Pete Wicks: Everything you need to know about the TV star

Full name Peter James Wicks, Pete is a well-known reality TV star who first shot to fame when he appeared on popular ITVBe series The Only Way Is Essex. After appearances on some of the nation's biggest TV shows, such as Strictly Come Dancing, Celebs Go Dating and Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, Pete branched out into the world of documentaries in 2025, with his show For Dogs' Sake.

As well as his hugely-successful Staying Relevant podcast with Hits Radio presenter Sam Thompson, Pete has also just landed a new Sunday afternoon show on KISS, alongside fellow reality star Olivia Attwood.

How old is he?

Pete was born on 1st November in 1987, meaning he is currently 38-years-old.

What is his star sign?

Pete is a Scorpio.

Where is he from?

Born and raised in Harlow, Essex, Pete is a proud Essex boy.

On Valentine's Day in 2025, Pete confirmed on Instagram that he was in the process of moving into a swanky high-rise flat building in east London, which reportedly costs a cool £2,400 per month to rent.

How tall is he?

Pete is 1.78 m in height, which equates to 5ft 8in.

Does he have a radio show?

He does! Pete has joined forces with Olivia Attwood for a new radio show called The Sunday Roast on KISS. Kicking off on Sunday 2nd March, fans can hear Pete and Olivia between 2-5pm every Sunday.

Pete said of the show: “Not entirely sure who thought it was a good idea to let me loose on the radio or how I feel about having to see Liv every Sunday, but other than that I am obviously delighted to be joining KISS and enjoying a Sunday Roast with anyone who wants to listen in. See you Sunday 2nd March - hopefully we’ll have made it back from the BRIT Awards in time for the show…”

What is his podcast called?

In 2022, Pete launched a podcast called Staying Relevant alongside Hits Radio host and TV personality Sam Thompson. The boys release new episodes every Monday and Thursday, as they look at what it takes to stay in the public eye; whilst bringing in special guests and discussing their own lives.

The podcast has become such a great success, Pete and Sam took Staying Relevant on a tour of the UK in 2024, and it was also nominated for a Listeners' Choice Award.

You can listen and watch Staying Relevant here.

Pete Wicks on Strictly

Pete was announced as a contestant on the 22nd series of Strictly Come Dancing on 7th August 2024, where he was paired with professional dancer Jowita Przystał.

Speaking at the time of the announcement, Pete said: “Dancing live in front of the nation every Saturday? Absolutely terrifying. But anyone who knows me knows I love a challenge and trying new things, so I'm genuinely looking forward to getting stuck in.”

Despite having zero dancing experience, Pete won the hearts of Strictly viewers, making it all the way until the semi-final, where he was the 11th celeb to be eliminated.

Taking to social media after his elimination, Pete said: 'The past 3-4 months have been nothing short of incredible. I spent 12 weeks saying my time in the show was gonna be over and each week I was wrong…until now. I couldn’t be happier with the way it ended, there is no one I would have rather been in a dance off with than Tasha. She is the most beautiful dancer, the most beautiful person inside and out and I’m so proud of her for making the final because she deserves it so much.

'The only reason I stayed in the show for so long is because of you, the people. You supported me throughout and that is something I’ll never be able to forget and something I never expected. We went on this journey together, the ups and downs and with the right attitude, it’s about learning and it’s about entertaining. I tried my best from day 1 and I took the show seriously, I did what I could and I appreciate every single one of you that gave me the opportunity to keep doing that week on week. You don’t always have to be the best or have the most talent, but you should never stop trying! Thank you.

'The show isn’t just what you see on a Saturday night, it’s not all jazz hands…there are an unbelievable amount of wonderful people that make it all happen. From top to bottom, the people that make the show are f---ing magical. Every department is full of people who care, who create and work so hard to make Strictly what it is. Thank you all for putting up with me for so long!

'Lastly but most importantly, this experience wouldn’t have been anything without Jowita. She believed in me since the first day and never stopped. She supported me, listened to me, made me laugh and cry but most of all she made me believe in myself when I didn’t think I could do it. We did everything our way, and for me that was the right way. I’m so sorry that I couldn’t get you to a final, I tried my best and you deserve to be there. The show may have ended for us but one thing won’t, you will always have a friend in me. You have become such a special person in my life and just because that won’t continue on a ballroom floor doesn’t mean it won’t continue. Unfortunately for you, you’ve gained a friend for life. You will always be my dancing gnome 🖤'. (sic)

What channel is Pete's dog show on?

In 2024, Pete landed his very own docu-series called Pete Wicks: For Dogs' Sake. Airing on free-to-air channel U&W, the show is made up of four episodes.

The synopsis for the show reads: 'Across one life-changing summer, Strictly Come Dancing and TOWIE star Pete Wicks immerses himself in the heart-warming and emotional world of dog care at Basildon's Dogs Trust rehoming centre.'

You can watch the show online here.

After seeing Pete with the dogs on the show, many fans have begged ITV bosses to make him the new host of hit series For The Love Of Dogs.

What TV shows has he been on?

The Only Way Is Essex: 2015–2022

Pete started his career in TV on ITVBe reality series The Only Way Is Essex, also known as TOWIE. Joining the show as a series regular during series 15 in 2015, Pete went on to appear on 181 episodes, before leaving the show after series 29 in 2022.

During his seven years on the show, Pete's love life was played out with a number of fellow cast mates, most notably his relationship with Megan McKenna.

Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls: 2018

Pete was a contestant on the third series of Channel 4 show Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls in 2018, a spin-off for Stand Up to Cancer UK. Pete took part alongside the likes of Martin Kemp, Montana Brown, James Cracknell and Anthony Ogogo.

Standing his ground on the show, Pete stopped his fellow contestants eating a pig.

Celebs Go Dating: 2019, 2020 and 2022

After a string of failed romances, Pete decided to sign up to the Celebrity Dating Agency for the 2019 series of E4 series Celebs Go Dating. Although he didn't find lasting love, he did meet his now best friend Sam Thompson, who was also a contestant on the show.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pete took part in a special version of the show called Celebs Go Virtual Dating, which was conducted over Zoom dates.

Pete then took part in the series again in 2022 for series 11, this time featuring alongside Laura Anderson, Liam Reardon, Sinitta and Gary Lucy.

Celebrity MasterChef: 2020

Pete attempted to show off his culinary skills for the 15th series of Celebrity MasterChef in 2020. Despite competing against Judy Murray, Riyadh Khalaf, Matthew Pinsent, and Crissy Rock in the final heat, Pete didn't quite win the show.

He did however take a lot away from the show, telling Radio Times: "When you start it you do kind of look at other people's dishes and by the end of it you start thinking you're Simon Cowell.

"And I think that's what I've started doing now - I've started going out places and thinking 'oh dear they shouldn't have done that' or 'there's no need for that garnish there!' I've turned into the Simon Cowell of the cooking world."

The Celebrity Circle: 2021

Following the success of the main show, Channel 4 decided to air a celebrity special of The Circle in aid of Stand Up to Cancer in 2021. Pete took part in the show alongside Sam Thompson, with the pair exiting the competition during episode six, finishing in third place.

Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins: 2022 and 2024

Pete decided to sign up for brutal show Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins in 2022 but his experience didn't last long when he ended up knocking himself out and breaking his ribs after jumping out of a helicopter.

Pete was forced to medically withdraw from the show, leaving him 'truly gutted'.

Two years later in 2024, Pete returned to the show for a second attempt, but he chose to quit when he was asked to write a letter to his mum and read it aloud on camera. The task was too emotional for Pete, who previously saved his beloved mum from a suicide attempt when he was just 12-years-old.

The Underdog: Josh Must Win: 2024

In 2024, Pete joined forces with Nick Grimshaw, Vicky Pattison and Amber Gill to secretly rig a E4 reality show to make average guy Josh the winner. Bosses are yet to confirm if the show has been renewed for a second series.

Who is his best friend?

If you know anything about Pete Wicks, it's probably that his best friend in the entire world is Sam Thompson! The boys speak or see each other every day, have a successful podcast together, and are constantly supporting each other through their personal highs and lows.

The pair first met each other when they both took part in E4 show Celebs Go Dating in 2018... And the rest is history!

For Pete's birthday in November 2024, Sam posted a lovely tribute to social media, writing: 'Pete’s 38 today!!! He doesn’t like people knowing as he hates his birthday which is sad to me because there are so many people who want to celebrate you mate. You are the most amazing human. The most down to earth REAL bloke I’ve ever met. The most cynical person ever, but when push comes to shove the most caring, genuine loving dude in the world! I am so god damn happy that the country is currently getting to see Pete in the way I see him whilst he smashes strictly I couldn’t be more proud of you mate. Not just of what you’re achieving now, but what you’ve been through and how much you’ve taught me along the way. You’re my brother mate and I love you ❤️❤️❤️ @p_wicks01'. (sic)

As well as Sam, Pete is also good friends with former Geordie Shore and I'm A Celeb star Vicky Pattison, with him even taking time out of his Strictly rehearsals in September 2024 to fly over to Italy for Vicky's wedding to Ercan Ramadan.

Is he married?

No, Pete isn't married and never has been.

Who is he dating?

As of February 2025, it looks like Pete is single, following his split from Love Island's Maura Higgins.

Who has he dated in the past?

Maura Higgins

Rumours that Pete was dating Love Island beauty Maura Higgins first started in November 2024, when the pair were spotted looking cosy at a number of events together.

Maura then seemed to confirm the reports when she appeared on I'm A Celeb, telling her camp mates that she was 'seeing someone' before she entered camp. Despite not saying Pete's name, Maura's camp mates seemingly knew exactly who she was talking about.

When asked if she is single by Oti Mabuse, Maura said: "I am but I was seeing someone before I came in but I'm not in a relationship."

Reverend Richard Coles expanded further on the question, adding: "Was it exclusive? Or if I've put you on the spot, sorry!"

After Maura returned to the UK, the pair seemed to spend more time together, even enjoying a lovely little retreat away.

However, on Valentine's Day in 2025, reports suggested the pair had split, with Maura sharing a post on Instagram, sending herself roses.

The pair are yet to publicly comment.

Jowita Przystał

Rumours were rife in late 2024 that Pete was dating his Strictly partner Jowita Przystał, but the pair always denied the claims.

Speaking to OK! Magazine on the red carpet at the Pride of Britain 2024 awards, Jowita said: "We have very good chemistry together as friends, we really get on well with each other, and we have so much fun together. And dancing is a bit like acting, so we're telling a story every night on Saturday night, and I think we're doing a pretty good job with that so...

"But we're very good friends, and I love him so much as a brother, and I think we're going to stay friends for life, to be honest."

Chloe Sims

Although they denied it at the time, Pete dated fellow TOWIE co-star Chloe Sims on and off for two years, with news emerging in 2020 they were 'friends with benefits'.

Despite things not working out romantically, the pair remain good friends to this day.

Megan McKenna

Back in 2016, Pete dated fellow TOWIE star Megan McKenna for over a year and a half. In true TOWIE fashion, their break-up played out on the show, with Megan accusing Pete of cheating on her, resulting in things turning very sour.

Shelby Tribble

Following his split from Megan, Pete briefly dated another TOWIE star in the form of Shelby Tribble in 2018, but things once again didn't work out when she accused him of messaging other women.

Other names Pete has been linked with in the past include Megan Barton Hanson, Georgina Mullins, Ella Rae Wise, Jessika Power and Danielle Harold.

Does he have children?

No, Pete has no children.

Does he have dogs?

Pete absolutely adores dogs and is the proud dad of two adorable rescues, Eric and Peggy.

Speaking to heat Magazine about their names, he said: "I am a bit of a weirdo...

"The naming process is always fun. I do it based on what I think they look like "I just find it quite funny if you're out, and you're shouting for Christopher and over comes a pug, do you know what I mean?

"When I got Eric, I had another dog called Ernest, so I had Eric and Ernie.

"He just looks like an Eric, like the bloke in the pub who sits in the corner with a pint of Guinness and doesn't talk to anyone.

"And Peggy .... she's got one eye, so she's my Pirate Peggy.

"I used to be Pirate Pete back in the day, so she's Pirate Peggy ...

"I give them personalities and voices in my head.

"It's really sad. I'm a sad little man."

Pete's beloved dog Ernest sadly passed away suddenly in 2016.

What is Pete's book called?

Pete released his first memoir called Never Enough on 5th September 2024.

Sharing his pride on release day, Pete said: 'It’s incredibly personal to me and as much as it’s partly some of my story, the whole point of me doing this was to make it relatable to people. It covers suicide, grief, mental health and a whole host of emotions…we all have them, we all struggle and we all need to understand that it’s ok. Life is a f---ing rollercoaster and sometimes it’s just about trying to ensure you get through each day but amongst the s--t there are magical, beautiful moments, understanding yourself will help you find them.

'I wanna hear your thoughts, if it helps or even if you think I’m talking b---ocks!

'I’ve never been very good at talking about myself or things I have achieved or done, I still find it difficult to praise myself for anything so SWIPE to see the battle my PR @bellepr_ go through to force me to promote anything I do! If you could buy and share the book it would keep her off my back for a while.' (sic)

Who are his parents?

Pete was born to parents Tracy and Trevor. Although he has a very close relationship with his beloved mum, his dad has been out of the picture since he was 11-years-old, and now lives in Doha with his wife.

Does he have any siblings?

It appears Pete is a single child with no brothers or sisters.

Is he related to Joe Wicks?

Despite sharing the same surname, Pete isn't related in any way to fitness fanatic Joe Wicks.

Follow Pete Wicks on Instagram:

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What is his net worth?

According to reports, Pete's net worth is estimated to be around £3 or £4 million.

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