Pete Wicks, the 36-year-old *The Only Way Is Essex* star, 

has bravely opened up about the profound impact of losing his beloved nan, Doreen, in 2022.

Known for their close bond, Pete’s grief over her death has been a pivotal moment in his life,

and he has shared how it deeply affected him emotionally and mentally.

In his memoir, *Never Enough*, Pete revealed that Doreen’s passing was “the hardest thing” he has ever faced,

and his recent conversations have shed light on the intense emotional journey he has been through since her death.

Appearing on the *We Need To Talk* podcast with Paul C Brunson, Pete reflected on how her loss caused him to “shut down” emotionally as a form of self-protection.

However, he also acknowledged that, over time, he has realized the importance of allowing himself to feel vulnerable and accept help from others.

Pete shared that, though he had been struggling, he is now starting to open up more about his grief rather than bottling it up.

He expressed, “Even over the past couple of months, I’m probably sadder than I’ve ever been about it. But that’s because I’m starting to open up rather than just shutting down.”

The emotional weight of losing Doreen led Pete to step away from filming *TOWIE* for a time, particularly when the cast traveled to the Dominican Republic for sun-filled episodes.

At the time, Pete explained to *Radio Times* that her death was “the worst thing” that had ever happened to him, revealing the deep impact it had on him personally.

He shared, “I didn’t get a chance to make her proud before she died. Trying new things is important to me, because hopefully, she’s watching, and she’ll be proud.”

This desire to honor his nan’s memory led Pete to take on new challenges, including his participation in *Strictly Come Dancing*, where he was paired with professional dancer Jowita Przystał.

Before their emotional performance to *Simply The Best* by Tina Turner, Pete admitted that he felt more pressure than ever before. “I feel more pressure this week than any other,” he said. “This is my way of her being part of that adventure.”

When the routine was over and the duo delivered an impressive performance, Pete couldn’t hold back the tears, clearly moved by the moment.

Speaking to host Claudia Winkleman, Pete said, “Been a tough week, but the one person I wish was here is my nan and she’s not, so it’s the one way for her being here.”

It was a heart-wrenching moment, showing just how much Doreen’s memory still resonates with Pete.

In addition to discussing his grief, Pete also shared insights into his close friendship with fellow reality star Sam Thompson, describing their bond as a “brotherhood.”

Pete revealed that their friendship extends far beyond what is shown on camera, with the two often sharing personal moments that are not made public.

He explained that Sam regularly calls him, sometimes as many as three or four times a day, demonstrating just how strong their relationship is.

“We talk about everything and anything, and that is a private part of a public relationship,” Pete said, further underscoring the depth of their connection.

Pete’s openness about his grief and his emotional journey provides a window into the struggles he has faced since the loss of his nan.

His willingness to share his experiences with others through his memoir and podcast serves as a reminder of the importance of dealing with grief in a healthy and open way.

Through his personal growth and his desire to make his nan proud, Pete has shown incredible resilience in the face of loss, and his candid discussions about his mental health are sure to resonate with many who have gone through similar experiences.