In an exclusive and revealing interview with the Mirror, podcaster and television presenter Pete Wicks has disclosed a long-standing medical condition while reflecting on his career highlights, personal passions, and future aspirations. The 37-year-old star, known for his roles in ITV's The Only Way Is Essex and his podcast Pete Wicks: Man Made, spoke candidly about his admiration for the late Paul O'Grady, his profound love for dogs, and how he anticipates still talking about Strictly Come Dancing on his deathbed.
Pete Wicks' Lifelong Insomnia and Its Impact
Pete Wicks revealed that he suffers from a persistent case of insomnia, a condition he has managed since childhood. He explained that he typically requires only three to four hours of sleep per night, a habit that has become normalised for him over the years. "I only need three hours of sleep a night. It's just a bit of insomnia. But I've been like that since I'm a kid, so I'm so used to it now. If I get three, four hours I'm good as gold," Wicks stated. This medical condition, while challenging, proved beneficial during his intense stint on Strictly Come Dancing in 2024, where he finished in fourth place, as it provided him with extra energy for rehearsals and performances.
Aspiring to Emulate Paul O'Grady's Legacy
Wicks expressed deep admiration for the iconic television presenter Paul O'Grady, hoping to follow in his footsteps as a champion for dogs. With his Channel 4 series, Pete Wicks: For Dog's Sake, receiving positive reviews, he humbly addressed comparisons to O'Grady. "Am I the new Paul O'Grady? It would be a privilege. He's an icon, a national treasure. What he did for dogs, the love that he showed, you don't find very often. It's an absolute honour to even be put in the same sentence as someone like that," Wicks remarked. He recalled meeting O'Grady at an awards ceremony, describing him as a "really lovely man" and emphasising the genuine care O'Grady exhibited towards animals.
Personal Grief and Canine Companionship
The interview took an emotional turn as Wicks discussed the recent loss of his French bulldog, Peggy, a few months ago. He admitted to still grieving and highlighted the significant impact that losing a pet can have. "I'm still really upset about it to be honest, I've been grieving. I think we underestimate sometimes in the UK how much of an impact losing a dog, or any other animal that's part of your family is. I spend some of my happiest moments with my dogs, and I did with Peggy," he shared. Currently, he lives with two dogs in his East London flat: a five-month-old rescue rottweiler named Rodney and an aged French bulldog that he affectionately described as "blind and deaf, basically a loaf of bread on legs."
Strictly Come Dancing: A Deathbed Topic
Despite his primary association with canine advocacy, Wicks fondly recalled his experience on Strictly Come Dancing, where he was partnered with professional dancer Jowita Przystał. He praised her extensively, noting that she has become a close friend. "I'll be talking about Strictly until the day I die, on my deathbed - I'll probably be that kind of sad old man, if I make it that far, that will sit and talk about the time that I did an Argentine tango in front of millions of people," Wicks said with a laugh. He added that the show was surprisingly intense and consuming, and he credited his insomnia for helping him maintain energy levels throughout the competition.
Future Ambitions and Advocacy Work
Looking ahead, Wicks mentioned having other television projects in the pipeline and expressed excitement about attending the legendary dog show Crufts next week. His ultimate dream, however, is to establish a sanctuary for unwanted dogs. "My dream is to buy some land in the middle of nowhere and build a home for ASBO dogs, the ones that nobody wants. Everyone deserves a second chance, I know I do," he revealed. This ambition aligns with his role as an ambassador for Pooch & Mutt, a UK pet food and health brand dedicated to improving the lives of dogs.
Reflecting on his childhood in Harlow, Essex, Wicks traced his love for dogs back to his early years, describing himself as a "weird child" who collected sticks and had a wooden dog toy as his only memorable plaything. Today, he asserts that "dogs are the only thing that make me feel safe, happy, content," underscoring the central role they play in his life and career.
