Pete Wicks has become one of British reality television’s most recognisable faces. The tattooed heartthrob shot to fame on The Only Way Is Essex in 2015. Over the past decade, he has reinvented himself multiple times. In 2026, searches for “Pete Wicks” remain very high. Fans want updates on his love life, his Strictly journey, and his growing fortune.
The 37-year-old reality star has survived death threats, business failures and intense public scrutiny. Like Chesney Hawkes, he has managed to stay relevant long after his initial fame peaked. Therefore, this guide covers everything about Pete Wicks’s life, career and controversies.
Who Is Pete Wicks? Age, Height and Background
Peter James Wicks was born on 1 November 1988 in Harlow, Essex [citation:2]. He is 37 years old as of 2026. He stands approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall [citation:8]. His parents divorced when he was just 11 years old, and he remains close to his mother Tracy [citation:2].
Many fans know his famous tattoos. He has earned the nickname “The Essex Pirate” for his rugged, inked look [citation:8]. Michelle McSween’s husband Will Mellor has also built a career on authenticity, much like Pete.
His Life Before TOWIE: The Medical Recruitment Job
Before fame, Pete held a serious corporate job. He worked as an international sales director for a medical recruitment firm [citation:1]. His job was to place consultant doctors in roles across the UK and other countries. He spent significant time working in Madrid [citation:1].
While he enjoyed the work, the lifestyle nearly destroyed him. He revealed on Joe Marler’s Things People Do podcast that he was “working 16-17 hour days and drinking for the rest of it” [citation:1]. He admitted: “I probably would’ve ended up dead” had he stayed in that career [citation:1].
The decision to leave that job for TOWIE likely saved his life. Lewis Capaldi also faced intense pressure in his career before finding his footing.
TOWIE: Seven Years of Drama and Departure
Pete joined The Only Way Is Essex in 2015. He was initially meant to appear briefly after an invitation from James Lock [citation:4]. However, he impressed producers and became a main cast member. He stayed on the show for seven years before leaving in 2022 [citation:4].
His time on TOWIE was filled with dramatic storylines. His most explosive moment came during a 2016 episode in Marbella. His then-girlfriend Megan McKenna confronted him about messages he had sent to another woman [citation:1]. The fiery exchange became one of the show’s most memorable scenes.
The aftermath was brutal. Pete revealed that he went from “being loved to hated overnight” [citation:1]. He received death threats. Someone even spat in his car when he had the window rolled down [citation:1].
Reflecting on how TOWIE was made, Pete admitted that while the show isn’t scripted, producers would set up scenes for conversations to take place [citation:4]. “The producers want to make an interesting show, so obviously they’re going to use the bit you don’t like – it was sometimes frustrating,” he shared [citation:4]. Donna Preston also faced media scrutiny after her Celebrity Big Brother appearance.
Strictly Come Dancing 2024: Semi-Finalist
In 2024, Pete competed on the 22nd series of Strictly Come Dancing. He was partnered with professional dancer Jowita Przystal [citation:7]. The duo impressed judges and viewers alike. They made it all the way to the semi-finals.
His Strictly journey helped rebuild his public image. Fans saw a different side of the reality star. He showed genuine passion and dedication to learning the dances Ben Shephard’s wife Annie also supported her husband’s television career from behind the scenes.
Olivia Attwood: Are They Really Dating?
In early 2026, Pete was spotted kissing his good friend Olivia Attwood at the Flute Bar in Soho, London [citation:3]. The pair looked very cosy in photographs. Olivia was seen touching his chest and laughing with him [citation:3].
Their romance is believed to have blossomed after Olivia split from her husband Bradley Dack. The former Love Island star called time on their marriage earlier this year, accusing him of infidelity [citation:3]. A source said: “They have been spending a lot of time together and an unexpected romance has blossomed from friendship” [citation:10].
However, Pete has since shut down rumours that they are officially together. On his podcast Staying Relevant, he insisted he was still single [citation:10]. He asked podcast guest Grime Gran: “I am 37 and still single, what kind of woman should I be with?” She responded: “You want someone stable” [citation:10].
Olivia recently got a new name tattoo on her forearm. Fans immediately speculated it might be a dedication to Pete [citation:6]. However, the name turned out to be “Savano,” not Pete. One fan joked: “Ffs liv you spelt @p_wicks01 name wrong” [citation:6].
Pete Wicks’s Previous Relationships
Before Olivia, Pete had several high-profile relationships. His most famous ex is Megan McKenna. The couple dated from April 2016 until March 2017 [citation:8]. Their explosive TOWIE feud became legendary viewing.
He was also linked to his co-star Shelby Tribble. However, that relationship ended quickly. She reportedly felt like a rebound after Megan [citation:8]. Paris Fury has maintained a stable home life, unlike Pete’s tumultuous love life.
Staying Relevant Podcast with Sam Thompson
Since 2022, Pete has co-hosted the podcast Staying Relevant with his best friend Sam Thompson [citation:7]. The former Made in Chelsea star won I’m a Celebrity in 2023. The comedy podcast has been a massive success.
It has racked up over five million downloads [citation:9]. It has topped the comedy chart multiple times. The duo has also taken the podcast on the road for live shows [citation:9].
Pete Wicks’s Net Worth in 2026
Pete Wicks has an estimated net worth between £3 million and £4 million [citation:2][citation:9]. He has earned this through his extensive television career, including TOWIE, Strictly, Celebs Go Dating, Celebrity MasterChef and Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins [citation:9].
His podcast and book sales add significantly to his income. He wrote “For The Love Of Frenchies: The Dogs That Changed My Life” in 2018 [citation:9]. He also released a memoir, “Never Enough: My Words Unfiltered,” in 2024 [citation:7].
Despite his success, Pete has faced financial challenges. In 2023, his business PW Promotions Ltd went into liquidation. He reportedly had a £1 million debt [citation:2]. Kaleb Cooper also built his fortune from scratch while managing business risks.
Why Pete Wicks Is Trending in 2026
Pete Wicks continues to trend for several reasons. His rumoured romance with Olivia Attwood has dominated headlines. His podcast Staying Relevant remains hugely successful. His Strictly Come Dancing appearance brought him new fans. Additionally, his candid interviews about his past struggles resonate with audiences.
He has also revealed that he wants to step away from reality TV. “I’ve had 10 years of doing shows. I’ve survived a decade,” he told The Sun [citation:4]. “It is time to step aside and hand the baton on to younger, better looking, more talented people” [citation:4]. Sam Vanderpump is also navigating life in the public eye while facing serious health challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How old is Pete Wicks?
Born 1 November 1988. He is 37 years old as of 2026 [citation:2].
What is Pete Wicks’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated at between £3 million and £4 million [citation:2][citation:9].
Is Pete Wicks dating Olivia Attwood?
They were seen kissing in March 2026. However, Pete has since said he is still single [citation:10].
Why did Pete Wicks leave TOWIE?
He left in 2022 after seven years to pursue other opportunities. He has said he wants to step away from reality TV [citation:4].
Does Pete Wicks have a podcast?
Yes. He co-hosts Staying Relevant with Sam Thompson. It has over five million downloads [citation:9].
What job did Pete Wicks have before TOWIE?
He worked as an international sales director for a medical recruitment firm [citation:1].
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