In the whirlwind world of reality TV, where drama often unfolds on screen, Pete Wicks’ most raw and unfiltered moment recently played out far from the cameras – in the quiet vulnerability of a vet’s office and the warmth of his own home. The 37-year-old former The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE) star and Strictly Come Dancing alum confessed to fans that he’d endured a “tough week,” one that nearly cost him the life of his cherished French Bulldog, Peggy. Sharing a tender Instagram Story of the duo cuddling, Pete’s caption hit like a gut punch: “So happy to get my Peggy back! It’s been a tough week… I nearly lost her and she’s been through the wars, but if ever there was a dog that never gives up… it’s Peggy. We’ve got months of treatment ahead but she’s got this.”

Peggy, the one-eyed rescue pup who’s become a social media sensation alongside her brother Eric, has long been a beacon of joy for Pete. Adopted from the French Bulldog Saviours charity – where Pete serves as an ambassador – she’s known for her boundless energy and quirky personality, often dubbed “Pirate Peggy” for her distinctive look and spirited demeanor. Pete, an outspoken dog lover who once quipped, “I prefer dogs to people,” has built much of his public persona around his furry family. His 2024 book For the Love of Frenchies chronicles their antics, from Eric’s submissive sweetness to Peggy’s “lunatic” zoomies, highlighting the unconditional love that pets provide amid his high-profile life. Yet, this scare peeled back the glamour, revealing the profound bond that anchors the podcaster’s chaotic schedule.

The ordeal unfolded in mid-July 2025, catching fans off guard. Weeks prior, Pete had been riding high: headlining London’s O2 Arena with bestie Sam Thompson for their Staying Relevant podcast tour, interviewing the Prime Minister for Man Made, and teasing a festive special of his hit show Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake. That series, which premiered in January 2025 on U and U&W, follows Pete’s immersive volunteer work at Basildon’s Dogs Trust rehoming center. There, he rehabilitates vulnerable canines, from blind pups like Tim – whose forever-home reveal left him in tears on camera – to larger breeds struggling amid the cost-of-living crisis. “Filming was a privilege, but emotionally difficult,” Pete reflected earlier this year. “I cried several times. It’s heartbreaking to see the sadness in their eyes.”

But real life eclipsed the script when Peggy’s health plummeted. Details remain private – French Bulldogs’ brachycephalic snouts make them prone to respiratory woes, allergies, and spinal issues – but Pete’s update hinted at a grueling battle. Eric, her gentle companion, waited loyally at home, a poignant reminder of the duo’s shared history. Pete and Eric once grieved a previous loss by sleeping on the bathroom floor for weeks, a testament to the podcaster’s depth. “They don’t care what’s happening in your life,” he’s said. “They just give unconditional love.”

As August dawned, Pete sparked fresh worries with a vet revisit post, but his optimism shone through. By December, amid Christmas prep and For Dogs’ Sake‘s emotional holiday episode – where he fought tears over rehomed strays – whispers of loss surfaced in interviews. Whether Peggy pulled through or not, her legacy endures in Pete’s advocacy. He’s vowed to adopt again, ensuring Eric isn’t alone, while pushing for better rescue awareness. “Only one in five people get a rescue dog,” he laments. “If people could be more like dogs, the world would be better.”

Pete’s saga underscores a universal truth: fame’s spotlight fades against a wagging tail. In a year of triumphs – from Strictly semis to bestselling books – this “tough week” reminded us why we root for him. Not for the headlines, but the heart. As he navigates grief or recovery, one thing’s clear: Peggy’s fighter spirit lives on, mirrored in her dad’s unyielding devotion. In the end, it’s not the glamour that defines Pete Wicks – it’s the paw prints on his soul.