Pete Wicks is stepping back from the bright lights of the dance floor to take on one of his most heartfelt projects yet—a documentary series dedicated to rescue dogs. After captivating audiences on Strictly Come Dancing, Wicks is ready to share his passion for animal welfare through his new show, For Dogs' Sake, which premieres on January 7, 2025.
Wicks, known for his roles on reality television and his charismatic presence, found himself immersed within the dog rescue community, filming at various Dogs Trust locations across the UK, including Basildon, Harefield, Leeds, and Ballymena. "Dogs are central to my life, and I am incredibly passionate about animal welfare," he stated, emphasizing his commitment to bringing attention to the need for dog adoption.
During the show's filming, Wicks had hands-on involvement with the dogs, engaging not only with the pups but also with the dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to provide shelter and second chances to these animals. The series captures Wicks weighing newborn puppies, witnessing life-saving medical procedures as they undergo surgeries, and nurturing the plight of at-risk dogs.
Reflecting on his time filming, Wicks shared, "It’s not about me, it's about the dogs and the people who work at the shelters who help these dogs find a second chance." His passion for the topic shines through as he aims to connect the audience viscerally to the stories of these animals.
Wicks's love for dogs is not merely professional; it is deeply personal. He has two rescue dogs at home, Eric and Peggy, whom he adopted from Dogs Trust. He humorously recounted the naming of his dogs, mentioning, "I am a bit of a weirdo... I just find it quite funny if you're out and you're shouting for Christopher and overcomes a pug—do you know what I mean?" His attachment to dogs is palpable as he described how he creates personalities and voices for them, endearing his narrative to pet lovers everywhere.
Wicks's heartfelt mission transcends entertainment; it aims to provide insight and encouragement for viewers to understand the importance of adopting rescue dogs. Throughout the show, he emphasizes the integral role dogs play not just as pets, but as companions who offer unconditional love.
Speaking about the emotional connections formed on set, Wicks expressed how much he relates to dogs searching for homes, saying, "I would say I have my own affinity with them... I think everyone deserves a second chance and a little bit of love." His own experience as a dog owner informs his passion, underscoring his genuine desire to share the stories of those dogs still hoping for rehoming.
Aside from his new venture, Wicks continues to entertain audiences through his podcast, Staying Relevant, sharing laughs and insights alongside his friend Sam Thompson. He notes, "I would love to do stuff with Chris. I think it would be hilarious" when talking about his close friendship with comedian Chris McCausland, who also appeared prominently during his time on Strictly.
With rising anticipation for For Dogs' Sake, Wicks invites viewers to tune in and witness pivotal moments of joy, warmth, and recognition of the incredible work done by volunteers at Dogs Trust. The series promises to be educational yet poignant, shining a light on the stories of dogs deserving love and acceptance.
Wicks's motto reflects his commitment and mission: "If people could be more like dogs, I think the world would be a besser place." With this ethos in mind, viewers can expect not just entertainment but also inspiration to support the cause of dog adoption and welfare. Tune in to watch For Dogs' Sake, starting January 7 at 8 PM on U&W, or stream all episodes for free on U.