Pete Wicks, the 37-year-old former star of The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE), delved into his personal struggles 

and evolving relationships in a candid interview on Paul C. Brunson’s We Need To Talk podcast. 

In an emotional conversation, Wicks reflected on his childhood trauma, his deepening bond with Maura Higgins, 

and the pivotal moments that have shaped his life.

Reflecting on Childhood Trauma

During the podcast, Pete opened up about the profound impact of his mother’s suicide attempt when he was just 12 years old. 

His mother, Tracy, battled depression and alcoholism following her divorce, which culminated in a harrowing event that left a lasting mark on Pete.

“My mum struggled with depression and alcoholism. One night, it got too much for her, and she tried to take her own life. I found her, and that was tough,” Pete revealed, fighting back tears.

The traumatic incident left him grappling with feelings of responsibility and inadequacy. “I felt like I wasn’t enough. I thought I could have stopped it, and that weighed heavily on me,” he admitted. Despite these challenges, Pete acknowledged that his mother’s eventual recovery brought them closer, with Tracy describing the incident as a “moment of madness” she deeply regretted.

A Blossoming Relationship with Maura Higgins

Pete also discussed his relationship with Maura Higgins, with whom he has grown increasingly close. The pair, who have been friends for six years, started dating in August 2024. Pete shared his admiration for Maura, praising her intelligence, wit, and unwavering support.

“Maura is an incredible person. She has a great sense of humor, she’s super intelligent, and people don’t always see that side of her,” he said. Pete highlighted how they have supported each other through challenging times, including his stint on Strictly Come Dancing and her appearance on I’m A Celebrity.

Although he stopped short of labeling their relationship as something more formal, Pete admitted, “We do spend more time together now, and it’s fun being around her. She’s a great person to spend time with.”

Coping with Loss and Seeking Help

Pete also touched on the grief he experienced after losing his beloved grandmother, Doreen, which became a turning point in his emotional journey. “When my nan passed, I realized I needed help. I’d never felt so alone. She was my safety net, and when that was gone, I had to learn to rely on myself,” he confessed.

Pete acknowledged that he hadn’t fully processed his grief until recently. “For a long time, I shut down emotionally. Now, three years later, I’m starting to open up and confront those feelings.”

Public Scrutiny and Life Beyond TOWIE

Pete’s time on TOWIE brought him both fame and challenges, including public backlash after his tumultuous relationship with Megan McKenna. Their highly publicized breakup, fueled by allegations of infidelity, made Pete the target of vitriol.

“I was getting death threats, people spat at me in the street, and I was sent videos of dolls hanging from trees,” Pete recalled. Despite the backlash, he emphasized that his focus was on the pain he caused Megan. “I felt so guilty. I never meant to hurt her.”

The experience led Pete to separate his public persona from his private life. “There’s the public me and the private me. I’ve learned to protect the vulnerable side of myself,” he said.

A New Chapter

Now in a reflective stage of his life, Pete has moved away from the drama of reality TV to prioritize his emotional well-being and personal growth. He expressed gratitude for his past experiences but emphasized the importance of his current path.

“Life now is about being authentic and focusing on what truly matters,” Pete concluded.

This heartfelt interview provided a rare glimpse into Pete Wicks’ journey of resilience, self-discovery, and love, highlighting the complexities behind the reality TV star’s public image.

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