Once labelled reality TV’s ultimate bad boy, Pete Wicks has pulled off one of the most unexpected glow-ups in British entertainment. The 37-year-old former TOWIE star is now winning hearts through his animal advocacy, Strictly Come Dancing charm, and a powerful public rebrand that’s seen him compared to none other than the late, beloved Paul O’Grady.
Pete’s early days on The Only Way Is Essex were full of fiery relationships, cheating scandals, and social media meltdowns. His romance with Megan McKenna crashed and burned amid scandalous text messages to other women, solidifying his “bad boy” tag.
But behind the tattoos and tabloid headlines, Pete’s real transformation began quietly.
After quitting TOWIE in 2021, Pete faced a financial nightmare. His promotions business folded under £100,000 of debt, while a fashion venture with co-star Jake Hall racked up losses nearing £800,000. Personally and professionally, he hit rock bottom.
Then came Sam Thompson. The unlikely bromance that sparked on Celebs Go Dating flipped the narrative. Pete’s deadpan charm and Sam’s manic energy became comedy gold. Their podcast Staying Relevant and Channel 4 show Pete & Sam’s Reality News cemented Pete’s reputation as more than just a reality TV rogue — he was funny, vulnerable, and, crucially, real.
His game-changing moment came with Strictly Come Dancing. Despite never watching the show, Pete took the plunge. Paired with Jowita Przystal, he stunned viewers with his work ethic and emotional openness. By the semi-finals, he had an entirely new fanbase swooning over his transformation.
“It’s lovely when people say they’ve changed their opinion of me,” Pete admitted. “That’s all I ever wanted.”
Now, Pete’s swapping sequins for slobbery kisses — from dogs. His new series Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake, produced by the BBC, sees him rescuing and rehoming vulnerable pups through Dogs Trust. It’s already being hailed as the next For the Love of Dogs, with fans calling him “the tattooed Paul O’Grady.”
“Animals don’t judge,” Pete said. “They just love you — and we could all learn from that.”
And just when you thought the glow-up was complete, enter Maura Higgins. After months of speculation, Pete confirmed their relationship, revealing they’ve “been very close for a long time” but are fiercely private. Their cosy holiday posts and joint Christmas pub snaps have only added to the intrigue.
From TOWIE bad boy to Britain’s most unlikely sweetheart, Pete Wicks is no longer the scandal-prone reality star of yesterday — he’s a man who’s found purpose, love, and a whole lot of puppies.
