Pete Wicks: From TOWIE’s Golden Boy to Britain’s Most Beloved Reality Star

Pete Wicks has become one of Britain’s most endearing television personalities, capturing hearts from Essex nightclubs to the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom. The 36-year-old reality star continues to dominate headlines in October 2025 with his confirmed romance, successful podcast empire, and heartwarming charity work.

Recent Strictly Come Dancing Drama

Pete Wicks recently made headlines after admitting he felt “awkward” returning to the Strictly Come Dancing audience in October 2025. The former contestant attended the show to support his close friend Vicky Pattison, who is competing in the current series.

Speaking on his Staying Relevant podcast, Pete confessed his discomfort during the live recording. “I felt so awkward,” he revealed to co-host Sam Thompson. The reality star explained he was completely sober as he was driving, which made the experience even more uncomfortable.

Cameras frequently focused on Pete throughout the evening as he cheered for Vicky. He later admitted to overcompensating by shouting enthusiastically, describing his behaviour as looking “absolutely ridiculous” when he watched the footage back.

Confirmed Romance with Jowita Przystal

Pete Wicks appears to have officially confirmed his relationship with former Strictly dance partner Jowita Przystal following their passionate display at London’s O2 Arena. The couple shared three kisses during Pete’s live podcast recording in September 2025, effectively going public with their romance.

The relationship rumours began circulating after Pete split from Love Island’s Maura Higgins. Pete and Jowita developed a close friendship during their time on Strictly Come Dancing 2024, where they reached the semi-finals together.

During their Strictly partnership, Pete praised Jowita as “one of the most amazing people I’ve ever met”. He emphasised their genuine friendship formed the foundation of their on-screen chemistry, describing it as more than just a “love bubble”.

Television Career Highlights

Pete Wicks’ television journey began in 2015 when he joined The Only Way Is Essex during its 15th series. He remained one of the show’s most prominent cast members until his departure in 2021, appearing in 181 episodes across seven years.

His TOWIE storylines included memorable relationships with Megan McKenna and Shelby Tribble, plus his secret romance with friend Chloe Sims. Pete’s authentic personality and unfiltered approach to reality television made him a fan favourite throughout his tenure.

Beyond TOWIE, Pete expanded his television presence across various celebrity programmes. He appeared on Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls, Celebrity MasterChef, and The Real Full Monty. His diverse appearances showcased different aspects of his personality, from survival skills to culinary attempts.​

Strictly Come Dancing Journey

Pete’s 2024 Strictly Come Dancing appearance marked a significant career milestone. Partnered with professional dancer Jowita Przystal, he consistently found himself near the bottom of the leaderboard yet survived week after week through public votes.

His lowest score came in Week 1 with a Paso Doble earning just 17 points. However, his highest achievement was a Couple’s Choice routine scoring 36 points in Week 8. Despite admitting he expected elimination from Week 1, Pete’s journey resonated with viewers who continued voting for him.

The experience transformed Pete’s public profile, introducing him to mainstream audiences beyond reality television fans. His vulnerability and determination on the dance floor endeared him to millions of BBC viewers.

Podcast Empire Success

The Staying Relevant podcast, co-hosted with Sam Thompson, has become one of Britain’s most successful entertainment podcasts. The show has achieved over five million downloads and officially won awards, cementing its place in the UK podcasting landscape.​

The podcast covers everything from public appearances gone wrong to brand campaigns the duo would rather forget. Nothing is off limits as Sam and Pete explore what it takes to stay relevant in today’s entertainment industry.

Their success extends beyond audio content, with the podcast generating a substantial social media following. The Staying Relevant Instagram account regularly features behind-the-scenes content and interactions with their devoted fanbase.

O2 Arena Live Show

Pete and Sam Thompson’s podcast success culminated in a sold-out live show at London’s O2 Arena in September 2025. The “One Night Only” performance represented a significant achievement for the comedy duo.

The O2 show featured special guests, unexpected moments, and the chemistry that made their podcast so popular. Sam and Pete promised their biggest and best performance yet, with the potential for “anything could happen” moments.

This live show success demonstrates Pete’s evolution from reality television participant to established entertainment personality. The O2 Arena performance placed him among Britain’s top comedy and entertainment acts.

Dogs Trust Charity Work

Pete Wicks’ passion project, “Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake,” returned for its second series on 13th October 2025. The show follows Pete as he works with Dogs Trust, Britain’s largest dog welfare charity.

The first series generated a remarkable 30% increase in Dogs Trust adoption applications, demonstrating Pete’s genuine impact on animal welfare. Several dogs featured in the original series found forever homes, including some adopted by notable figures like Olympic athlete Fatima Whitbread.

Pete visits Dogs Trust centres across the UK, including Basildon, Leeds, Kenilworth, Canterbury, and Darlington. The show documents every stage of the rescue process, from initial care through rehabilitation to eventual rehoming.

His dedication to the cause stems from personal experience with his two rescue French bulldogs, Eric and Peggy. Pete admits preferring the company of dogs to people, with his ultimate life goal being to “disappear into nothingness” surrounded by rescued animals.​

Business Ventures and Entrepreneurship

Beyond television appearances, Pete Wicks has explored various business opportunities throughout his career. His entrepreneurial spirit led him into fashion collaborations and product endorsements that align with his distinctive personal style.

Pete’s unique aesthetic, complete with extensive tattoos and carefully curated wardrobe choices, made him a natural fit for lifestyle and fashion ventures. However, his business journey hasn’t been without challenges and setbacks.

The reality star has remained transparent about the difficulties of balancing fame with entrepreneurial demands. His honesty regarding business failures resonated with fans who appreciate his authentic approach to both success and failure.

Future Projects and Ambitions

Pete Wicks continues expanding his media presence while staying true to his core values. His Dogs Trust work represents more than just television content; it reflects his genuine commitment to animal welfare.​

The Staying Relevant podcast shows no signs of slowing down, with regular episodes maintaining their loyal audience. Sam and Pete’s chemistry continues attracting new listeners while retaining their established fanbase.

Pete’s career trajectory suggests continued evolution beyond traditional reality television boundaries. His authentic personality and willingness to embrace vulnerability have created lasting appeal across multiple entertainment platforms.​

Personal Life and Relationships

Pete’s romantic life has consistently attracted media attention throughout his career. His relationships with fellow reality stars provided compelling storylines during his TOWIE years.

The current relationship with Jowita Przystal represents a significant development in his personal life. Their connection formed during intense Strictly Come Dancing training sessions, developing from professional partnership into genuine romance.

Pete’s openness about his personal struggles and victories has endeared him to audiences seeking authentic celebrity content. His willingness to discuss both successes and failures creates relatability often missing from polished celebrity personas.​

Impact on British Television

Pete Wicks embodies the evolution of modern British reality television. His journey from TOWIE cast member to multi-platform entertainer demonstrates the changing landscape of celebrity culture.

His success across different formats proves reality television can provide platforms for genuine talent and personality. Pete’s career shows how authentic individuals can transcend their original shows to build lasting entertainment careers.

The combination of traditional television appearances, podcast success, live performances, and charity work creates a comprehensive media presence. This diversified approach provides stability while allowing creative expression across multiple platforms.

Social Media Influence

Pete’s social media presence complements his television and podcast work effectively. His authentic approach to online content mirrors his on-screen personality.

The Staying Relevant podcast’s social media accounts regularly feature content that extends beyond the audio episodes. This multi-platform approach keeps audiences engaged between podcast releases.

Pete’s personal Instagram account provides insights into his daily life, charity work, and behind-the-scenes moments. This transparency helps maintain the connection with fans that originally made him popular.

Recent Media Appearances

October 2025 has been particularly eventful for Pete Wicks, with multiple high-profile appearances and announcements. His return to Strictly Come Dancing as an audience member generated significant media coverage.

The launch of his second Dogs Trust series coincided with increased public interest in his personal life. This timing demonstrates Pete’s ability to balance different aspects of his career effectively.

Recent podcast episodes continue attracting substantial audiences, maintaining the Staying Relevant brand’s momentum. Pete and Sam’s chemistry remains the foundation of their continued success.


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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pete Wicks doing now in 2025?

Pete Wicks is currently hosting his successful Staying Relevant podcast with Sam Thompson, presenting the second series of “Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake” which launched in October 2025, and has confirmed his romantic relationship with former Strictly dance partner Jowita Przystal.

How did Pete Wicks become famous?

Pete Wicks rose to fame through The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE), joining the reality show in 2015 during its 15th series and becoming one of its most prominent cast members until leaving in 2021 after appearing in 181 episodes.

Is Pete Wicks in a relationship with Jowita Przystal?

Yes, Pete Wicks has confirmed his relationship with Jowita Przystal, his former Strictly Come Dancing partner, after they shared passionate kisses during his live podcast recording at London’s O2 Arena in September 2025.

What is the Staying Relevant podcast about?

The Staying Relevant podcast, co-hosted by Pete Wicks and Sam Thompson, covers their quest for fame, public appearances gone wrong, brand campaigns, and reality TV experiences, with over five million downloads and official award recognition.

How successful was Pete Wicks on Strictly Come Dancing?

Pete Wicks reached the semi-finals of Strictly Come Dancing 2024 with partner Jowita Przystal, despite consistently scoring low marks from judges, as public votes kept him in the competition week after week, demonstrating his popularity with viewers.

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