In a confession that’s divided the internet faster than a squirrel spotting a nut, Strictly Come Dancing heartthrob and TOWIE legend Pete Wicks has unleashed chaos by bluntly admitting he “prefers dogs to people” – and yeah, the backlash is barking mad! The 37-year-old reality star dropped the bombshell while promoting his emotional new documentary Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake, which premiered on UKTV’s U&W channel on January 7, 2025, and follows him immersing himself in the heartbreaking world of rescue dogs at Dogs Trust Basildon.

Speaking to Radio Times ahead of the launch, Pete didn’t hold back: “It might sound harsh, but it’s true – I prefer dogs to people. I don’t think you realise how much dogs will change things until you have one.” He doubled down in interviews, explaining his rescued French bulldogs Eric and Peggy (the one-eyed wonder) have been his “godsend” through tough times, including online trolling during his Strictly semi-final run last year. “Dogs make me feel safe and happy,” he told The One Show, adding they’ve pulled him through mental health struggles and the “intensity” of fame.

But oh boy, did this ruffle feathers! Critics slammed Pete as “rude,” “ridiculous,” and even “offensive,” accusing him of devaluing human relationships in a world already full of loneliness. One viral X post called it “absolutely disgusting – what about your friends and family?” while another fumed, “Preferring animals over people? That’s just sad and antisocial!” The outrage spread like wildfire, with some branding him “arrogant” for using his platform to “insult humans” while promoting a dog show. Headlines screamed “Pete Wicks Faces Criticism” and “It’s Ridiculous,” painting him as the villain in a nation of supposed dog-lovers.

Yet, hold the leash – because the defense squad is OUT in force, and they’re winning! Thousands rallied behind Pete, agreeing wholeheartedly and turning the controversy into a massive love-fest for pups. Police dog hero account @K9Finn posted: “Pete Wicks faces criticism after saying he ‘prefers dogs to people.’ I agree with him. 🐾 Do you?” – racking up over 11,000 likes and 2,000 replies, mostly “YES!” Wildlife campaigner @domdyer70 echoed: “Pete Wicks Faces Criticism After Saying He ‘Prefers Dogs to People’: ‘It’s Ridiculous’ 😱 I agree with him” – 16,000 likes strong.

Fans flooded X with gems like: “Dogs never let you down or gossip about you – give me a dog any day!” (@Protect_Wldlife, 5,600 likes); “I prefer dogs to people, they are God’s creatures love you unconditionally” (@AngelaPuricell); and “Why criticism? Dogs are loyal, give you love unconditionally… People who criticise don’t deserve animals” (@judithsporty21, 46 likes). Even celebs and influencers jumped in, with posts like “Lock me up with him – dogs are better than humans!” going viral (@Farmer_Boycie, 6,000 likes).

The irony? The haters are proving Pete’s point! As one user quipped: “The criticism only validates Pete Wicks’ point about dogs versus people – dogs wouldn’t have cared!” Another: “Them criticising him is probably the exact reason he prefers dogs to humans 💖” (@carolca27483338).

Pete’s no stranger to this vibe – he’s been saying it for years. Back in 2021: “One of the main reasons I prefer dogs to people is that they don’t care what you look like… they just want love.” His activism backs it up: undercover ops shutting down dog meat farms in South Korea, fur farms in Finland, even saving a pig on Bear Grylls’ show. The docuseries? Pure passion project – six years in the making, with Pete crying “several times” over abused pups. Season 2’s already renewed, proving viewers love his raw honesty.

Social media’s a battlefield: #PeteWicks trends with memes of him cuddling dogs captioned “Team Pete!” vs. angry rants. But the pro-dog side dominates – polls show 80%+ agreeing, with comments like “Dogs > humans, always” flooding his Insta.

Pete’s response? Crickets so far – he’s too busy walking Eric and Peggy, probably. But in a world of fake smiles and backstabbing, his bluntness is refreshing. As he told heatworld: “The dog-obsessive might prefer his four-legged pals to humans… but that hasn’t stopped him from becoming a real people’s champion.”

Truth bomb: Pete’s not alone. Millions feel the same – unconditional love, no judgment, pure joy. Critics call it rude? Nah, it’s real. And honestly? After scrolling the hate, we’re grabbing our leashes too. Who’s with Pete (and us)? Team Dogs forever? 🐕❤️ Or are the haters onto something? Drop your side below – this debate’s just getting started!

Stream Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake now on U – prepare tissues, laughs, and maybe a new fur-baby adoption. Pete’s proving heroes wear leather jackets… and rescue leashes.