In a stunning career pivot that’s melting hearts across the UK, Pete Wicks, the 37-year-old Essex charmer best known for his bad-boy antics on The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE) and his sizzling semi-final run on Strictly Come Dancing, has landed a major presenting role that’s earning him rave reviews as the spiritual successor to the late, great Paul O’Grady. Wicks’ new series, Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake, airing on the U&W channel, immerses him in the emotional world of animal rescue, volunteering at Dogs Trust rehoming centers. The show, which kicked off its first season in early 2025 and quickly secured a second run due to overwhelming popularity, showcases Wicks’ genuine passion for pups, drawing parallels to O’Grady’s beloved For the Love of Dogs, where the comedian championed Battersea Dogs Home until his passing in 2023.

Wicks’ journey to this heartfelt gig is a tale of redemption. Once synonymous with TOWIE drama—think whirlwind romances, infidelity scandals, and a tattooed rebel vibe—he faced financial ruin in 2023 when his promotions company went bankrupt with six-figure debts, compounded by massive losses from a co-founded brand. But Strictly changed everything. Paired with pro dancer Jowita Przystal, Wicks wowed audiences with his vulnerability and charm, shedding his playboy persona and gaining a legion of fans who saw beyond the ink. Post-Strictly, he co-launched Staying Relevant Productions with pal Sam Thompson, turning his podcast success into a TV empire. For Dogs’ Sake is a flagship project, with Wicks not just hosting but scripting episodes himself, blending humor, heartbreak, and advocacy.

The series follows Wicks over a transformative summer, donning PPE for surgeries, coaxing trust from abused strays, and exposing the horrors of puppy farms. Viewers witness raw moments: Wicks bonding with neglected dogs, campaigning for better welfare laws, and even considering adoptions. As a devoted dad to his rescue French bulldogs, Eric and Peggy, his authenticity shines—much like O’Grady’s unfiltered love for animals. Critics and fans alike are buzzing; one review called it “love at first slobber,” praising Wicks’ natural rapport that rivals O’Grady’s iconic warmth. Social media erupts with calls for him to take over For the Love of Dogs from current host Alison Hammond, whose stint has divided opinions.

This role marks Wicks’ evolution from reality TV heartbreaker to compassionate crusader. At 37, he’s channeled personal struggles— including the loss of his nan and battles with mental health—into positive change. The show highlights pressing issues: over 40,000 dogs abandoned yearly in the UK, the rise of unethical breeding, and the joy of rehoming. Episodes feature success stories, like a timid terrier finding a forever home, interspersed with Wicks’ Essex wit to lighten heavy topics.

Beyond TV, Wicks uses his platform for good, supporting charities and encouraging pet adoption. His Strictly fame boosted his profile, but this gig cements his legacy. As the second series rolls out, anticipation builds—could this be the start of a O’Grady-esque dynasty? Wicks’ story inspires: from debt and drama to dog-loving icon, proving reinvention is possible. For animal lovers, it’s must-watch TV; for Wicks, it’s a dream realized, honoring O’Grady’s spirit while forging his own path.