Pete Wicks, the former *TOWIE* star, made an emotional appearance on *Loose Men* on February 5,
joining an all-male panel alongside McFly’s Danny Jones and Diversity dancer Jordan Banjo.
Hosted by *This Morning* presenter Craig Doyle, this special edition of *Loose Women* focused on male mental health,
offering a candid and honest conversation among the celebrity panelists.
*Loose Men* is a spin-off of the popular daytime show *Loose Women*, airing intermittently throughout the year.
The show provides a platform for men to discuss important topics often overlooked in public discourse, particularly the mental health struggles faced by men.
This particular episode was packed with raw admissions and vulnerable moments as the panelists delved into their personal experiences with mental health, addiction, and life’s challenges.
One of the most touching segments was when Danny Jones, the *I’m a Celebrity* winner and McFly frontman, spoke about his personal journey with anxiety. Reflecting on his time in the jungle and his relationship with boxing legend Barry McGuigan, Danny revealed how his perspective on life had shifted since becoming a father. “My son turned seven recently, and coming out of the jungle, realising that time is precious – that’s the only thing we’ve run out of,” Danny shared.
He spoke deeply about the bond he formed with Barry McGuigan during the competition, describing the boxer as an “inspiration” for helping him appreciate the importance of family time. “Seeing him open up about his daughter in the jungle really opened the door for me,” Danny added. “Seeing this champion of a boxer, a tough guy who’s fought some of the toughest men on the planet, become so vulnerable, I was like, ‘Oh, maybe I can.’ He was like my jungle dad.”
As the discussion progressed, the panel moved to the topic of drinking, and the conversation took a very personal turn. Jordan Banjo shared his struggles with alcohol during the COVID-19 lockdown. “I grew up really not around a lot of drinking, and it wasn’t for me until I hit lockdown,” Jordan admitted. “I started drinking, and then it became a daily thing. Once it becomes a habit, it’s a hard thing to break.”
He recalled the moment he realized his drinking had gotten out of control. “I was having dinner with my family and would secretly top up my drink, hoping I didn’t get caught. Or I’d tell my wife I was staying in the spare room to avoid waking her up, but I’d be drinking in there instead,” Jordan confessed. “I was sat in bed, drinking alone at 8:30 pm, and I thought, ‘What am I doing?'”
Next, Pete Wicks shared his own struggles with alcohol, which had been a significant part of his life for many years. “I grew up with family members who had alcohol dependencies,” Pete explained. “I never considered myself to have a problem, but my drinking habits really changed after I did *Strictly Come Dancing*.”
Pete, who had been drinking heavily for about 15 years before his stint on the popular dance competition, described how alcohol had become a way to numb his feelings. “I’d drink a bottle of wine every night, just cooking and chilling out,” he shared. “It wasn’t until I did *Strictly* that I realized it was a way to numb parts of my reality.” He further explained that the shift in his drinking habits wasn’t a conscious decision but rather a result of the physical demands of learning dance routines. “Trying to learn a waltz with a slightly fuzzy head is quite difficult,” Pete joked.
Since then, Pete has cut back on alcohol, and he now enjoys greater clarity in his life. “The clarity that I have in my everyday life now is amazing,” he said. “Everything seems to be less fuzzy and a little more clear.” Though he still enjoys an occasional drink, Pete emphasized the importance of balance and self-awareness.
The conversation took another emotional turn when Pete shared his desire for a future with a family. “I would love to get married and have kids,” he said. “I’m so, so blessed to do some of the things that I do, but what’s better than sharing that with someone you love? Over the years, I just haven’t been in a position where I felt able to do that.”
The candid revelations from the panelists served as an important reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the need for open dialogue. By discussing their struggles with alcohol and mental health, Danny, Jordan, and Pete helped to shine a light on the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding men’s mental health.
*Loose Men* continues to provide a vital platform for men to share their experiences and struggles, helping to normalize these conversations and support one another in overcoming challenges. The emotional honesty displayed during this episode was a powerful step forward in tackling mental health and addiction head-on.
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