Television personality Pete Wicks has bravely spoken out about the “horrendous 

and heartbreaking” online abuse he received during his time on the BBC’s *Strictly Come Dancing*. 

The *The Only Way is Essex* star, who participated in the popular dance competition, 

opened up about how the negativity from certain online trolls impacted his experience on the show, 

describing it as something that “tainted” what should have been a thrilling and positive journey.

Wicks, who joined the 2024 season of *Strictly*, quickly became a fan favorite due to his likable personality and hard work on the dance floor. 

However, despite his enthusiasm and dedication, the 34-year-old found himself subjected to a barrage of online criticism, 

which ranged from harsh comments about his dancing skills to personal attacks about his appearance and personality. Although *Strictly Come Dancing* is known for its glamorous performances and joyful atmosphere, Wicks revealed that the dark side of fame—specifically the relentless negativity of social media—left him feeling disheartened and hurt.

In an emotional interview, Pete shared how the cruel remarks began to weigh heavily on him during his *Strictly* journey. “The abuse I received was horrendous and heartbreaking,” Wicks confessed. “You try to put on a brave face, but sometimes it just gets to you. There were days when I didn’t even want to get out of bed. The things people were saying—things that were so far from the truth—it really tainted the experience for me.”

Wicks explained that the hurtful online comments made him question himself and his place on the show. As someone who had never been a professional dancer before, Pete had always known that he was facing a challenge on *Strictly*, but the support of his partner and his fans kept him going. However, the constant online negativity cast a shadow over what should have been an exciting opportunity. 

“It’s tough because you come onto a show like *Strictly* wanting to show people that you can do something new and push yourself, but then there are people out there who seem to take pleasure in tearing you down,” he added. “I’ve always tried to be strong, but the toll it took on me was undeniable. It made it harder to enjoy the experience.”

The *TOWIE* star’s decision to speak out about his struggles with online hate is an important one, especially in an age where many public figures, particularly reality stars, face criticism from social media trolls. Pete’s transparency highlights the need for greater empathy and kindness when interacting with celebrities online. 

“I think people forget that we’re human,” Wicks explained. “It’s easy to hide behind a screen and say things that can really hurt someone, but we all have feelings. It’s not just about dancing or TV—it’s about the impact those words have on someone’s life.”

In addition to the negative comments, Wicks also revealed that some of the online abuse took a more personal turn, with some people targeting his family and friends. He expressed how difficult it was to watch the people he cares about be affected by the harsh remarks made about him. “It’s one thing for people to come after me, but when they start attacking the people I love, it really stings,” he said.

Despite the challenges, Pete Wicks made it clear that he did not let the online hate define him. He leaned on his support system, including his *Strictly* partner, and made a concerted effort to focus on the positive aspects of the experience. He also highlighted the importance of having a mental health support network in place to help him cope with the stress and anxiety caused by the negativity.

“I’m very lucky to have people around me who help me keep things in perspective,” Wicks said. “I’m not perfect, and I know that. But I’ve learned to not let the opinions of strangers dictate how I feel about myself or my journey.”

In addition to his newfound resolve, Pete also took the opportunity to advocate for better online behavior. He called on fans and the public to be more mindful of the consequences their words can have, especially when directed at someone who is putting themselves in the public eye. “We need to be kinder,” he said. “A little bit of kindness can go a long way, and we all need to remember that.”

Though the *Strictly Come Dancing* experience wasn’t without its challenges for Pete Wicks, his honesty and willingness to share his story serve as a reminder of the emotional toll that public life can take. By opening up about the impact of online abuse, Wicks hopes to foster greater awareness and encourage others to think twice before posting hurtful comments on social media.

Pete’s resilience and positive attitude despite the negativity are an inspiration to many, and his story serves as a call to action for a more compassionate and understanding online community.

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