Pete Wicks: From Troubled Past to Reality TV Stardom

Pete Wicks, a well-known reality TV star, has candidly shared details of his tumultuous youth before gaining fame on “The Only Way Is Essex” (TOWIE) in his latest book, “Never Enough.” The 36-year-old opens up about his struggles with anger during his teenage years, which often resulted in violent altercations. In one vivid account, Wicks recalls an incident at a hotel where a confrontation with a bully led to him being hit with a plank of wood, leaving a scar above his eyebrow.

“I knew I was testing him in front of people, and it was a show of dominance,” Wicks wrote, reflecting on the episode. Despite the risks, he described the rush of anger as difficult to resist. Although he wasn’t academically inclined, Wicks credits his success to having “the gift of the gab,” which helped him secure lucrative jobs and an affluent lifestyle.

Wicks’ journey to reality TV fame began in 2015 when TOWIE star James Lock, also known as Lockie, invited him to join the show for an episode. His unique appearance and charisma quickly made him a series regular. By 2021, Wicks chose to leave TOWIE, having become well-known for his personal relationships and on-screen drama, to pursue other endeavors, including his popular podcast “Staying Relevant,” co-hosted with Sam Thompson.

Currently, Wicks is set to participate in the upcoming season of “Strictly Come Dancing,” partnering with professional dancer Jowita Przystał. The show, starting on BBC One, will provide a platform for Wicks to showcase another facet of his personality to viewers.

Besides his reality TV ventures, Wicks has appeared on various shows such as “Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls” and “The Real Full Monty.” He’s also hosted “Pete and Sam’s Reality News” alongside Sam Thompson, further establishing his presence in the entertainment industry.

In addition to his media career, Wicks is passionate about dogs, a theme reflected in his forthcoming series “Pete Wicks: For Dog’s Sake,” produced by BBC Studios. The show will document his collaboration with Dogs Trust to rescue and rehome vulnerable dogs, reflecting his commitment to animal welfare.