Pete Wicks has revealed that he “prefers dogs to people” ahead of the release of his powerful new documentary, Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake, which shines a spotlight on the heartbreaking reality faced by rescue dogs across the UK.
The 36-year-old former TOWIE and Strictly Come Dancing star admitted he was “in tears several times” while filming the series, calling it one of the most emotional experiences of his career.
Speaking to The Radio Times, Pete confessed:
“It might sound harsh, but it’s true — I prefer dogs to people. You don’t realise how much dogs change your life until you have one.
Filming the series was a privilege, but it was also emotionally difficult. I cried several times. When you see a dog arrive after a bad start in life, you can see the sadness in their eyes — it’s heartbreaking.”
The four-part documentary, which aired on January 7, follows Pete as he visits rescue centres across the country, meeting dogs who have been abandoned, mistreated, or left behind. The project is one that Pete says he’s “been desperate to do for a decade” — determined to raise awareness about adoption.
“There are around 100,000 dogs in UK rescue centres,” he said. “But only one in five people who get a dog, get a rescue. That has to change.”
Pete’s passion for dogs runs deep. He owns two rescued French bulldogs — Eric and Peggy (who has just one eye) — and often shares heartwarming posts about them on social media. His love for animals started early, when he and his mum adopted their first dog, Arnie, when Pete was just 10 years old.
In 2016, Pete rescued Eric from the Dogs Trust Centre in Basildon, Essex — close to where he grew up — and later gave Peggy her forever home.
Even while competing on Strictly Come Dancing with professional partner Jowita Przystał, Pete made sure his beloved pups were in good hands. His mum looked after them during training, joking that she “spoiled them rotten.”
For Pete, his heart belongs to his dogs — and his mission to help others like them.
“Dogs have this incredible ability to love unconditionally,” he said. “If this series makes even a few people think twice before buying a puppy and choose to adopt instead, then it’s worth every tear.” 🐾❤️
