Pete Wicks has announced the death of his beloved dog Eric, asking fans to stop messaging him about the pet because he doesn't want to "explain his pain" to them.
The former TOWIE star, 37, revealed in December last year that his pet pooch Peggy had passed away, and has now shared that his other canine companion Eric, a Frenchie, had also died.
Social media announcement
Normally, the former Strictly Come Dancing star, who is in a relationship with Olivia Attwood, shares his dogs on social media but felt he had to announce the news to stop fans constantly asking why Eric had not appeared lately.
He wrote on Instagram: "In the past year I have lost both of my dogs Eric and Peggy. They were 10 and 13. I haven’t wanted to talk about it… they got me through the past decade and a piece of me has gone with them. So to those who feel like they need an explanation of where Eric is, please stop. He was my soul dog. He was my best friend. I shouldn’t have to explain my pain."
New series ahead
Pete rescued Eric in 2016 and the sad news of his passing comes shortly before he is set to front a new series of Pete Wicks: For Dogs' Sake on U.
Earlier this week, he appeared on This Morning alongside hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard to chat about his new show, which sees him help rehabilitate rescue dogs at Dogs Trust rehoming centres.
Along the way, he shares his love for dogs and is left emotional over heartbreaking stories. He told Cat and Ben: "It’s a struggle for me to call this work. I’ve done it for so many years outside of TV, so to combine both is incredible."
He went on: "I’ll do it till the day, it’s whether or not the camera comes with me and how long I’ve got left!" Pete added: "My name might be on the show, but it’s nothing to do with me. It’s all to do with the dogs first and foremost, but second to that, it’s the people that work in the rescue centres."
Fan reactions
Viewers are clearly looking forward to watching the new series of his canine-themed show. One person wrote on social media: "We, the public, demand 52 episodes a year." Another said: "Can't wait for the new series to start. Love seeing Pete and the genuine affection he has for all of the "puppies" he meets."
"What a beautiful boy Rodney is. I applaud everyone who works for Dogs Trust and love seeing the difference they make for so many little ones who are rescued."
Someone else wrote: "Looking forward to watching it," another added: "Can't wait, he's a great ambassador for Dogs Trust!" A third said: "So pleased his coming back his so good on that series and i feel for him when he falls in love with every dog he comes into contact with i would do the same. The staff at the dogs trust do such a amazing job."
