TOWIEstar Pete Wicks has opened up about the tragic loss of his grandmother – his “best friend” – in a new heart-wrenching Instagram post.
The reality star and Pete & Sam's Reality News host posted a picture of himself and his smiling nan, along with a black and white photo of him holding his hand in her hospital bed (with the tattoo of her name, ‘Doreen’, visible on Pete’s hand).
Pete told his fans that although he knew this day was coming, “it doesn’t make it any easier”.
The full caption read, “Nan, Despite knowing this time would always come it doesn’t make it any easier. It’s taken me days not knowing what to say because no words will ever be able to describe what you meant to me. My heart is broken and I have never felt so lost. I have been blessed to have you as my nan but more importantly to have you as my best friend. The strength, resilience, love, empathy and compassion you have shown throughout your life is a lesson to us all and without doubt the only good parts of me come from you. I hope you knew how much you were loved. Sleep well and be at peace, no one deserves it more. I love you.🦋🖤”
An array of reality star friends and colleagues have been commenting on the post since Pete sent it out on Sunday, all keen to share their condolences with the 33-year-old star.
Made in Chelsea’s Oliver Proudlock commented, “Love to you and fam my bro. 🙏🏻❤️”
Love Island’s Shaughna Phillips wrote, “💔💔💔 I’m so sorry Pete, sending you lots of love xxxxx”
Bestie Sam Thompson commented, “Love you brother, she’ll always be with you ❤️❤️❤️”
Many commented on the close relationship Pete shared with his nan, with Celebs Go Dating’s Anna Williamson saying, “We all knew how much she meant to you, and she still does ok…the greater the person the more the memories will carry you through”.
Many of those offering condolences said they knew how close Pete was with Doreen, with one recalling how his ‘face would light up’ when he spoke about her.
Pete’s mum (and Doreen’s daughter), Tracy Wicks said that she and Pete were with Doreen until the very end; right before she passed away last Monday.
She wrote on her own Instagram page, “It’s always been the three us, it always will be the three us, because although we said our last farewells to my mum last Monday, she will always be in our heart . She was loved by so many and was truly a caring compassionate person to everyone. She was a true angel and the most wonderful mother and Nan. I feel consumed with an indescribable sadness but the memories of laughter and love that we shared will always be there. @p_wicks01 and I was with her to the end and this gives me great comfort knowing she always knew how much we adored her. RIP my everything .💔”
Pet's sad news comes just days after his TOWIE co-stars were spotted filming in the Dominican Republic for series 30 of the hit ITVBe show. It's believed that Pete will appear in the new series but has yet to be confirmed.