*Strictly Come Dancing* star Pete Wicks has opened up about the emotional toll of being in the public eye,
revealing the heartbreaking messages he received during his time on the show.
Known for his appearance on *The Only Way Is Essex* and his strong presence on *Strictly*, Wicks is no stranger to the spotlight.
However, in a recent interview, he shared the deeply personal impact that online comments had on him, especially during moments when he was feeling vulnerable.
Wicks, who gained widespread recognition for his time on reality television, joined the ranks of *Strictly* in 2024,
where he not only showcased his dance moves but also revealed a different side to his personality.
Despite the glitz and glamour of the competition, Wicks admitted that the experience brought with it a sense of vulnerability that he wasn’t fully prepared for.
In his interview, Wicks shared the emotional side of being thrust into the public eye and the toll it took on his mental health. He revealed that, during the intense pressure of *Strictly*, he received a number of “heartbreaking” messages from social media users. The comments, which ranged from critical to downright cruel, left Wicks feeling exposed and vulnerable, as he navigated both the challenges of learning to dance and the expectations placed on him as a public figure.
“It was incredibly difficult,” Wicks admitted. “I’m used to the attention that comes with being in the public eye, but when you’re in something as high-profile as *Strictly*, it’s a different level. I felt like I was constantly under a microscope. There were moments when I felt completely vulnerable, and the messages I received were heartbreaking. It’s hard to explain just how much they affected me.”
Wicks, who is known for his candid approach to his personal life, didn’t hold back when discussing the toll that online abuse and criticism had on his mental health. While many fans celebrated his journey on *Strictly*, others took to social media to express their harsh opinions about his dancing abilities and his overall performance. Wicks explained that, at times, the negativity felt overwhelming.
“There were days when I would wake up and immediately check my phone, and seeing those kinds of messages would set the tone for the day,” he said. “It wasn’t just about the dancing, it was about the way people saw me as a person. It really did make me question myself at times.”
Although Wicks has built a reputation for being tough and confident, he confessed that the vulnerability he felt during the competition was a side of himself that he rarely shows to the public. The pressure of *Strictly* is not only physical but also emotional, as the contestants are expected to perform at their best each week while managing the constant scrutiny of the judges, audience, and social media.
Despite the tough moments, Wicks has chosen to speak out about his experience in an effort to bring more awareness to the mental health struggles that many people face, especially those in the public eye. “People forget that we’re human too,” he shared. “We’re not just celebrities or characters on TV. We have feelings, and sometimes the things people say can really hurt.”
Wicks emphasized the importance of supporting one another, both online and offline. In his case, his friends, family, and co-stars on *Strictly* were a huge source of support, helping him through the difficult times. “Having that support system is vital,” he said. “Without them, I don’t know how I would have gotten through those tough moments. It’s really important to lean on the people who care about you.”
The reality star also took the opportunity to speak about the broader impact of social media on mental health, particularly for those who may not be as accustomed to the constant criticism. He urged fans to think carefully before posting negative comments and to be mindful of how their words can affect someone they may not even know personally.
Wicks has since reflected on his *Strictly* journey with a sense of pride, acknowledging how far he’s come not just as a dancer but as a person. Despite the hardships, he is grateful for the experience and the lessons it taught him about resilience and self-worth.
“Ultimately, *Strictly* was a life-changing experience, and I don’t regret it at all,” Wicks concluded. “But it’s important to talk about the reality of it, especially when it comes to the mental health side of things. I’m doing much better now, and I hope my story helps others who may be going through something similar.”
As Wicks continues to thrive beyond *Strictly*, his candidness about his emotional struggles serves as an important reminder that vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength—something that should be celebrated rather than criticized.
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