Strictly Come Dancing star Pete Wicks got emotional while filming his new documentary show, For Dogs’ Sake.

The TOWIE star has been working with Dogs Trust in Basildon to rescue and rehabilitate vulnerable dogs. Pete, who has two rescued French bulldogs, Eric and Peggy, said he cried several times whilst shooting the show.

“It might sound harsh, but it’s true – I prefer dogs to people,” he told Radio Times.

pete wicks for dog's sake

UKTV
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“I don’t think you realise how much dogs will change things until you have one.”

He added of the new show: “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 also said he’d been wanting to film a documentary on rescued dogs for a while. His intent is to raise awareness on the number of pups still in rescue centres across the UK and waiting to find a new forever home.

pete wicks for dog's sake

UKTV
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“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,” he said. “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.