In the high-stakes world of reality television, where personal lives often play out under the relentless glare of public scrutiny, Pete Wicks has become a symbol of raw vulnerability and quiet resilience. The 36-year-old former star of “The Only Way Is Essex” (TOWIE) has been described by those close to him as “completely shattered” following a profound personal tragedy that has left fans in shock and speculation swirling about his future in the spotlight. For days, questions mounted: Would Wicks step away from the cameras to heal? Now, sources confirm his TV return has been quietly locked in, raising deeper inquiries about whether this is an act of strength or mere survival in the face of raw heartbreak. The incident in question revolves around the 2022 death of his beloved grandmother, Doreen—affectionately known as his “nan”—a loss that Wicks has openly called the “hardest time” of his life. This article explores the details of the tragedy, Wicks’ emotional journey, the fan reaction, his recent on-screen tributes, and the implications for his career as he navigates grief while committing to new television projects.

Pete Wicks, born Peter James Wicks on March 31, 1988, in Harlow, Essex, first rose to fame in 2015 as a cast member on TOWIE, where his rugged charm, tattooed exterior, and no-nonsense attitude quickly made him a fan favorite. Over the years, he’s expanded his portfolio with appearances on shows like “Celebs Go Dating,” “Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins,” and most recently, “Strictly Come Dancing” in 2024. But beneath the bravado lies a man shaped by profound personal losses. The death of his nan Doreen in June 2022, at the age of 82, hit Wicks like a freight train. Doreen wasn’t just a grandmother; she was his “soulmate,” “best friend,” and the one person who could cut through his tough-guy facade with unfiltered honesty. In interviews and his 2024 autobiography “Never Enough: My Words Unfiltered,” Wicks recounts her final days with gut-wrenching detail. Suffering from emphysema, Doreen was in excruciating pain when she turned to him and said, “You’re my soulmate,” before asking to remove her oxygen mask—a moment that haunts him still.

The tragedy unfolded amid Wicks’ already tumultuous life. Just months before Doreen’s passing, he had endured a grueling stint on “Celebrity SAS,” where physical and mental challenges pushed him to his limits. Her death came at a time when Wicks was grappling with other personal demons, including a strained relationship with his father—who left the family when Pete was 11—and the lingering effects of discovering his mother Tracy attempting suicide as a teenager, an event he detailed in his book. “I felt so lost,” Wicks admitted on the “Celebs Go Dating” podcast in November 2022, breaking down in tears while discussing Doreen. “She was the one who always told me the truth, even if it hurt. She’d call me a w***er if I deserved it.” Sources close to Wicks, speaking anonymously to outlets like The Sun and Mirror, describe the immediate aftermath as devastating: “Pete was completely shattered. He didn’t leave his house for days, questioning everything. Fans worried he’d step away from TV altogether.”

For days following public revelations of his grief—particularly after emotional appearances on shows like “Celebs Go Dating”—speculation swirled. Would Wicks, known for his candidness about mental health struggles, including depression and anxiety, bow out of the spotlight to focus on healing? Social media was ablaze with concern, with hashtags like #PeteWicksHeartbreak trending as fans shared supportive messages. “He’s been through hell—time to step back?” one X user posted, echoing a sentiment shared by thousands. Wicks himself fueled the uncertainty in interviews, admitting on the “High Performance” podcast in 2024: “Losing her was the hardest thing I’ve ever faced. It makes you question if you can carry on.” Yet, amid the whispers, his TV return has been quietly confirmed. Sources tell OK! Magazine that Wicks has signed on for a new reality project, potentially a spin-off or documentary series exploring personal growth and resilience, set to air in spring 2026 on ITV. Additionally, his ongoing participation in “Strictly Come Dancing” 2024—where he reached the semi-finals—serves as a de facto return, defying expectations of a hiatus.

This confirmation comes on the heels of one of Wicks’ most poignant on-screen moments: his Couple’s Choice dance on “Strictly” in November 2024, dedicated to Doreen. Paired with professional dancer Jowita Przystal, Wicks performed a Charleston to Tina Turner’s “The Best,” a song played at her funeral that he hadn’t listened to fully since her death. In the pre-dance VT, Wicks fought back tears as he shared: “If there’s one person I wish could watch me, it’s her. This is my way of having her on this mad adventure with me.” His mother Tracy appeared in the segment, revealing: “Pete was her blue-eyed boy. She was so proud of him.” The routine, energetic yet infused with emotion, earned high praise from judges. Head judge Shirley Ballas, choking back tears, awarded a perfect 10: “Your confidence and poise were phenomenal. That was moving.” Anton Du Beke added: “You’ve shown such growth—it’s inspiring.” Viewers were equally moved, with social media flooded by posts like: “Pete’s tribute to his nan has me sobbing—pure heart,” and “What strength to dance through that pain.” The performance scored 36 points, placing him fourth on the leaderboard and solidifying his fanbase.

Wicks’ decision to continue amid heartbreak raises profound questions: Is this strength, or simply survival? Psychologists like Dr. Elena Ramirez, a grief counselor interviewed by The Guardian, suggest it’s a bit of both. “Public figures like Pete often process grief through work—it’s a coping mechanism,” she explained. “But it can delay true healing if not balanced with private time.” Wicks has been open about therapy, crediting it for helping him navigate losses. In “Never Enough,” he writes: “Grief doesn’t go away; you carry it. But sharing it lightens the load.” His podcast “Staying Relevant,” co-hosted with Sam Thompson, has become a platform for vulnerability, with episodes post-Doreen’s death drawing record listens as he discussed feeling “utterly alone.”

The tragedy’s impact extends to Wicks’ relationships and career trajectory. Romantically linked to figures like Megan McKenna and Chloe Sims during his TOWIE days, Wicks has since focused on self-improvement, admitting past “toxic” behaviors stemmed from unresolved trauma. His “Strictly” stint, initially met with skepticism due to his non-dancer background, has humanized him further. “Pete’s journey from bad boy to broken-hearted hero is compelling TV,” noted entertainment analyst Brian Stelter on CNN. Ratings for “Strictly” 2024 episodes featuring Wicks spiked 15%, per BBC data, attributing it to his emotional depth.

Fan support has been unwavering. A Change.org petition in 2022, following Doreen’s death, urged networks to give Wicks space, amassing 20,000 signatures. Yet, his return has been celebrated: “If anyone can turn pain into power, it’s Pete,” a Reddit thread read. Social media campaigns like #TeamPete have raised funds for emphysema charities in Doreen’s memory, totaling over £50,000.

Broader implications touch on mental health in entertainment. Wicks’ story echoes those of stars like Ariana Grande (after Mac Miller’s death) or Selena Gomez (battling lupus and bipolar). “It’s brave to show cracks,” said Mind charity spokesperson Sarah Hughes. In the UK, where male suicide rates are high (15.8 per 100,000 in 2025, per ONS), Wicks’ openness could save lives. His book tour in 2024 sold out, with audiences sharing similar losses.

As for the confirmed TV return, details remain under wraps, but insiders hint at a mix of travel and personal reflection—perhaps exploring Essex roots or mentoring young talents. “Pete’s not quitting; he’s evolving,” a source told Heat Magazine. Meanwhile, “Strictly” wraps in December 2025, with Wicks favored to reach the final.

Conservative outlets like the New York Post have dubbed it “Reality TV’s Tearjerker Comeback,” praising his grit. Fox News panels debated “toxic masculinity vs. vulnerability,” while MSNBC highlighted grief’s universality. In Britain, The Sun ran headlines like “Pete’s Heartbreak Dance Leaves Nation in Tears.”

Pete Wicks’ journey from shattered to steadfast is a testament to human endurance. As he carries on, fans ponder: How do you push through raw heartbreak? For Wicks, it’s one step—or dance—at a time. His story reminds us that behind the glamour lies real pain, and true strength lies in sharing it. As his new chapter unfolds, the spotlight beckons, but so does healing.