Pete Wicks, known for his charming wit and dry humor, has become a household name,
thanks in part to his time on The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE) and his success as a podcast host on Staying Relevant.
But it’s his new venture, For Dogs’ Sake, that has really captured his heart and attention.
The show, which sees him playing a pivotal role in giving troubled dogs a second chance at life, has turned out to be “the best thing I’ve ever done,” according to Pete himself.
In a recent interview, he opened up about his experiences, reflecting on his time on Strictly Come Dancing, his deep love for dogs, and his ever-growing career.
Having recently wrapped up his Strictly Come Dancing journey, Pete admits that his body is feeling the toll of the demanding rehearsals and performances.
“Apologies for the cough,” he says with a slight rasp in his voice, explaining that his immune system had taken a hit after months of intense training. Despite not making it to the Strictly final, Pete is in great spirits, showing the same enthusiasm and humor fans have come to love. He admits that while he’s not a natural dancer, the experience was one of the most enjoyable of his life.
When asked if his time on Strictly surprised him, Pete shared his honest thoughts. “I take everything I do seriously, but I don’t take myself seriously,” he says. “I wasn’t the best dancer, I wasn’t gifted, but I loved every minute of it. The joy I got from it really surprised me.” Pete’s self-deprecating humor shines through as he adds that he didn’t expect to make it past the first week, treating each Saturday as a bonus. “I didn’t treat it like a competition,” he reflects. “It was about enjoying the experience and the amazing people around me.”
The bond he formed with his dance partner, Jowita Przystal, became one of the most rewarding aspects of the experience. “Jowita and I became good friends,” Pete says. “She deserved to be in the final, and I think she did a fantastic job pulling me through every week.” Even after the show ended, Pete and Jowita’s friendship remains strong. “She’s a friend for life,” he adds, hinting at the possibility of future collaborations, including an appearance on Staying Relevant.
In addition to Strictly, Pete has found a new passion project in For Dogs’ Sake, a heartwarming show that focuses on rescuing dogs and giving them a second chance. For Pete, dogs have always been a part of his life, and the show provides him with an opportunity to combine his love for animals with his public platform. “This is the best thing I’ve ever done,” Pete admits. “Dogs and animals have been my passion since I was young. They’re my safe place. I prefer dogs to people,” he says with a laugh. “If people could be more like dogs, the world would be a better place.”
Pete’s affection for dogs is evident, and he has two rescue dogs of his own, Eric and Peggy. The naming process for his dogs is also a reflection of his quirky personality. “I love dogs with human names,” Pete says. “Eric just looked like an ‘Eric’ – the kind of bloke who sits in the pub and doesn’t talk to anyone. And Peggy, she’s got one eye, so she’s Pirate Peggy!”
Throughout the filming of For Dogs’ Sake, Pete admits he formed strong attachments to the dogs he encountered, especially at the Dogs Trust, where he had adopted Eric 10 years ago. “I’m an absolute sucker for dogs,” he confesses. “If I didn’t have to work, I’d live in a forest surrounded by dogs.” While his current dog family is complete with Eric and Peggy, Pete hints that he may add to his crew in the future, despite Peggy being a “little nightmare.”
For Dogs’ Sake is more than just a show to Pete; it’s a life-affirming experience that allows him to shine a spotlight on the importance of dog rescue and the people working tirelessly behind the scenes. “It’s not about me, it’s about the dogs,” Pete explains. “It’s about giving them a second chance and showing the world how incredible these animals are.”
As for what’s next for Pete, he laughs, “You would think 2025 would be less intense, but no. We’ve finished one thing, and we’re onto the next. The devil works hard, but Pete Wicks works harder!” It’s clear that Pete isn’t slowing down anytime soon, whether it’s dancing, rescuing dogs, or hosting his popular podcast. Fans can expect more from Pete Wicks as he continues to pursue his passions and spread joy wherever he goes.
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