Reality TV star Pete Wicks broke down on his new TV For Dogs’ Sake as a rescue dog was given a cancer diagnosis, which brought up ‘painful memories’ for him

The former TOWIE star, 37, broke down in tears in heartbreaking scenes as he said it brought back “painful memories”. He had a testicular cancer scare in 2023 as well as having an uncle suffer testicular cancer. Pete admitted he ignored his lump for three months due to his fears of getting a diagnosis.In the opening episode of For Dogs’ Sake, a vet had to deliver the sad news a 10-year-old pug named Murphy had been diagnosed with cancer. “We did take some samples of his masses and we have the results, the big one on his back was a cyst and nothing to worry about,” the vet said.

“But unfortunately the one at the base of the penis, that has come back as cancerous. There are things such as chemotherapy but that has nasty side effects and for a dog of his age it’s not in his best interest. He’s not in pain though.” Pete had to take a moment outside as he tried to hold back tears.

He said: “Of all things, cancer is a bit close to home for me, wherever it be humans or dogs its a horrendous thing. That has upset me quite a lot if I’m being honest. His diagnosis has brought up some painful memories of testicular cancer in my family and also the scare I had when I ignored a lump for three months because I was so petrified of the diagnosis.”

Pete went on to speak with a friend while at the Dog Trust centre, and added: “It was a bit of sore one for me, I took it quite badly. The only saving grace is that he doesn’t know he has cancer which is lovely that he is living his best life.” Viewers were also left emotional as one said: “So beautiful I really hope there is another series; Great programme you made me laugh and cry; Fabulous Pete Wicks. So caring and lovely interactions with staff. (And dogs).”

Another added: “This should be the start of a regular series it was amazing and Pete really loves dogs bringing it alive for viewers.” Someone else commented: “Binged #ForDogsSake and LOVED it. Haven’t loved a show like this since Paul O Grady passed away. Someone needs to commission more of this show WITH Pete Wicks. You can just tell when someone loves dogs.”

Pete opened up on his own scare with cancer and admitted he only went to the GP after the lump got so big he felt self-conscious on dates. “It was affecting parts of my life,” said Pete. “I was seeing someone and became self-conscious. But once I got through that stage it was, ‘Woah, if it is cancer, what would that do to my mum?’. So I plucked up the courage to stop being a big wimp about it.”

He had scans – with an agonising three-week wait to hear his fate. Pete said: “I was fearful. When you find a lump, especially down there, you think ‘Oh s**t’. You don’t want anything to be wrong with your wedding tackle. I kept it to myself and didn’t even tell Mum. Blokes always want to be OK and never a burden. It’s ego pride and not a good thing to do.” Fortunately, the lump was not cancerous and he had it drained.