Pete Wicks: Reality TV’s Relentless Reinvention

Pete Wicks has never been content to play just one role in the world of British television. Known best for his turbulent, tattooed appearances on The Only Way is Essex, he’s built a career on sharp wit, quick retorts, and a willingness to throw himself into the fray. But in 2025, viewers saw Wicks pivot once again—this time, stepping onto two very different BBC shows, each revealing a new layer to his on-screen persona.

The Wheel: Pete Wicks Among Celebrity Experts

Saturday nights on BBC One have become appointment viewing for fans of game shows, thanks in large part to Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel. On November 22, Wicks joined the celebrity experts’ panel alongside Clare Balding, Zoe Ball, Bill Bailey, Lou Sanders, Konnie Huq, Tommy Fury, and Sam Thompson. The premise is simple: contestants spin a giant wheel hoping to land on an expert who can help them answer tough questions for big cash prizes.

Wicks’s role as an expert marked a departure from his usual reality TV antics. While the show’s drama centered around contestant Luke from Southampton—whose personal story of battling kidney disease and dreams of supporting his family tugged at viewers’ hearts—it was the celebrity panel’s unpredictable expertise that kept fans on their toes. Bill Bailey, a favorite for musical questions, famously got his answers wrong that night, surprising many and sparking conversation on social media.

Though the sources do not specify Pete Wicks’s direct contribution or category on this episode, his presence among a star-studded panel signals the BBC’s ongoing trust in his appeal, wit, and ability to engage audiences beyond the confines of scripted reality drama. For Wicks, it’s another notch in his belt as a versatile TV personality, capable of holding his own in a fast-paced, knowledge-driven format.

Antiques Road Trip: Rivalry and Friendship on the Cotswolds

Just hours before his appearance on The Wheel, Pete Wicks was featured in Celebrity Antiques Road Trip on BBC Two. Paired with Sam Thompson from Made in Chelsea, the duo took to the Cotswolds’ winding B-roads under the guidance of antique experts Margie Cooper and Raj Bisram. The challenge? To hunt down hidden treasures and sell them at auction, with proceeds going to charity.

Wicks and Thompson, famous for their reality TV backgrounds and off-screen friendship, transformed competitive banter into genuine curiosity about collectibles. The episode highlighted their willingness to step outside their comfort zones, trading club nights and social media spats for the thrill of the chase in antique shops. The format demanded both negotiation skills and a keen eye for value—qualities not always associated with reality stars, but which Wicks demonstrated with surprising enthusiasm.

What’s compelling is how these appearances reflect Pete Wicks’s evolving reputation. No longer just the tattooed bad boy of Essex, he’s now seen as a credible, entertaining fixture in mainstream primetime TV. Whether offering advice as a Wheel expert or outbidding rivals in an antiques shop, Wicks brings an energy that bridges the gap between reality drama and traditional British entertainment.

Audience Reaction: A New Chapter for Pete Wicks?

Social media lit up during both broadcasts, with viewers commenting not only on the unpredictability of the celebrity experts’ answers but also on the refreshing dynamic brought by contestants like Luke and celebrities like Wicks. While Bill Bailey’s missteps dominated the chatter on X (formerly Twitter), Pete Wicks’s presence didn’t go unnoticed. Fans praised the mix of personalities, noting how reality stars like Wicks inject spontaneity and relatability into otherwise formulaic game show formats.

It’s telling that both BBC shows chose to feature Pete Wicks in prominent roles on the same night. The move suggests networks are recognizing the value of reality stars who can cross genres, appeal to diverse audiences, and carry the unpredictable spirit of reality TV into new territory.

What’s Next for Pete Wicks?

As 2025 rolls on, Pete Wicks’s dual appearances hint at a broader trend: reality TV alumni are increasingly sought after for their adaptability and broad appeal. For Wicks, the journey from Essex nightlife to BBC prime time seems less like a diversion and more like a natural progression. The skills honed through years of televised drama—negotiation, humor, resilience—are proving just as valuable in the world of game shows and antiques.

Yet, it’s worth noting that while Pete Wicks’s involvement was prominent, the available sources don’t detail any major wins or dramatic moments directly tied to him in either episode. Instead, his value lies in the chemistry and unpredictability he brings, keeping viewers invested whether he’s answering questions or hunting for collectibles.

Pete Wicks’s 2025 appearances on BBC’s The Wheel and Celebrity Antiques Road Trip underscore his steady evolution from reality TV rebel to reliable, engaging television personality. While not the headline-grabber of the night, Wicks’s role demonstrates the growing influence of reality alumni in reshaping British entertainment—and the fact that versatility, not controversy, may be the new currency for TV stardom.