Pete Wicks: From £1m Debt and Scandals to Strictly Star and New Paul O’Grady

Inside Pete Wicks’ Career Transformation

Pete Wicks has dramatically turned his life around, evolving from a reality TV “bad boy” to a beloved public figure. With his appearance on Strictly Come Dancing and a growing involvement in animal welfare, the 37-year-old is rewriting his story as he sheds the old image that once defined him.

Wicks made his entrance into the public eye in 2015 on ITV’s The Only Way Is Essex. Introduced as a friend of James Lock, his rugged charm and “Pirate Pete” persona quickly caught attention. Initially, he assumed his stint would be brief, but the producers thought otherwise. His turbulent relationships with Megan McKenna, Shelby Tribble, and Chloe Sims became focal points of the show, yet his reputation suffered due to a texting scandal involving Megan. This incident solidified his “bad boy” branding. Nevertheless, his sharp wit and charisma ensured he remained relevant. Moments showcasing his sensitive side, such as his supportive gestures during Megan’s performances, hinted at a more complex personality beneath the surface.

By 2021, Wicks decided he had outgrown TOWIE. On the Not My Bagg podcast, he expressed his frustration, stating he felt like “the Ian Beale of TOWIE,” and acknowledged it was time to move on. Departing the show also coincided with significant personal and financial struggles. His company, PW Promotions Ltd, faced a staggering £100,000 in debt, and his fashion venture, co-created with TOWIE co-star Jake Hall, nearly sank with losses of £800,000. However, Wicks was determined to make a comeback.

His positive trajectory began in 2019 when he met Sam Thompson from Made in Chelsea on Celebs Go Dating. Their contrasting personalities—Thompson’s exuberance paired with Wicks’ brooding nature—sparked a fan-favorite bromance. Their antics, from playful pranks to viral dance challenges, resonated with audiences, leading to a Channel 4 show, Pete and Sam’s Reality News, and a successful podcast, Staying Relevant. Together, they even started their own production company, which has allowed Wicks to explore new creative avenues. Wicks acknowledged the role Thompson played in encouraging him to open up about his emotions.

The pivotal moment in Wicks’ reinvention came when he joined Strictly Come Dancing. Despite not being an avid viewer of the show, he recognized the potential it held to reshape his public image. Partnered with professional dancer Jowita Przystal, Wicks approached the challenge whole-heartedly, reaching the semi-finals and gaining a new fan base. Viewers responded positively to his vulnerability, charm, and dedication. Wicks received messages from people who had preconceived notions about him, with many expressing newfound admiration after watching him on the show.

Wicks’ transformation extends beyond dance; his love for animals has emerged as a key aspect of his identity. A devoted dog father to French bulldogs Eric and Peggy, he is set to star in a new docu-series titled Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake. The series, produced by the BBC, follows him as he collaborates with Dogs Trust to rescue and rehabilitate dogs in need. This marks his debut as a presenter and is already drawing comparisons to Paul O’Grady’s beloved show For the Love of Dogs.

Additionally, Wicks’ personal life reflects his softer side, particularly through his relationship with Love Island alum Maura Higgins. After keeping their romance somewhat private, Wicks recently spoke about their close bond. Their relationship reportedly blossomed just before Higgins entered I’m A Celebrity, with hints from both sides during interviews adding to the speculation.

In conclusion, Pete Wicks has navigated a stunning transformation, evolving from a controversial figure into a celebrated personality with a heart for animals and a knack for entertainment. His journey is a testament to resilience and growth, proving that it’s never too late to change your narrative. What are your thoughts on Wicks’ new direction? Share your opinions on social media.