Pete Wicks, the British television personality best known for his appearances on The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE), has remained one of the UK’s most talked-about reality stars. His personal life, especially his relationships, continues to spark immense public curiosity. Fans frequently search for “Pete Wicks girlfriend” to uncover who he’s dating, how his romantic life has evolved, and whether the self-proclaimed “lone wolf” has finally settled down.
In 2025, rumours, headlines, and social media buzz have reignited interest in Wicks’s love life — from his former high-profile romances to new dating whispers making rounds on X, Instagram, and YouTube gossip channels. This article explores Pete Wicks’s relationship history, his approach to love and fame, the speculation surrounding his current girlfriend, and the cultural fascination that keeps his name trending.
Pete Wicks remains one of British reality TV’s most intriguing figures, blending rugged charm with romantic unpredictability. Whether single or coupled up, he continues to dominate celebrity relationship talk across social media and entertainment outlets.
Who Is Pete Wicks?
Pete Wicks, born on 1 November 1988 in Harlow, Essex, rose to fame through ITVBe’s The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE) in 2015. His distinctive long hair, tattoos, and charismatic persona quickly made him a fan favourite. Beyond TOWIE, Wicks has also appeared on Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls, Celebs Go Dating, Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, and several podcasts and charity ventures.
Off-screen, Wicks is known for his outspoken views on mental health, veganism, and animal welfare. Despite being typecast as the archetypal “bad boy,” his fans recognise his sincerity and emotional depth.
However, it’s his love life — full of passion, heartbreak, and public scrutiny — that keeps him in constant headlines.
Pete Wicks’s Dating History: From Reality Romances to Private Affairs
Megan McKenna: The Explosive TOWIE Love Story
Pete Wicks’s most talked-about relationship was with X Factor and Celebrity Big Brother star Megan McKenna. The pair’s on-and-off romance became one of TOWIE’s biggest storylines between 2016 and 2017.
Their fiery relationship was marked by frequent arguments, tabloid speculation, and emotional moments on-screen. According to The Sun and OK! Magazine, they split after allegations of Pete texting other women — something he later addressed, admitting he “messed up” and wasn’t ready for a serious relationship at the time.
Despite their turbulent breakup, both have since moved on. Megan has pursued a successful country music career, while Pete continues to reflect on the relationship as a turning point in his personal growth.
Shelby Tribble: A Short-Lived Romance
In 2018, Pete began dating model and TOWIE co-star Shelby Tribble. Their relationship, while initially promising, was short-lived. Reports suggested Pete struggled with emotional openness, while Shelby wanted more stability.
After their breakup, Shelby went on to date and later have a child with footballer Sam Mucklow. Pete has since described Shelby as “a good person who deserved better,” revealing his tendency toward self-sabotage when it comes to love.
Ella Rae Wise and Chloe Sims: Complicated Friendships
Rumours of romantic connections between Pete and Ella Rae Wise surfaced in 2021 after they were seen leaving parties together. Although both denied being an official couple, fans speculated about their chemistry.
His long-running friendship with Chloe Sims, however, remains one of the most complex relationships in British reality television. The two shared an undeniable emotional bond that often crossed into romantic territory.
In 2022, during a candid interview on Celebs Go Dating: The Mansion, Pete admitted he and Chloe had been “more than friends for years.” Their connection eventually cooled off, but their shared history continues to be referenced by fans.
Who Is Pete Wicks Dating in 2025?
As of 2025, Pete Wicks has kept his relationship status relatively private. However, social media speculation has intensified following sightings of Wicks attending several public events with a mystery brunette identified by fans as London-based model and influencer Hannah Crossley.
While neither has confirmed the relationship, Hannah’s subtle interactions on Pete’s Instagram posts have fueled rumours. Entertainment outlets like Daily Mail and The Mirror have published images of the two dining in Soho and attending charity galas together in early 2025.
Pete, known for maintaining discretion after years of media scrutiny, hinted during a podcast interview that he’s “seeing someone away from the cameras” but “taking things slow.”
If the rumours are accurate, it marks a significant shift in Wicks’s dating approach — from publicised TV romances to a more private, mature relationship dynamic.
How Fame Shaped Pete Wicks’s Love Life
Pete’s fame has always been both a blessing and a curse. Being a public figure means every aspect of his relationships is magnified. In an interview with The Guardian, he once said, “It’s hard to find something real when everyone thinks they already know who you are.”
This insight reflects how social media, paparazzi, and fan culture can complicate intimacy. Pete’s relationships often became storylines rather than personal experiences, leading him to adopt a guarded attitude toward love.
In 2023, he stepped away from reality television to focus on advocacy and content creation, launching his own podcast Staying Free with Pete Wicks. This move helped him regain control of his image and allowed him to discuss deeper issues like vulnerability and emotional resilience — a side fans rarely saw on TOWIE.
Pete Wicks’s Current Priorities Beyond Dating
Though fans are eager for updates about Pete’s girlfriend, his personal evolution is equally significant. In 2025, he remains heavily involved in animal welfare, mental health campaigns, and podcasting.
He’s also built a strong digital presence, boasting over 1.2 million Instagram followers and using his platform for positive influence rather than just fame. Wicks regularly collaborates with brands that align with his values, including eco-friendly grooming products and ethical fashion.
Romantically, he has expressed a desire for stability and authenticity. During a recent appearance on Loose Women, he said, “At 36, I’m not looking for drama. I just want peace and a partner who understands my world but doesn’t live in it.”
Why Fans Are Obsessed With Pete Wicks’s Love Life
Charisma and Mystery
Pete’s appeal lies in his combination of confidence, humour, and emotional complexity. Fans find his mix of “bad boy” aesthetics and genuine kindness compelling. This duality fuels constant curiosity about who he’s dating and how he navigates love.
Social Media Influence
On Instagram, posts featuring Pete’s personal reflections, tattoos, and travel diaries often receive thousands of comments asking about his girlfriend. TikTok compilations titled “Pete Wicks’s best romantic moments” continue to trend, racking up millions of views.
He remains one of the most-searched reality TV figures in the UK according to Google Trends, with “Pete Wicks girlfriend 2025” seeing a 300% spike in search volume in the past six months.
Reality TV Legacy
Reality TV built his image — and fans remain emotionally invested. TOWIE, Celebs Go Dating, and SAS: Who Dares Wins showcased different sides of Pete, making his personal life an ongoing storyline even after leaving the shows.
How Pete Wicks Handles Public Speculation
Pete has learned to navigate the relentless curiosity around his private life with grace. While younger, he often responded to rumours directly through interviews or social media. Now, he takes a more composed stance.
“I’ve realised that people will believe what they want,” he told Heat Magazine. “The best thing I can do is live my truth quietly.”
This shift toward privacy resonates with many celebrities seeking balance between fame and personal boundaries. His approach is now seen as mature and self-protective rather than evasive.
Lessons from Pete Wicks’s Relationships
Pete’s journey reflects a common modern dilemma: balancing vulnerability with privacy in a hyper-connected world. His experiences offer insights for anyone navigating dating under social scrutiny.
Authenticity matters more than image.
Learning from heartbreak builds emotional intelligence.
Privacy can protect relationships from unnecessary strain.
Public personas rarely reflect private realities.
Growth means redefining what love and success mean personally.
These lessons, though drawn from celebrity life, resonate universally in the age of digital relationships and online exposure.
Real-Life Examples and Celebrity Parallels
Wicks’s shift toward a quieter romantic life mirrors other British celebrities who transitioned from public relationships to private commitments. Stars like Olly Murs, Vicky Pattison, and Maya Jama have also spoken about the value of keeping romance off-camera.
This trend reflects a cultural evolution — where fame and love can coexist without constant validation from fans or tabloids.
2025 Trends in Celebrity Relationships
Recent 2025 trends indicate that UK audiences are drawn to authenticity and emotional intelligence over scandal. Podcasts and reality shows focusing on “real love” and vulnerability — such as Love, Actually: The Podcast and Heart to Heart — have replaced gossip-fuelled formats.
Pete Wicks embodies this new model. His honesty about mental health, self-improvement, and love makes him a relatable figure in an industry once dominated by superficiality.
Expert Insights on Relationship Privacy
Psychologists and media experts note that celebrities like Pete Wicks benefit from controlled transparency. Dr Emma Kenny, a UK behavioural psychologist, recently noted that “When public figures create healthy boundaries, it fosters respect rather than suspicion.”
Wicks’s new approach aligns with this insight, prioritising mental peace over constant validation — a lesson for both fans and public personalities alike.
FAQs
Who is Pete Wicks dating in 2025?
While unconfirmed, Pete has been linked to model and influencer Hannah Crossley. Neither has publicly confirmed the relationship, but they have been seen together in London.
Has Pete Wicks been married before?
No, Pete Wicks has never been married. Though he’s had several long-term relationships, he remains unmarried as of 2025.
What happened between Pete Wicks and Megan McKenna?
Their relationship ended in 2017 after personal and trust-related issues. Both have since moved on and maintain mutual respect.
Is Pete Wicks still friends with Chloe Sims?
Yes, though their relationship has evolved. They remain close friends but are no longer romantically involved.
What is Pete Wicks doing now?
In 2025, Pete focuses on his podcast Staying Free with Pete Wicks, mental health advocacy, and animal welfare initiatives, while maintaining a quieter personal life.
Final Thoughts
Pete Wicks’s love life has fascinated the UK for nearly a decade — a blend of passion, vulnerability, and reinvention. From public heartbreaks to private healing, his journey reveals how fame reshapes love and identity.
In 2025, Wicks seems more content than ever, prioritising emotional maturity over media attention. Whether or not he’s in a relationship, his story reflects personal evolution — one that resonates beyond celebrity culture.
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