Pete Wicks, the well-known *Strictly Come Dancing* contestant and *The Only Way Is Essex* star,
has candidly shared a deeply personal experience from his childhood, revealing how it continues to affect him today.
In a recent interview, Wicks spoke openly about a heartbreaking incident involving his mother, Tracy, which he recounted in his autobiography.
The reality TV personality described his mother as his “hero”
but also shared the traumatic moment when, at the age of 12, he discovered her in a life-threatening situation.
The incident occurred when Pete walked into his kitchen to find his mum, Tracy, attempting to cut her wrists with a knife.
This shocking discovery led Pete to immediately call his grandmother, Doreen, who calmly instructed him to hang up and call for an ambulance. “Oh my God. My rock. Nan was the one who held me together,” Pete told *Mail Online*, reflecting on how his grandmother’s presence helped him in that dark moment. He further explained that he never really processed the gravity of the situation until after his nan passed away in 2022, saying, “We never talked that much about it, but she knew. To be honest, it was only when she died that I started really trying to process how it had affected me.”
Tracy, who raised Pete as a single mother in Harlow, Essex, had always been an incredibly important figure in his life, and he described her as his “hero.” Pete admitted that the traumatic event was a turning point for him, but it took years for him to truly come to terms with what had happened. He recalled seeing his mum at the table, covered in blood, and running over to take the knife from her. “She seemed almost possessed,” he remembered, noting that it felt as though his mother was no longer herself. In the chaos of the moment, Pete went into “crisis mode,” attempting to stop the bleeding and calling 999 for help.
Despite the terrifying ordeal, Tracy made a swift recovery and later described her actions as a “moment of madness.” The trauma, however, lingered with Pete, and he admits that it left a lasting impact on him, which he is still processing today.
Throughout the years, Pete has often praised his mother for being a resilient and loving figure in his life. Tracy’s encouragement led him to take part in the BBC’s *Strictly Come Dancing*, where he achieved significant success, reaching the semi-finals alongside professional dancer Jowita Przystal. Although Pete recently admitted that he was “glad it’s over” when discussing his *Strictly* journey on *Sunday Brunch*, he clarified that he still has fond memories of the experience, adding that he “absolutely loved it.”
Despite his success on television, Pete is now focusing more on his mental health. Reflecting on his own struggles and the emotional toll of the past, Pete admitted that he is “probably the No 1 candidate for therapy.” While he recognizes that therapy is something he needs, he also stated that he’s taking his time with the idea, saying, “I 100% need it. They’d have a field day! But it has to be in my own time.” Pete’s openness about the possibility of seeking professional help marks a significant step in his personal journey toward healing and self-understanding.
For Pete, the road to emotional recovery has been a long one, with the childhood trauma of witnessing his mother in a critical state still affecting him today. Yet, with the support of his family and the public acknowledgment of the impact it’s had on his life, Pete is now starting to open up more about his mental health. As he continues to navigate these challenges, he remains committed to taking care of himself at his own pace, understanding that healing is a personal process.
In addition to addressing his past, Pete’s public life continues to evolve. He is currently in the spotlight for his relationship with *Love Island* star Maura Higgins, though Pete has kept his personal life relatively private. Nevertheless, his willingness to discuss his emotional struggles is a testament to his growth and his desire to move forward, not just in his career but also in his emotional well-being. Pete’s transparency is helping to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and encouraging others to seek the support they may need.
Pete Wicks’ story is a powerful reminder of the lasting effects of trauma and the importance of addressing emotional pain. As he continues his journey, it’s clear that healing requires patience, time, and the courage to face difficult moments head-on.
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