Known for being physically and mentally taxing, Wicks participated in this show twice but was medically withdrawn in one of his appearances due to an injury.
Strictly Come Dancing: In 2024, Wicks was a contestant on the 22nd series of the popular dance competition, partnered with professional dancer Jowita Przystał. His journey on the show further endeared him to the public.
For Dogs’ Sake: A true passion project, this documentary series follows Wicks as he works with the charity Dogs Trust to help rescue and rehome vulnerable dogs. The first series, which aired in early 2025, led to a significant increase in adoption applications. The show has been renewed for two more series and a Christmas special.
The Underdog: Josh Must Win: Wicks was a panelist on this Channel 4 show in 2024, which aimed to help a socially awkward contestant become the most popular.
Loose Men: In 2025, Wicks made his debut on this special spin-off of Loose Women, which focuses on men’s mental and physical health.
Podcasting and Authorial Ventures
In addition to his television work, Wicks has successfully branched out into other media.
Staying Relevant: Since 2022, Wicks has co-hosted this highly popular podcast with his best friend, Sam Thompson. The show has received critical acclaim and has a dedicated following, with a successful live tour in 2024 and an award win in 2025.
Author: Wicks has penned two books. His first, For the Love of Frenchies: The Dogs that Changed my Life (2018), reflects his passion for animal welfare. His second book, Never Enough: My Words Unfiltered (2024), became a Sunday Times bestseller.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Wicks has been open about his personal life, with his past relationships often being subjects of public and media interest. He has dated several of his TOWIE co-stars, including Megan McKenna and Chloe Sims. Despite his tumultuous romantic history, he maintains a close and lasting friendship with many of his ex-partners.
Beyond his media persona, Wicks is a dedicated animal rights activist and a long-time ambassador for Dogs Trust and the Humane Society International (HSI). His work with these organizations has included participating in the rescue of dogs from a meat farm in South Korea and actively supporting parliamentary campaigns for animal welfare. He often uses his social media platform to raise awareness about animal rights issues and encourage pet adoption.
FAQs
What is Pete Wicks’s most famous role?
Pete Wicks is most famous for being a long-standing cast member on the reality television show The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE).
Is Pete Wicks a dog lover?
Yes, Pete Wicks is a passionate dog lover and a vocal advocate for animal welfare. He is an ambassador for the Dogs Trust and has a documentary series, For Dogs’ Sake, dedicated to the cause.
What podcast does Pete Wicks co-host?
Pete Wicks co-hosts the popular podcast Staying Relevant with his best friend, Sam Thompson.
Has Pete Wicks been on Strictly Come Dancing?
Yes, Pete Wicks was a contestant on the 22nd series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2024.
Has Pete Wicks written a book?
Yes, Pete Wicks is the author of two books: For the Love of Frenchies and the Sunday Times bestseller Never Enough.
Final Thoughts
Pete Wicks has evolved from a reality TV star into a multifaceted media personality with a wide-ranging career. His journey from a corporate job to a prominent television figure, author, and podcaster highlights his ability to adapt and connect with a broad audience. His unwavering dedication to animal welfare has cemented his reputation as more than just a public figure, showcasing a commitment to using his platform for positive change.
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