Pete Wicks has made a lasting impact on British reality television, no doubt about it. Pete has always been something of a vision. With his eye-catching tattoos, wild hair and reputation as both a heartbreaker and a softy, he has captured the public imagination since he graced our screens on TOWIE. There’s a lot more to Pete than the reality show edits and tabloid headlines.
Early Life and Family
On November 1, 1988, Peter James Wicks was born in Harlow, Essex. He is popularly known as “Pete Wicks.” Pete talks fondly about his mother, Tracy. After his parents separated while he was still a child, she brought him up mostly. Pete’s father, Trevor, has been a largely absent figure in the public eye and has lived abroad since he was a child. Pete has been falsely referred to as Joe Wicks’ brother due to their similar surnames. In reality, the two are not related. Contrary to persistent rumours, Pete is not related to fitness star Joe Wicks, just a shared surname.
Renowned for being a proud Essex lad, Pete’s energetic bravado is spawned from the county’s culture. As an only child, he attributes much of his resilience to the strength of his mother.
The Rise to Fame: TOWIE and Beyond
The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE)
Pete joined the TOWIE cast in 2015 during the show’s 15th series. Cast as the quintessential “bad boy” with a very visible soft side, he quickly became a key player in the show’s drama-filled storylines. His relationships, arguments, and emotional moments with fellow cast members gave fans full access to both his vulnerabilities and bravado.
TV Stardom and Diversified Media Presence
After TOWIE, Pete’s on-screen presence skyrocketed:
- Celebs Go Dating: Fans watched Pete’s quest for love (and his cheeky sense of humour), making him one of the show’s standout stars over multiple seasons.
- Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls: Pete battled the elements and showed a different side of himself, driven and surprisingly resourceful.
- Strictly Come Dancing (2024): His participation wasn’t without controversy, drawing strong fan reactions and sparking internet debates.
- Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins: He put his physical and mental toughness to the test.
Recently, he launched a podcast, “Staying Relevant,” with friend Sam Thompson, attracting listeners with its mix of banter and insight. In 2025, Pete expanded into radio, joining KISS for a Sunday afternoon show with Olivia Attwood.
Work Beyond Reality TV
Before TV stardom, Pete worked as a director sourcing consultant doctors for the NHS, a role demanding a knack for business and people skills. This experience arguably helped him shape an entrepreneurial path outside of television.
Entrepreneurial Drive and Achievements
Pete used his fame as a launch pad for several business ventures:
- Men’s Grooming Line: Inspired by his well-maintained, tattooed look, Pete launched a successful range of men’s grooming products that reflect his distinctive style.
- Clothing Brand, Hermano: As co-founder, he’s created a label that channels his personal fashion sense and appeals to a young, style-conscious audience.
- Property: Pete has openly discussed investing in property, building financial stability outside fame.
- Books: Pete published “For the Love of Frenchies,” spotlighting his passion for French Bulldogs, and later, the memoir “Never Enough,” in which he recounts his battles with mental health, grief, and personal growth.
Endorsement deals with leading brands like Just Eat and Sky TV further add to his commercial appeal. All these ventures contribute not just to his image but to his growing fortune.
Relationships, Romances, and Private Life
No account of Pete Wicks would be complete without discussing his love life, often splashed across both TV screens and tabloid front pages.
Notable Relationships
- Megan McKenna (2016–2017): Their fiery relationship and tearful breakup, fueled by infidelity and sexting scandals, became one of TOWIE’s core story arcs and dominated headlines.
- Chloe Sims (2018–2020): Pete’s on-off romance with fellow TOWIE star Chloe captured fans’ imaginations with its blend of passion and drama.
- Shelby Tribble, Amber Davies, Jacqui Ryland, Jessica Wright: The Media often followed his romantic entanglements, adding to his “ladies’ man” reputation.
- Maura Higgins and Megan Barton Hanson: More recent rumours have linked Pete to other reality TV stars, feeding the narrative of his romantic life being perpetually eventful.
Personality Away from the Cameras
Despite his TV “bad boy” persona, friends and colleagues often describe Pete as a loyal friend, animal lover, and an advocate for mental health and authenticity. His French Bulldogs make regular appearances on his social feeds, and he’s spoken openly about his own struggles with anxiety and grief.
Controversies and Public Scrutiny
Cheating and Relationship Drama
Pete’s high-profile splits, most notably with Megan McKenna, brought intense public scrutiny, including online abuse and even disturbing threats. He’s said in interviews that the backlash and “cancel culture” deeply affected his mental health—though he’s also consistently used his platform to promote resilience and forgiveness.
Strictly Come Dancing Controversy
In 2024, Pete’s time on Strictly was marred by controversy over judges’ scoring, with fans split over whether he deserved to stay as long as he did, sparking debate in the press and on social media.
The Essex “Bad Boy” Image
While Pete has sometimes courted controversy with his unapologetic, direct approach on social media, he’s often praised for handling criticism with transparency and wit. He champions causes like mental health and animal welfare, countering the “bad boy” trope with genuine acts of kindness and candid self-reflection.
Net Worth and Financial Status
As of 2025, estimates place Pete Wicks’ net worth at roughly £3–4 million ($3–5 million). His income streams are varied and impressive:
- TV and social media earnings: From TOWIE and spinoffs, as well as sponsored Instagram content, to over 1 million followers.
- Business ventures: Both his fashion line and grooming range have contributed to his financial security.
- Real estate: Savvy investments in the property market.
- Brand partnerships: Lucrative deals with major companies.
- Content creation and podcasting: Adding new, recurring revenue streams.
Reports indicate a luxury lifestyle. He moved into a high-end London apartment in 2025, paying a sizeable monthly rent, but always stresses the importance of diversifying earnings beyond reality TV.
Achievements and Public Legacy
- Iconic reality TV figure: Pete has helped redefine the image of the reality TV “star,” walking the line between notoriety and relatability.
- Successful businessman and author: His pivot from TV to entrepreneurship is both calculated and inspiring.
- Mental health advocate: Through his memoir and interviews, Pete encourages open discussion about personal struggles.
- Cultural influencer: His style and honesty make him a role model for fans looking for authenticity rather than perfection.
- Animal lover and charity supporter: Passionate about dogs, he donates and raises funds for animal-focused and mental health charities.
FAQs About Pete Wicks
Is Pete Wicks married?
No, Pete Wicks is not currently married. He’s been in several high-profile relationships but is not known to have tied the knot as of 2025.
Who are Pete Wicks’ parents?
Pete’s mother is Tracy, the parent he’s closest to, and his father is Trevor.
How did Pete Wicks get famous?
Pete became famous after joining TOWIE in 2015, thanks to his charisma, romance-driven storylines, and unique look.
What businesses does Pete Wicks own?
Pete co-founded a men’s grooming line and clothing brand (Hermano), and invests in property.
What charities does Pete support?
Pete regularly donates to animal rescue organisations and mental health charities, inspired by his own experiences and love for dogs.
How many tattoos does Pete Wicks have?
While Pete hasn’t revealed an exact count, he’s famously covered in tattoos—many with personal meaning, including tributes to his French Bulldogs.
What is Pete Wicks’ net worth?
Estimates in 2025 put his net worth between £3–4 million, accumulated through TV, business, endorsements, and real estate.
What is Pete Wicks’ most significant controversy?
The cheating scandal with Megan McKenna during TOWIE remains one of its most headline-grabbing controversies and led to significant online abuse.
Does Pete Wicks talk about mental health?
Absolutely. Pete has been candid about dealing with grief, anxiety, and depression, using his memoir and social media to encourage others to speak openly.
Does Pete Wicks have children?
No, Pete Wicks does not have children as of 2025.
