Pete Wicks has shared a candid admission about his mental health, revealing that his dogs and motorbike are the only places where he feels truly safe and happy. The 37-year-old businessman and TV star, known for his tough exterior on The Only Way Is Essex, has shown a softer side in recent years through shows like Celebs Go Dating and Strictly Come Dancing. However, his love for dogs has remained constant.
Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, Pete said: "Dogs are better than people without a shadow of a doubt." He added: "My dogs know everything about me, they're probably the only ones I open up to. Dogs and motorbikes are kind of meditation for me, it's the only time I feel safe, content and happy is when I'm around dogs and animals in general."
Unconditional Love and Rescue Dogs
Pete, who owns French bulldog Eric and new puppy Rodney, a Rottweiler rescue from Dogs Trust, described the bond with his pets as "one of the only real examples of unconditional love." He explained: "Your dogs are always happy to see you, most people generally turn the other way when I walk into a room, unless there's a dog, so they're the best."
The TV star emphasised that dogs "live for the moment" and can cheer you up on a bad day. "They completely understand; just because they can't speak, doesn't mean they don't understand," he said.
Creating a Safe Space at Home
Pete ensures his home is pet-friendly, working with Dulux on their Easycare paints to create a safe environment. He said: "Your dog should feel safe in every part of your home, but giving them a dedicated space is definitely the way forward." He added: "There are so many things in a home that could potentially harm an animal, but actually, Dulux taking that into consideration, I think, is wonderful."
Pete also advocates for rescue dogs, noting: "There are so many dogs who need a second chance and so many wonderful dogs in shelters." He hopes his Channel 4 show, For Dogs' Sake, will educate people about rescue centres.
Man Made Podcast and Mental Health
Later this month, Pete's podcast Man Made will be performed live for the first time. Speaking about the mental health-focused show, he said: "It's about being relatable to people... It's important for people not to feel alone and to be able to have those conversations." He added: "There's no cure for mental health. It's just about ensuring you have more good days than bad days."
Reflecting on his career, Pete said he never expected to still have these opportunities 11 years after his first TV appearance. "It was supposed to be a bit of fun at the beginning but 10 or 12 years later, I didn't expect to be where I am now," he said. "Things like Man Made and the Dog Show, where I've come away from the drama to actually be doing things that I genuinely have a passion for, I think it's really important."
