'Anything I do with Sam, I love'

Reality star Pete Wicks tells OK! about his close friendship with Sam Thompson and his latest television show

- NIKKI ONAFUYE

Pete Wicks has been a staple of British TV since he rode in on his motorcycle for his The Only Way Is Essex debut in 2015.

Girls, mums and even nans have a soft spot for the likeable and rugged 36-year-old, but no one adores him more than his best friend, Sam Thompson, who he met while filming Celebs Go Dating in 2018.

Six years on the pals have their own popular podcast (and tour), Staying Relevant, regularly host red-carpet events and their latest project sees them riding around Colorado, USA, completing challenges, in collaboration with Coors Beer. Now, Pete, who is rumoured to be strutting his stuff on the next series of Strictly Come Dancing, opens up to OK! about his bond with Sam, his own TV show and his role in Vicky Pattison’s wedding.

Hi, Pete! You and Sam are quite the dynamic duo. A new Ant and Dec, perhaps?

Don’t let his head get big! We’re less Ant and Dec, more Tom and Jerry, but it works.

You have a strong friendship. What’s kept you close?

It’s because we’re so different. The things he’s really good at, I’m really bad at and vice versa. So our weaknesses are each other’s strengths. He’s really fun to be around, really nice and so genuine. He’s the same on camera as off camera – so, yes, he is that annoying! But he’s himself and I appreciate it in an industry where not many people are.

Would you ever do Love Island like Joey Essex?

I’m done with this sort of thing. Not for me. I couldn’t live with people either. I’d lose my mind. So it’s a strong ‘no’.

We have to ask about the Strictly rumours. Is it true?