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It’s fast approaching the most wonderful time of the year – but Pete Wicks doesn’t see it that way. The podcaster, 37, is a self-described Scrooge, detesting everything that comes with Christmas. But there is one notable exception: his passion project, pooch-rescue show For Dogs’ Sake, which is back with an emotional festive instalment.
Chatting exclusively to heat at Underbelly, Soho, to celebrate the episode, Pete broke the sad news that he recently lost one of his French bulldogs, Peggy. However, when he’s ready, he says he will be looking to adopt another dog as a pal for his older Frenchie, Eric.
And while Pete might not be Mr Christmas, there is still plenty to celebrate. This year, he and best friend Sam Thompson headlined the O2 Arena with their hit podcast Staying Relevant, and their tie-in book recently became a Sunday Times bestseller. Pete also interviewed the PM for his pod Man Made. Next year, he says he’s looking to have some more downtime, and we don’t blame him!
Pete is not a fan of the festive season ©James Rudland/PRF UKTV
How was filming the For Dogs’ Sake Christmas Special in summer?
Wearing Christmas jumpers in August was a struggle, let me tell you that – 30ºC heat in cheap knitwear is not a good way forward. I despise Christmas – I think everyone knows that – but I love dogs. So, it was really nice that we got the chance to do a special.
Is there anything that would make you feel more Christmassy?
If I could hibernate from the first of December until 1 January, I would. So, other than dogs, nothing will get me in the Christmas spirit.
How are you celebrating this year?
I imagine I'll sit on my own with Eric and have a PotNoodle. It's been a heavy year, so I might go away for Christmas. But I normally spend it on my own with the dogs.
Pete with Peggy and Eric ©Getty Images
Do you not spend it with Sam?
Absolutely not. Every year, he invites me to his, and his mum invites me, too. They think I’m Tiny Tim, like a little orphan. What they don’t realise is that I choose to spend Christmas on my own.
Was it nerve-wracking interviewing Keir Starmer for Man Made?
I actually don’t get nervous. He was very polite and engaging. I think people get confused – it had nothing to do with politics. The whole point of the pod is men's mental health. Getting an opportunity to ask the man who makes decisions and speak to him about them is really important. It was a lovely opportunity to go to 10 Downing Street. I never thought they’d let someone like me in.
What’s on the cards for 2026?
We need to see if For Dogs’ Sake is coming back. That's my number one priority. If I get an opportunity to do this again, then I'll be over the moon. Sam and I have got some very exciting things happening. We may go back on tour.
Pete interviewing the PM for his podcast ©Marco Vittur
Are you setting New Year’s resolutions?
I hate it when people do, because normally, by January the third, they're the same prick they were the year before. I've got some bad habits I need to break – like smoking. I would like to try and stop that, but I say that every year, and it hasn't worked so far. But other than that, I’d like to find a little bit more time for myself.
It's so hard because I want every dog. But I practise what I preach. I've got a pretty unusual life, what with work and everything else, so it's about finding the right dog that suits your lifestyle. It’s not just down to me. I've got to ask Eric. He's 12 now, he's knocking on, so it needs to be the right dog for him, as well. I really want to make sure that I get it right, as I always have done. It's really important.
Pete Wicks For Dogs' Sake Christmas Special airs Monday 8 December on U and U&W. Series 3 starts in January.
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Millie Payne is a News and Entertainment Writer for heat. She has specialised in showbiz interviews, features, articles and roundups for over three years and loves combining her love for writing, talking and all things popular culture.