He’s the tattooed TOWIE bad boy who surprised the nation by becoming Strictly Come Dancing’s most improved star – waltzing his way into our hearts with partner Jowita Przystał and even bagging a spot in the quarter-finals.

But now, Pete Wicks has sent fans into an absolute meltdown with the most wholesome career update imaginable: he’s returning for a third series of his hit dog rescue show, declaring on national TV that working with pooches every day is “all I’ve ever wanted.”

The 37-year-old reality favourite, still mourning the heartbreaking loss of his beloved nan Peggy and his French Bulldog of the same name, appeared on BBC’s The One Show last night to promote the new season of For The Love Of Dogs (working title, in partnership with Dogs Trust).

“Honestly, it’s the best thing,” Pete gushed, his trademark gruff voice softening as he spoke about spending his days surrounded by rescue pups. “I can’t believe my luck every time I go to the rehoming centre – genuinely, it’s not work at all. For me, I get to spend my day with all sorts of different dogs, and it’s a running joke on set that every dog I meet is my favourite.

“It’s just the best thing in the world – this is all I’ve ever wanted to do. If I could do this till the day I die, I’ll be happy.”

Cue millions of viewers reaching for the tissues! In a world of flashy celeb gigs and red-carpet drama, Pete’s raw passion for animal welfare has cemented him as the ultimate good guy – and social media is exploding with praise.

“Pete Wicks saying working with dogs is all he’s ever wanted – I’m sobbing,” one fan posted on X. Another added: “From TOWIE lad to Strictly quarter-finalist to dog saviour – Pete is living his best life and we stan!”

The announcement comes just weeks after Pete’s emotional exit from Strictly 2024, where his chemistry with Polish pro Jowita sparked endless romance rumours (which both have firmly denied, insisting they’re “just mates”).

But while the glitterball dream may have ended, Pete’s real passion has always been four-legged and furry. Long before the sequins, he was a vocal advocate for rescue dogs, often sharing snaps of his own pets – including the late Peggy, who passed away last year, and his elderly Pomeranian Eric.

Tragically, Pete also lost his grandmother Peggy around the same time, making the double grief “unbearable” – but he’s channelled that pain into helping other abandoned animals find their forever homes.

The new series will see Pete back at Dogs Trust centres across the UK, meeting heartbreaking cases of dumped and neglected dogs, helping with rehoming, and even taking some furry friends on playdates to boost their confidence.

Insiders tell Daily Mail that filming is already underway, with Pete throwing himself into the project as a “healing process” after his losses.

“He’s been through hell this past year,” a source close to the star revealed. “Losing his dog Peggy and his nan – both his absolute world – hit him hard. But being around the rescue dogs lights him up like nothing else. It’s therapy for him, and he’s determined to raise even more awareness this time.”

Pete’s love for dogs isn’t new – fans will remember his emotional appearances on previous seasons, where he helped rehome everything from scared staffies to elderly spaniels. One memorable episode saw him in tears as he found a home for a blind puppy.

Now, with his Strictly fame boosting his profile, bosses hope the third series will be the biggest yet – potentially saving thousands more lives.

And let’s not forget how Strictly transformed Pete. The self-confessed “non-dancer” stunned judges with his improvement, earning praise from Craig Revel Horwood for his “commitment” and even a cheeky 10 from Motsi Mabuse during Movie Week.

His partnership with Jowita was pure TV gold – full of laughs, lingering looks, and that viral American Smooth that had everyone shipping #Pewita.

Though they insisted it was platonic, Pete admitted on podcasts that Jowita “changed his life” by teaching him vulnerability on the dancefloor.

Post-Strictly, offers have flooded in – podcasts, tours, even acting gigs – but Pete’s prioritising what truly matters: the dogs.

He’s also been spotted supporting best mate Sam Thompson and hanging with new Strictly pals like Vicky Pattison, who teased a joint project earlier this week.

But it’s the dog show that’s got him beaming. “I want every dog,” he laughed on The One Show, before adding seriously: “But I practise what I preach. I’ve got a pretty unusual life with work and everything, so it’s about finding the right dog that suits your lifestyle. And right now, with Eric being 12, it has to be right for him too.”

Fans are already begging Pete to adopt another pup live on air – but he’s taking it slow, focusing on the rescues first.

As Britain battles the post-Christmas blues and shelters overflow with unwanted pets, Pete’s joyful update couldn’t be more timely.

Animal charities have hailed him a “hero,” with Dogs Trust saying: “Pete’s passion is infectious – he’s helping change lives, one waggy tail at a time.”

From Essex lad to reality king to Strictly sensation – and now official dog whisperer – Pete Wicks is proof that sometimes, the best careers are the ones that make your heart full.

And if this series saves even more souls? Well, that’s the real glitterball prize.

Keep doing you, Pete – we’re all cheering (and crying happy tears) for you!