Reality television personality turned successful podcaster Pete Wicks has exclusively revealed details of his "incredible" and "really important" conversation with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street. The 37-year-old from Harlow, Essex, who first found fame on ITV's The Only Way Is Essex, has dramatically transformed his public persona over the past decade, moving away from the drama of reality TV to engage with political leaders and sell out major venues like London's O2 Arena.
A Transformative Meeting at Number Ten
Wicks visited the Prime Minister's official residence last year to record an episode for his own podcast, Man Made, during Men's Mental Health Month. Speaking to the Mirror about the experience, Wicks expressed his astonishment at being granted access to such a historic location. "It was an incredible experience," he revealed. "We were in 10 Downing Street, I never thought I'd be there."
The businessman emphasized that the purpose of the conversation transcended political opinions or personal preferences. "The whole point of speaking to Keir was nothing to do with my opinions on politics or anything else," Wicks explained. "Whether you like the man or you don't like the man, he's still a man and he's a man that's in power. Having those sorts of conversations are important."
Starmer's Most Candid Admission
During what may represent the Prime Minister's most honest public conversation to date, Starmer opened up about the devastating loss of his "wonderful" brother, Nick, who passed away on Boxing Day 2024 after an 18-month battle with cancer. The Prime Minister described how he had been at his brother's side when he received the initial diagnosis and had secretly visited the hospital throughout Nick's treatment, with intensive care unit staff helping him arrive and leave without detection.
"I was shutting the world out to this," Starmer told Wicks emotionally. "I fiercely wouldn't let anybody know that this was happening. I knew he was going to die, and I probably, in my heart of hearts, knew when I saw him just before Christmas that that might be the last time I saw him, but I hadn't quite processed that."
The Prime Minister continued with raw honesty: "Then when he did die on Boxing Day, even though for 18 months I'd known that this was coming, it hit me like a bus. Just knocked me out." Starmer explained that one of the most challenging aspects of his position comes when "something intensely personal" occurs and there "isn't the space" to properly address the matter.
Mental Health Advocacy and Platform Expansion
Wicks, who has consistently used his platform to speak openly about mental health issues, expressed satisfaction with the response to the interview. "I'm pleased that it got the response that it did," he said, adding that he feels "blessed" to be able to host such meaningful conversations through his podcast. The animal rights campaigner, who has previously discussed his own struggles with low mood, loneliness, and processing emotions through anger in his younger years, announced exciting news about the future of Man Made.
"We've recorded a number of episodes for that," Wicks revealed about the upcoming second series. "It's a powerful thing, it's a tough podcast, but I think it's so important." He reflected on the broader significance of such conversations, noting: "I think a lot of the time, we kind of judge a book by its cover too soon, we're all guilty of it, I'm guilty of it. Everyone has a story to tell, regardless."
Beyond Politics: Holiday Dilemmas and Future Travel Plans
Separately from his political engagements, Wicks has teamed up with best friend Sam Thompson through their popular Staying Relevant podcast to partner with travel company TUI in helping Britons tackle common holiday dilemmas. Research indicates that financial concerns represent the top pre-travel worry for many, while 60 percent of travelers notice unexpected quirks in their companions once abroad.
For the podcasting duo, maintaining balance often involves Wicks accommodating Thompson's requests, including a recent skiing trip that left Wicks "lying flat on his face" after accidentally finding himself on a challenging black slope. Thompson revealed that his dream destination with Wicks would be Cyprus, where they're planning an upcoming holiday. "I am a massive history fan, and I love archaeology, and I love classical antiquity," Thompson explained, "so there's loads of ancient Greek temples and loads of stuff I can actually do on this trip."
Wicks, however, has his sights set on more distant horizons. "I've always wanted to go to Japan," he gushed. "I actually want to do north to south Japan on a motorbike. One day, I'll get some time off and do it. I'm fascinated by Japan, so that's my dream location, which I've always wanted to go to. That and Brazil." He added enthusiastically about Japan: "It looks incredible, culturally, the food, everything. I would love to go and experience it."
