In the world of reality television, few stars wear their hearts on their sleeves quite like Pete Wicks. The former TOWIE hunk, known for his tattooed exterior and tough-guy persona, has always been open about his deep affection for dogs, often describing them as his true family. But a recent poignant encounter has left fans reeling, highlighting the raw pain of grief that lingers long after a beloved pet’s passing. It all unfolded on an ordinary day when Pete, amidst a whirlwind of emotions, experienced a rollercoaster that began with tears, shifted to laughter, and plummeted back into heartbreak upon sighting a dog eerily similar to his adored Theo.

Pete Wicks, now 37, has built a career on his charismatic presence, from his days on The Only Way Is Essex to his recent stint on Strictly Come Dancing, where his dance moves and vulnerability won over audiences. Yet, beyond the glitz, Pete’s life has been profoundly shaped by his four-legged companions. He has long been an advocate for animal welfare, frequently sharing stories of his own dogs on social media. His French Bulldogs, Eric and Peggy, are constant sources of joy, with Eric having been rescued from a harrowing smuggling ordeal in Lithuania. Tragically, Pete has also known the sting of loss; in 2016, he mourned the sudden death of his beloved French Bulldog Ernest, a pain that he has said changed him forever. “Dogs are everything to me,” Pete once shared in an interview. “They love unconditionally, and losing one feels like losing a piece of your soul.”

This devotion led Pete to star in the heartfelt series “For Dogs’ Sake,” where he helps rehome vulnerable canines at Dogs Trust centers. It was during filming that Pete formed an unbreakable bond with a Neapolitan Mastiff named Theo, a gentle giant diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, a severe heart condition that gave him only months to live. Pete described it as “love at first sight,” breaking down in tears upon learning of Theo’s prognosis. He launched an emotional public appeal, begging for a loving home where Theo could spend his final days in comfort rather than a kennel. Thanks to widespread support, Theo was rehomed with a caring family in July 2025, bringing Pete immense relief and joy. However, the bond lingered, with Pete admitting the experience “broke my heart” but also reinforced his mission to help more dogs.

Fast forward to a crisp autumn afternoon in 2025, and Pete found himself in a public park, perhaps seeking solace amid his busy schedule. Sources close to him say he had been reflecting on Theo’s journey, oscillating between sorrow for the dog’s fate and gratitude for the happy ending. That’s when the unexpected happened. Spotting a dog bounding across the grass, Pete’s face lit up. The pup’s build, fur pattern, and playful gait were uncannily like Theo’s – the same soulful eyes, the same enthusiastic trot. Overcome, Pete cried out, calling Theo’s name repeatedly, his voice cracking with hope. Bystanders watched as he chased after the dog, laughter bubbling up in disbelief, convinced fate had reunited him with his cherished friend.

But reality crashed down swiftly. The dog, oblivious to Pete’s calls, continued frolicking until its owner approached. “His name’s Ricky,” the stranger explained kindly, as Pete knelt down, his expression shifting from elation to devastation. It wasn’t Theo – couldn’t be. Theo, the rescue dog who had captured Pete’s heart, had passed peacefully in his new home earlier that year, succumbing to his illness despite the best care. The mix-up was a cruel twist, reopening wounds Pete thought were healing. He later confided to friends that the moment felt like “losing him all over again,” a stark reminder of how grief can ambush you in the most ordinary settings.

This incident underscores Pete’s unwavering passion for animals. Despite the pain, he continues his advocacy, recently announcing the second series of his dog-umentary, vowing to save more lives. Fans have flooded social media with support, sharing their own stories of pet loss and praising Pete’s authenticity. In a world often cynical, Pete Wicks reminds us that vulnerability is strength, and the love for a dog – whether one’s own or a rescue like Theo – transcends time and heartbreak. As Pete moves forward, laughing through the tears, his story inspires us to cherish our furry friends while we can, knowing that even in mistaken glances, their memory lives on eternally.