He’s the inked-up reality heartthrob who tangoed his way into the nation’s affections on Strictly Come Dancing, but behind the glitz and glamour, Pete Wicks is nursing a shattered heart after the gut-wrenching loss of his ‘best friend’ – his adored French bulldog, Peggy.

The 37-year-old TOWIE veteran, who dazzled on the BBC dancefloor last year with pro partner Jowita Przystal amid sizzling romance rumours, has finally opened up about the ‘complete brokenness’ he’s felt since Peggy’s untimely passing just weeks before Christmas – a blow that left him reeling and fans in pieces.

In an emotional Instagram post that racked up thousands of sympathetic likes, Pete poured out his soul: ‘I’m completely broken. Peggy has died – just weeks after months of treatment. She was my everything.’

The devastating news came hot on the heels of Pete sharing that his furry companion had been battling a mystery illness, with vets pulling out all the stops in a desperate bid to save her. But alas, the plucky pup – who often stole the show on Pete’s social media with her cheeky antics – couldn’t pull through, leaving her devoted owner ‘utterly alone’ in his grief.

Now, as the new year dawns, Pete has bravely given fans an update on how he’s coping – revealing a major career move that’s set to catapult him back into the spotlight, even as he wipes away the tears.

Speaking exclusively to pals and in a heartfelt chat on his podcast with best mate Sam Thompson, Pete confessed: ‘It’s been a tough week, lads. Losing Peggy broke my heart – she was my shadow, my little sidekick through all the madness. But I’ve got to keep going. This is all I’ve wanted – and I’ve just signed on for a massive new TV project.’

Insiders whisper the gig could be a high-profile presenting role or even a spin-off show with Sam, capitalising on their bromance that’s become TV gold. ‘Pete’s resilience is inspiring,’ one source told us. ‘He’s turning pain into purpose – expect big things in 2026.’

Pete’s journey to this point has been anything but smooth. Born Peter James Wicks in Harlow, Essex, the self-confessed ‘bad boy’ burst onto screens in 2015 as the brooding newcomer on The Only Way Is Essex, where his stormy romances – including a rollercoaster fling with Megan McKenna – kept viewers hooked for years.

Tattoos snaking across his chiselled torso, Pete quickly became the show’s resident heartbreaker, but off-screen, he was hiding depths of vulnerability. He opened up about his tough upbringing, raised by a single mum after his dad walked out when he was just 11 – a betrayal that left lasting scars.

‘My nan Doreen was my rock,’ Pete has said in past interviews. Tragically, she passed away in 2022, prompting another outpouring of grief that saw him step back from the limelight. ‘She was my best friend,’ he wept at the time, sharing poignant snaps of the pair together.

It was during this dark period that Peggy entered his life – a wrinkly bundle of joy adopted as a pup, who Pete credits with pulling him through. ‘She saved me,’ he gushed in one post, showing the duo cuddled up on the sofa. Peggy became a staple in his feeds, from walks in the park to red carpet cameos, melting hearts everywhere.

Fast-forward to 2024, and Pete swapped Essex drama for ballroom bling on Strictly Come Dancing. Paired with the stunning Jowita, 30, their chemistry was electric – from steamy tangos to flirty foxtrots that had judges swooning and fans shipping ‘Pewita’ harder than ever.

‘There’s something there,’ tongues wagged, especially after cosy off-screen snaps and Pete’s protective arm around her during results shows. But Pete played coy: ‘We’re just mates – but she’s incredible.’

Despite a semi-final exit, Pete’s stint was a triumph, boosting his profile and landing him spots on everything from Loose Women to Celebrity Juice. Yet, as the glitter faded, Peggy’s health woes hit hard.

In November, Pete alarmed followers by revealing she’d been ‘undergoing months of treatment’ – vet visits, meds, the works. ‘She’s a fighter,’ he posted, alongside a pic of her looking frail but fierce.

Then, the hammer blow in mid-December: Peggy’s passing. Pete’s tribute was raw: ‘I’m completely broken. She was my world. Rest easy, my girl.’

Fans flooded his comments with support: ‘Devastated for you, Pete – Peggy was a legend!’ one wrote. Another added: ‘Sending hugs – dogs are family.’

Even celeb pals like Zara McDermott and Vicky Pattison chimed in: ‘Heartbroken for you, mate.’

But true to form, Pete’s not one to wallow. In his latest update, he teased: ‘This is all I’ve wanted – new beginnings.’ Sources say the ‘exciting career news’ involves a potential Netflix docu-series on his life, or fronting a pet welfare campaign in Peggy’s memory.

‘He’s channeling the grief,’ our insider spilled. ‘Pete’s talking about adopting again – but for now, work is his therapy.’

As Pete soldiers on, his story resonates with anyone who’s lost a pet. ‘They’re not just animals – they’re soulmates,’ he once said.

From TOWIE tearaways to Strictly stardom, Pete Wicks has proven he’s got the grit to rise above tragedy. With a new chapter beckoning, this heartbroken hunk is ready to dance through the pain – Peggy forever in his heart.