We've always had a bit of a soft spot for TOWIE star turned podcaster Pete Wicks here at Closer.
Forgive the cliché, but he's just not like the other celebs. He's not afraid to tell anyone what he thinks, he rarely listens to the advice of PRs, he openly hates the world of celebrity and reality telly (ironically), he has tattoos everywhere and is in to motorbikes... oh, and his long, unruly hair is a big middle finger to the skin fade era. All in all, the crush is real and couldn't get any stronger.
Earlier this month the BBC confirmed that Pete is joining the line-up of Strictly Come Dancing 2024, and as a result – in true showbiz journo/celeb obsessive fashion – we decided to do a deep dive into his socials and the socials of those closest to him, and what we discovered shocked even us...
While on his mum Tracy's Instagram (a true legend btw) we essentially entered the Pete Wicks multiverse; not only did we find a snap of Pete with short hair and moustache, but we found a throwback snap of a fully shaven Pete with short hair and no tattoos (from WELL over a decade ago). All we have to say is: WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE?
Speaking about his new venture on Strictly 2024 late this year, Pete said, "Dancing live in front of the nation every Saturday? Absolutely terrifying. But anyone who knows me knows I love a challenge and trying new things, so I'm genuinely looking forward to getting stuck in."
Remember when Pete Wicks cut his hair?
In August 2023, Closer Online awoke to the shocking news that Pete had done the unthinkable – he had cut his hair. To hear this news before actually seeing the results or having our morning iced coffee is NOT the way anyone should have to start their wholesome day.
However, once we logged on to Instagram and spent a creepy amount of time closely analysing the new grid photo, we realised we had nothing to worry about; in fact, the cut has moved Pete from a 10 to an 11.
Pete took to Instagram on Wednesday 16 August 2023 to share a snap of his new haircut with his 1.4m followers and we have to say, it's a serious slay.
Also panic over, because in our minds he'd shaved it all off.
WARNING: Do not look directly into his eyes. You'll drown.
Pete shared a snap of his shorter new hair – which we're calling the 'pirate bob' – coupled with a sharp looking beard trim and the caption, "🏴☠️."
Naturally, the comments have been popping off since he posted the picture.
First Dates star Cici Coleman wrote, "Well hello Mr Wicks. I feel this suits you better than the disheveled mop look 😘."
WBA world champion Shannon Courtenay commented, "We approve of the bob."
While one fan simply wrote, "I need to stop falling in love with men who don’t know I exist."
Hard relate.
Pete Wicks' '1970 porn star' makeover
Earlier on in 2023, Pete posted a few outfit pics on his Instagram profile, one was of the charmer looking all kinds of dapper kitted out in a black suit, while the other two featured Pete in much more casual cool ensembles made up of a white tee with jeans and a beanie hat.
Adding the caption, "A delightful selection of mirror selfies because I have f**k all else to post… 🪞 📸," the blue-eyed lothario’s comment section was quickly filled with people loving all three looks.
“Looking sharp my man!!” and “Style on point” were some of the compliments Pete received.
All lovely, well-intentioned compliments from Pete's adoring fans, but one person commented, "1970 porn star vibes …. 😂👌🏻" referring to Pete's rather handlebar-esque moustache that is certainly looking slightly more prominent than usual.
Pete's pal Tommy Brady was also a fan of the facial hair as he wrote, "A delightful tashe that mate 😂👌🏻," although he didn't comment on Pete's potential future as a pornstar.
Perhaps he should change his name from Pirate Pete to Pornstache Pete.
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Ben Pulsford is a digital writer for Bauer Media, writing for both Closer online and heatworld. When he's not getting paid to gossip about Big Brother, Love Island and The Real Housewives of Cheshire, he's storming the London LGBTQ+ scene as drag queen, Beary Poppins. Both Ben and Beary are awaiting an invite to join The Real Housewives of Cheshire for series 18. The budget's not there, but the drama is 💅