BBC Strictly Come Dancing Pete Wicks' 'frustration' with show as he 'steps aside' from TV

Strictly Come Dancing contestant Pete Wicks has set the record straight about whether or not The Only Way Is Essex is staged, following his departure in 2021 after six years

Strictly Come Dancing contestant Pete Wicks has shared what "frustrated" him about The Only Way Is Essex, aka TOWIE.

The 36-year-old joined the cast of the reality show back in 2015, in what was initially meant to be a brief appearance following an invitation from James Lock.

After impressing producers however, Pete ended up bringing drama to the show for another six years before quitting for good in 2021.

In his book, Never Enough, the reality star opened up about how TOWIE was filmed following many years of claims that it's staged.

He said: "I know, some of that drama just seemed so extreme you’d think it was made up. But I promise you, every single relationship, argument and friendship was genuine.

"That said, although there was no script, storylines were important. The producers would need to know what was happening in everyone’s lives and what they were talking about, and then they’d set up scenes for the conversations to take place."

Pete said once the scenes were shot, producers would then choose certain bits that the cast may not necessarily like.

"The producers want to make an interesting show, so obviously they’re going to use the bit you don’t like – it was sometimes frustrating," he shared.

"But you have to take responsibility for the shit you do when you’re being filmed.

"You signed up to that, so that’s on you. If you say something rude, that’s your f*****g fault."

Pete went on describe himself as "a producer’s dream and nightmare at the same time" due to him being so opinionated.

With this, the ex reality star said he found himself in "a lot of s**t naturally" but never went out of his way to create a storyline.

The TOWIE star has since turned his back on the show and is currently focused on perfecting his moves on the Strictly Come Dancing dance floor alongside his professional partner Jowita Przystal.

In a new interview, Pete revealed that he has no plans to return to dating shows or a reality programme like TOWIE, but wouldn't rule out a new challenge like Celebrity Race Across The World.

He told The Sun: "I've had 10-years of doing shows. I've survived a decade. I have been a contributor on nearly every show.

"It is time to step aside and hand the baton on to younger, better looking, more talented people. Plus I am too old and have too much grey hair to be doing dating or reality shows anymore."

Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday at 6.20pm on BBC One.