😭 “FROM HEARTBREAK TO HERO” — Pete Wicks’ Jaw-Dropping Transformation on For Dogs’ Sake Has Viewers in Tears! 🐶❤️

From TOWIE bad boy and Strictly dancer to the nation’s most heartfelt dog rescuer… Pete Wicks never saw this coming. What started as a side passion exploded into a life-changing series where he dives headfirst into the raw world of abandoned pups, cancer diagnoses, hoarder rescues, and emotional rehoming moments that leave everyone sobbing.

Read more:

Pete Wicks, the 36-year-old former TOWIE star known for his reality TV persona and appearances on Strictly Come Dancing, has undergone a remarkable career pivot with the hit series Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake. Now in its third series on the free-to-air channel U&W (and streaming on U), the show has positioned Wicks as an unexpected champion for animal welfare, drawing comparisons to the late Paul O’Grady and prompting an emotional outpouring from viewers who praise his authenticity and compassion.

The series, produced by BBC Studios Entertainment, follows Wicks as he immerses himself in the daily operations of Dogs Trust rehoming centres, primarily the Basildon facility where he adopted his French bulldog Eric in 2016. Episodes chronicle the full journey of rescue dogs—from intake and medical assessments to rehabilitation, behavioral training, and eventual rehoming—while highlighting the challenges faced by staff, volunteers, and the animals themselves.

Wicks’ involvement began modestly. A longtime dog lover who launched his own animal welfare platform, he initially partnered with Dogs Trust as an advocate. The first series, which aired in early 2025, captured a life-changing summer at the Basildon centre, showcasing everything from pregnant pugs seized at borders to abandoned terriers facing tough medical decisions. Viewers quickly warmed to Wicks’ low-key style: empathetic, understated, and deeply moved by the stories unfolding around him.

The show’s impact was immediate and measurable. During its initial run, Dogs Trust reported a 30% surge in adoption applications, increased footfall at rehoming centres, and heightened donations. The Basildon page saw record views, and the series earned the Best Popular Factual Programme award at the Broadcast Digital Awards, a validation of its blend of heartwarming moments and hard-hitting realities of rescue work.

Viewer reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. On platforms like IMDb and social media, fans describe breaking down in tears during episodes featuring dogs diagnosed with cancer or recovering from neglect. One reviewer noted, “I was devastated when Paul O’Grady passed and never thought another human being would have that passion… Pete Wicks is so natural in his love and passion.” Others praised his calm demeanor, saying he avoids the over-the-top hosting common in pet shows, allowing the dogs and staff to take center stage.

Emotional peaks include scenes where Wicks holds back tears over a rescue dog’s cancer diagnosis, evoking “painful memories” he has referenced in interviews. In another, he helps rehabilitate ex-racing greyhounds or rescues Chihuahuas from hoarders. These moments contrast sharply with Wicks’ earlier public image as a reality TV personality often linked to drama and nightlife.

Wicks has spoken openly about the personal fulfillment the show provides. In a January 2026 Radio Times interview, he explained his drive to “give a voice to the voiceless,” questioning why more celebrities with platforms don’t advocate for animals. He described dogs and motorbikes as his “happy place” and admitted the work is emotionally draining but rewarding. Wicks has said he would “die a happy man” if he could spend his life caring for dogs, a sentiment echoed in his preference for rescue animals over people in some contexts.

The series’ success led to swift recommissioning. After the first run, UKTV ordered a second series, a Christmas special, and a third—premiering January 5, 2026, at 9 p.m. on U&W. The Christmas special featured returning dogs and holiday-themed stories, while the current season continues exploring centres across the country, including trips to Northern Ireland for stray pickups and cases involving puppies with serious conditions.

Wicks’ background adds layers to his unexpected role. Rising to fame on The Only Way Is Essex in 2015, he later competed on Strictly Come Dancing, hosted on KISS radio, and built a podcasting career. Yet he has distanced himself from much of reality TV, admitting he doesn’t watch his own shows except For Dogs’ Sake (due to his associate producer role). The dog series offers a fresh, compassionate side, surprising even skeptics who knew him primarily from tabloid coverage.

Dogs Trust staff, including Rehoming Centre Manager Lisa Cooper, have credited the show with raising awareness and boosting support. The charity emphasizes the selfless work of carers dealing with behavioral issues, medical emergencies, and emotional attachments to long-term residents. Wicks often highlights these teams, calling their dedication “genuinely incredible.”

Recent episodes have featured poignant cases, such as a Belgian Malinois puppy named Gelert seeking a forever home after starring on the show, or dogs overcoming abandonment and health scares. Wicks’ personal life intersects too—he recently welcomed a new four-month-old pup named Rodney after a previous loss, underscoring his commitment off-screen.

The show’s format—heartfelt, informative, and free of sensationalism—has filled a gap left by O’Grady’s For the Love of Dogs. Fans frequently call for more episodes, with comments like “Binged and LOVED it… Haven’t loved a show like this since Paul O’Grady passed.” The emotional authenticity, combined with real-world outcomes like increased adoptions, has cemented its appeal.

As the third series unfolds, Wicks continues balancing advocacy with his broader career. He remains an ambassador for Dogs Trust and uses his platform to push for better animal welfare. Whether this marks a permanent shift toward factual entertainment or a cherished side project, the response is clear: viewers are moved, inspired, and emotionally invested.

Pete Wicks’ journey from reality TV fixture to the face of a beloved rescue series illustrates how passion can redefine a public figure. For Dogs’ Sake not only spotlights vulnerable dogs but also reveals a side of Wicks that resonates deeply—proving that sometimes, the most unexpected heroes emerge when least anticipated.