BBC Strictly Come Dancing’s Pete Wicks admitted he ‘cried several times’ while shooting an upcoming show. The former TOWIE star has been working with Dogs Trust, in Basildon, to rescue and rehabilitate vulnerable dogs.
He admitted filming for a new series about the dogs was ’emotionally difficult’. Pete said he even cried as he watched dogs arrive at the centre following a ‘bad start in life’.
Pete has two rescued French bulldogs Eric and Peggy. He told Radio Times : “It might sound harsh, but it’s true – I prefer dogs to people.
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“I don’t think you realise how much dogs will change things until you have one.” Discussing the new show, Pete went on to say: “Filming the series was a privilege, but also emotionally difficult.
“I don’t mind saying that. I cried several times. It’s heartbreaking when you witness a dog arrive after a bad start in life, you can see the sadness in their eyes.” Pete told how he had been wanting to film a documentary on rescued dogs for some time, Digital Spy reports.
The reality TV star wants to raise awareness on the number of dogs still in rescue centres across the UK and waiting to find a new forever home. Pete said: “It’s a series I’ve been desperate to do for a decade. Why?
“Well, it’s estimated that there are around 100,000 dogs in UK rescue centres. But only one in five people who get a dog, get a rescue.”
Earlier this year, Pete took part in series 22 of Strictly Come Dancing with pro partner Jowita Przystał. The couple reached the semi-finals and were eliminated in Week 12 after a dance-off with Aljaž Škorjanec and Tasha Ghouri.
Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake will air on U and U&W on January 7, 2025.