Pete Wicks Wiki, Bio, Networth, GF, Wife, Family & More

Brief Introduction of Pete Wicks

Peter “Pete” James Wicks is a prominent English television personality, author, and podcaster who rose to fame as a key cast member on the popular ITVBe reality series, The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE). Known for his distinctive long hair, extensive tattoos, and charismatic yet candid personality, Wicks became a fan favourite soon after joining the show in 2015. Since his departure from TOWIE, he has successfully transitioned into a multi-faceted media career, participating in a wide array of television shows including Celebrity MasterChef, Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, and reaching the semi-finals of Strictly Come Dancing in 2024. Beyond television, Pete Wicks has established himself as a successful author and broadcaster, co-hosting the chart-topping podcast Staying Relevant and presenting his own radio show, solidifying his status as a versatile and enduring figure in the British entertainment industry. He is also a passionate advocate for animal welfare.

Pete Wicks Overview

Early Life and Education of Pete Wicks

Peter James Wicks was born on November 1, 1988, in Harlow, Essex, England. Raised in Essex, his upbringing was significantly shaped by his mother, Tracy, particularly after his parents separated when he was eleven years old. Wicks maintains a very close relationship with his mother. His father, Trevor, has been largely absent from his life since the separation. Before his foray into the entertainment world, Wicks had a career far removed from the public eye. He worked as a director for a company that supplied consultant doctors to the NHS, a role that involved long hours and demonstrated a strong work ethic. In his youth, Wicks was athletically inclined, competing nationally in swimming and running. Details regarding his formal education are not widely publicised, but his early career in the medical recruitment sector suggests a background in business or a related field. He has mentioned that he wasn’t fond of being told what to do at school, a trait that perhaps points to the independent and entrepreneurial spirit he would later exhibit.

Pete Wicks’s Career

Pete Wicks’s journey into the public eye began in 2015 when he joined the cast of the hit ITVBe reality show, The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE), for its fifteenth series. He was initially introduced as a friend of fellow cast member James Lock. With his distinctive “pirate” look, defined by his long hair and numerous tattoos, and a reputation as a “bad boy,” he quickly became one of the show’s most recognisable and popular figures. His turbulent relationships, particularly with Megan McKenna, became central storylines, keeping viewers captivated for several seasons. Wicks remained a series regular for seven years, appearing in 181 episodes before leaving the show in 2022 to pursue other opportunities.

Following his success on TOWIE, Wicks strategically expanded his media presence by participating in a variety of other television programs. He showcased a more rugged and resilient side on Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls in 2018 and sought love on E4’s Celebs Go Dating multiple times between 2019 and 2022. It was on Celebs Go Dating that he forged a now-famous friendship with Made in Chelsea’s Sam Thompson, which would become a significant partnership in his career. Wicks has also appeared on Celebrity MasterChef (2020), The Celebrity Circle (2021) alongside Sam Thompson, and faced the ultimate endurance test on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins (2022), from which he was medically withdrawn due to injury. A major career highlight came in 2024 when he competed in the twenty-second series of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, partnered with professional dancer Jowita Przystał. Despite having no prior dancing experience, he won over the public and judges, reaching the semi-final.

Beyond reality TV, Wicks has built a successful career in broadcasting and literature. In 2022, he and Sam Thompson launched the hugely popular podcast Staying Relevant, where they humorously discuss the nature of fame. The podcast has amassed millions of downloads, undertaken a live tour, and won a TRIC Award in June 2025. In 2025, Wicks launched a solo podcast, Pete Wicks: Man Made, which explores modern masculinity with various guests, including an episode with Prime Minister Keir Starmer. He also co-hosts a Sunday afternoon radio show on KISS with Olivia Attwood. As an author, he has released two books: For the Love of Frenchies: The Dogs That Changed My Life (2018) and his Sunday Times bestselling memoir, Never Enough: My Words Unfiltered (2024).

Pete Wicks Personal Life & Family

Pete Wicks’s personal life, particularly his romantic relationships, has often been in the public spotlight, largely due to his time on The Only Way Is Essex. He is currently unmarried and has no children. Wicks has expressed a desire to get married and have a family in the future but has also stated he is content on his own and not desperate to settle down.

His most notable past relationships include a high-profile and tumultuous romance with fellow reality star Megan McKenna from 2016 to 2017. He has also been linked to several other TOWIE cast members, including Jess Wright, Shelby Tribble, and Chloe Sims, with whom he had a secret on-off relationship for two years. More recently, he was rumoured to be dating Maura Higgins in late 2024 and early 2025, though the short-lived romance reportedly ended due to trust issues. Wicks has openly admitted to struggling with commitment in the past.

Family is incredibly important to Pete. He was raised by his mother, Tracy, after his parents divorced when he was young, and he remains exceptionally close to her and his nan, having moved back to Essex to live near them. He has a strained relationship with his father, Trevor. Wicks is also known for his deep love of animals, particularly dogs. He is a devoted owner to his two rescue French Bulldogs, Eric and Peggy, and serves as an ambassador for several animal welfare charities, including Dogs Trust and the RSPCA. In 2025, he presented a docuseries called For Dogs’ Sake, filmed at a Dogs Trust rehoming centre. He is also a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, having shared his own struggles to help break the stigma.

Awards and Achievements of Pete Wicks

• TRIC Award (2025): Winner in the Podcast category for Staying Relevant, co-hosted with Sam Thompson.
• Sunday Times Bestseller: His 2024 memoir, Never Enough: My Words Unfiltered, achieved bestseller status.
• Strictly Come Dancing Semi-Finalist (2024): Reached the semi-final of the popular BBC dance competition.
• The Celebrity Circle Runner-Up (2021): Finished as a runner-up alongside Sam Thompson.

Pete Wicks Net Worth and Income

As of 2025, Pete Wicks’s net worth is estimated to be between £3 and £4 million. His wealth has been accumulated through a diverse range of income streams. Initially rising to prominence on The Only Way Is Essex, he has since earned significant income from numerous other television appearances, including high-profile shows like Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins. A major source of his current income is his successful podcast, Staying Relevant, which has led to award wins, live tours, and millions of downloads. He also earns from his radio hosting duties on KISS and his solo podcast, Man Made. Wicks is a published author with two books, including a bestseller, which contribute royalties to his income. Furthermore, he leverages his substantial social media following through brand endorsements and partnerships with companies like Just Eat and Sky TV. Before his television career, Wicks was involved in business and now owns a portfolio of properties.

Legacy and Influence

Pete Wicks has crafted a significant legacy that extends beyond the typical trajectory of a reality television star. Initially known as the tattooed “bad boy” of TOWIE, he has successfully rebranded himself as a versatile and respected media personality. His influence lies in his ability to transition from reality TV drama to credible broadcasting, a path few from his genre manage to navigate successfully. The immense success of his podcast Staying Relevant has cemented his place in the UK’s audio entertainment landscape and demonstrated his business acumen. Wicks has also used his platform to champion causes he is passionate about, notably animal welfare and mental health. By serving as an ambassador for organisations like the RSPCA and Dogs Trust and openly discussing his own mental health challenges, he has influenced public conversation and encouraged his large following to engage with these important issues. His public image has evolved from a one-dimensional reality character to that of an authentic, multi-talented entertainer who is unafraid to show vulnerability and advocate for positive change.

Interesting Facts about Pete Wicks

• Before finding fame, he worked as a director for a company that supplied consultant doctors to the NHS.
• He is a published author of two books, one about his love for French Bulldogs and a bestselling memoir.
• Pete is not related to fitness coach Joe Wicks, although they share the same surname and are often mistaken for brothers.
• He is a passionate animal rights advocate and an ambassador for charities such as Dogs Trust and the RSPCA.
• In 2023, he had a health scare after finding a lump on his testicle, which thankfully turned out to be benign. He now advocates for men to get checked early.
• His close friendship with Sam Thompson, which began on the set of Celebs Go Dating, has become a cornerstone of his career, leading to their award-winning podcast.
• He is an avid motorbike rider, which he considers a break from reality and a form of meditation.
• In a candid interview, Wicks admitted that he sometimes regrets joining the world of reality TV and misses aspects of his former, more private life.

Controversies

Throughout his career in the public eye, Pete Wicks has been involved in several controversies, primarily stemming from his romantic relationships which were often documented on The Only Way Is Essex. His relationship with Megan McKenna was marked by public arguments and a notable scandal where it was revealed he had been sending explicit text messages to other women, leading to their first breakup in 2016. He later admitted to this mistake on Celebs Go Dating. A similar situation arose during his relationship with Shelby Tribble in 2018, who claimed he was caught sexting multiple women while they were together. Wicks has also been noted for his on-off secret relationship with co-star Chloe Sims, which caused significant drama and emotional fallout on the show when it finally came to light. Beyond his love life, Wicks clashed with Bear Grylls on Celebrity Island over the decision to kill a pig for food, showcasing his strong stance on animal welfare.

Social Media Presence

• Instagram – Over 2 million followers.
• Twitter – Information not disclosed.
• YouTube – Information not disclosed.

Final Words about Pete Wicks

Pete Wicks has successfully navigated the often-transient world of reality television to build an enduring and diverse career. From his breakout role on TOWIE to becoming a semi-finalist on Strictly Come Dancing, he has consistently remained a relevant and popular figure in British media. His evolution into a bestselling author, award-winning podcaster, and radio host showcases his adaptability and business sense. While his candid personality and well-documented personal life have kept him in the headlines, it is his genuine passion for animal welfare and his advocacy for mental health that reveal a deeper side to his public persona. Looking to the future, Wicks continues to expand his broadcasting career with his successful podcasts and radio work. He remains a prominent and influential voice in entertainment, balancing his public career with a commitment to causes close to his heart, ensuring his legacy will be one of both popular appeal and meaningful impact.