Pete Wicks – the long-haired, tattooed charmer with a sharp Essex wit – has become one of the most recognisable faces in British reality television. Known for his stints on The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE), his high-profile romances, and a brutally honest personality, Pete continues to grab attention across platforms. From viral YouTube moments and trending topics on X to search spikes on Google and heated debates on Quora, the public can’t get enough of his antics and authenticity. But beyond the headlines, who really is Pete Wicks? Let’s dive deep into the persona, the journey, and the digital footprint of one of reality TV’s most enigmatic stars.
Rise from Essex lad to TV favourite
When Pete Wicks joined TOWIE in 2015, his tough appearance and direct style immediately drew attention. His addition gave the show a fresh dynamic, and he quickly became a fan favourite. Before joining the show, Pete had a career in business and property – a side of him that rarely gets the spotlight. It wasn’t long, however, before TV producers realised his charisma belonged in front of the camera.
His tumultuous relationship with fellow TOWIE cast member Megan McKenna played out on-screen, delivering drama that kept audiences hooked. The pair’s fiery rows and emotional scenes drove massive ratings, making them tabloid regulars. But Pete’s popularity wasn’t just tied to romantic dramas; his quick wit and vulnerability struck a chord with viewers, helping him secure a loyal fan base.
What YouTube reveals about his influence
A quick search for Pete Wicks on YouTube reveals thousands of clips and interviews that chart his rise to fame. From emotional confessionals on Celebs Go Dating to chaotic moments on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, Pete’s content consistently garners high views and engagement. Fans are particularly drawn to compilations of his funniest TOWIE moments and dating blunders.
One trending video on YouTube features Pete on Celebrity SAS, where he opened up about his past traumas and trust issues – a moment that added depth to his TV persona. Other content includes podcast appearances, where his candid conversations about relationships and mental health resonate deeply with audiences. His discussions with Sam Thompson on their joint podcast Staying Relevant frequently appear in YouTube shorts and reels, often going viral for their raw honesty.
Google search trends and what they tell us
Google search trends show that Pete Wicks sees spikes in popularity whenever he’s involved in a new TV project or public romance. Recently, there’s been a noticeable uptick in searches like “Pete Wicks SAS injury”, “Pete Wicks girlfriend 2025”, and “Pete Wicks podcast with Sam Thompson”. These queries reflect a mix of curiosity about his love life, admiration for his physical endurance, and interest in his unfiltered opinions.
Searches around his friendship with Sam Thompson have also increased, especially since Sam’s win on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! This bromance, filled with cheeky banter and heartfelt moments, continues to captivate audiences across all demographics.
Quora’s curiosity about his private life
Over on Quora, users frequently ask questions that touch on both the emotional and superficial aspects of Pete’s life. Popular threads include:
“Is Pete Wicks genuinely looking for love or just playing for the cameras?”
“How did Pete Wicks get famous?”
“Why do people find Pete Wicks attractive despite his bad boy image?”
The consensus seems to be that Pete is more complex than he first appears. Commenters often discuss his emotional intelligence and how it contrasts with the stereotypical ‘Essex lad’ image. Some even describe him as the “thinking person’s reality star”, praising his honesty in dealing with mental health topics.
The bromance everyone’s talking about
In the UK reality scene, Pete Wicks and Sam Thompson have established themselves as a legendary team. Their podcast Staying Relevant is gaining momentum across Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts, attracting listeners who appreciate their off-the-cuff, unfiltered style. Their chemistry is effortless – Pete’s laid-back sarcasm perfectly offsets Sam’s excitable energy.
They’ve become so synonymous as a pair that many fans speculate about them collaborating on future TV ventures. Rumours about a reality road trip show or a behind-the-scenes look at their podcasting journey have been swirling online. What’s clear is that their friendship, both online and off, is a major reason Pete Wicks remains culturally relevant in 2025.
What’s trending about Pete Wicks on X
On X (formerly Twitter), Pete often trends during episodes of reality TV shows, particularly when he shares hot takes or delivers classic one-liners. Recently, he sparked a trending hashtag #PeteWicksSavesRealityTV after a clip of him calling out toxic dating behaviour on Celebs Go Dating went viral.
Users often praise him for his “no BS” approach, especially in dating scenarios where contestants try to play games. Another moment that gained traction was when Pete walked off a date mid-way, citing lack of chemistry – a move that split opinion but undoubtedly trended for days.
In 2025, X discussions around Pete also include his ongoing advocacy for men’s mental health. His tweets around therapy, emotional expression, and self-worth receive high engagement and retweets, earning him respect from both fans and fellow celebrities.
Meta and the power of the Instagram persona
On Meta-owned platforms like Instagram and Facebook, Pete Wicks maintains a highly curated but still authentic presence. His Instagram grid is a mix of shirtless modelling shots, podcast clips, throwback TOWIE moments, and heartfelt captions. His Stories are more raw and spontaneous – sharing moments with his dogs, behind-the-scenes podcast footage, and his travels.
He uses his platform for more than just aesthetics. Campaigns for animal rights, support for men’s mental health, and occasional political opinions feature regularly, gaining both praise and pushback. Fans appreciate that he doesn’t shy away from controversy but also doesn’t post for the sake of stirring the pot.
One recent reel of Pete rescuing a stray dog during his travels went viral, with millions of views and shares across Facebook and Instagram. It cemented his image as more than just a reality star – but someone with heart.
Romantic rollercoasters and headlines
Romance has always been a central part of Pete’s public narrative. His relationships with Megan McKenna, Shelby Tribble, and Chloe Sims were heavily covered by the media. But in recent years, Pete has taken a more private approach to dating, though he’s still occasionally snapped by paparazzi with mystery women.
In interviews, he’s admitted that fame has complicated his love life. His reluctance to trust easily, combined with a hectic schedule, has made settling down a challenge. Still, fans hold out hope that one day the right person will tame the Essex bad boy.
As of 2025, gossip blogs and YouTube speculation channels have linked him to a new influencer based in London, but Pete has kept quiet. Whether it’s true or just online noise, people remain invested in his romantic future.
Personal struggles and growth
Pete Wicks has never pretended to have it all figured out. His openness about mental health, particularly anxiety and emotional trauma, has struck a powerful chord. Appearing on Celebrity SAS was a turning point – not just physically gruelling but mentally cathartic.
In multiple interviews, Pete has spoken about how therapy helped him break unhealthy cycles. He’s urged fans – especially men – to seek help when they feel overwhelmed. It’s this vulnerability that has helped redefine his image from ‘lad about town’ to a figure of resilience and growth.
He’s also spoken about the pressure of fame, the fear of being misunderstood, and the difficulty of maintaining real relationships in a public setting. These insights, shared via podcasts, TV shows and socials, give depth to his public persona.
Business ventures and future projects
Beyond TV and podcasting, Pete Wicks has ventured into fashion and lifestyle. His limited-edition jewellery line sold out in days, and there’s buzz about a men’s grooming brand in the pipeline. He’s also rumoured to be collaborating on a reality docu-series that explores the behind-the-scenes reality of stardom, mental health, and maintaining identity.
He continues to be a fixture on reality TV, but his ambition clearly goes beyond the screen. Pete has hinted at wanting to create a safe platform for young men to talk openly about emotions – whether through podcasting, online community spaces, or even a future book.
With a strong fan base, a loyal podcast audience, and a constantly evolving brand, Pete Wicks shows no signs of fading from the spotlight anytime soon.
Final thoughts
Pete Wicks is more than just another reality star. He’s a complex, self-aware, and deeply relatable figure who resonates with audiences for reasons that go well beyond his appearance or romantic entanglements. Whether he’s trending for a savage comment on Celebs Go Dating, opening up on a podcast, or being championed on X for challenging masculine norms, Pete stays firmly rooted in public consciousness.
In an age where celebrity fame is fleeting and social media changes every second, Pete Wicks has not only stayed relevant – he’s evolved. His journey from Essex heartthrob to emotionally intelligent media personality is both refreshing and inspiring. As audiences continue to search, watch, question, and engage, one thing is clear: the story of Pete Wicks is far from over.
FAQs
What is Pete Wicks currently working on in 2025?
In 2025, Pete Wicks has been actively involved in various projects. He continues to co-host the podcast “Staying Relevant” with Sam Thompson, where they discuss pop culture and personal experiences. Additionally, Pete has been filming new episodes for his dog-focused TV show “For Dogs’ Sake,” which has been renewed for two more series and a Christmas special, airing on the freeview channel U&W. The show highlights his passion for animal welfare, showcasing his work with rescue dogs at the Dogs Trust rehoming center in Basildon.
Has Pete Wicks undergone any personal transformations recently?
Yes, Pete Wicks has recently unveiled a significant hair transformation that fans say makes him look years younger. He shared a selfie showcasing his new hairstyle, which received positive reactions from his followers. This change comes after his split from Maura Higgins, with whom he had a brief relationship.
What happened between Pete Wicks and Maura Higgins?
Pete Wicks and Maura Higgins had a short-lived relationship that ended amid accusations of infidelity. Following their breakup, Pete was spotted dating Samantha Kenny, a former Love Island contestant. Their relationship appears to be a fresh start for Pete, as they have been seen together at various events in London.
How did Pete Wicks perform on Strictly Come Dancing?
Pete Wicks participated in the twenty-second series of “Strictly Come Dancing” in 2024, partnered with professional dancer Jowita Przystał. Despite not being a trained dancer, Pete reached the semi-finals in week 12. However, he faced significant public backlash and even received death threats from disgruntled fans, which he described as horrendous and heartbreaking.
What are some recent challenges Pete Wicks has faced?
Pete Wicks has been open about his struggles with mental health, grief, and insomnia. He has discussed these issues in various interviews, aiming to raise awareness and encourage others to seek help. Additionally, he has been working on personal growth and reconciling with his past, focusing on meaningful contributions, particularly in animal welfare advocacy.
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