BBC Strictly's Pete Wicks 'quiet' hometown where he enjoys life with his dogs

Pete Wicks, the long-haired heartthrob currently dazzling viewers on kicked off his TV career on ITV's reality series The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE).

Joining the cast of in 2015, he quickly won over fans with his magnetic personality, distinctive hairstyle and eye-catching tattoos.

His romantic escapades, particularly his high-profile relationships with fellow cast members Megan McKenna and Shelby Tribble, often made headlines and added to the show's dramatic flair.

Hailing from Pete is now showcasing his dance moves on the Strictly stage alongside professional partner Jowitz Pretzel.

At 36, the Harlow native has expressed his fondness for a quieter lifestyle, sharing his home with two rescue, Peggy and Eric.

While Harlow may not always get the recognition it deserves compared to some of Essex's more picturesque locations, the town is full of hidden gems, making it a beloved home for Pete and many others.

Divided into two distinct areas, Harlow Old Town boasts traditional charm, featuring narrow streets lined with Georgian and Victorian architecture.

Harlow New Town, on the other hand, was established in the aftermath of World War II and designed as a modern urban development to alleviate housing shortages in London.

The town was master-planned by Sir Frederick Gibberd, a visionary architect who created a layout emphasizing green spaces, modern infrastructure and community living.

Pete and his beloved dogs are believed to have spent time living on the sought-after Newhall Estate on the outskirts of Harlow.

The uber-modern development stands out for its innovative and design-led approach to housing, with contemporary architecture and stylish homes.

Larger houses on the development can fetch as much as £850,000 which is way above the average house price for the area.

According to ONS data, average property prices in Harlow were £603,000 for detached properties, £416,000 for semi-detached properties, £311,000 for terraced properties, and £184,000 for flats and maisonettes, in August 2024.

Harlow has a history of being a town that celebrates creativity, with The Harlow Playhouse regularly hosting theatre productions, live music and comedy shows.

Local galleries also offer a chance to see work from emerging artists and local bands.

Fun fact, Rupert Grint who played Ron Weasley in the films was also born in Harlow.

Tucked away from the concrete brutalism of the town centre, Harlow Town Park is one of the largest urban parks in the country with beautifully maintained gardens, a large lake and outdoor recreational areas.

For something truly unique, the Harlow Sculpture Town offers over 100 public artworks nestled throughout the town, including pieces by Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth.

For history buffs, the town dates back as far as Roman times, with its heritage preserved in sites like The Hibberd Garden.

The Harlow Museum is another great stop to discover more about the area's fascinating history.

For the more adventurous visitor, Harlow offers a range of outdoor activities.

The town recently secured £265,000 from Sport England to boost local physical activity programs, including Essex Pedal Power, a project providing free bikes to eligible residents

Whether you want to cycle through scenic routes or try your hand at one of the many sports facilities available including the giant Harlow leisure zone.

Outside of Harlow, Pete's favourite restaurant is just 15 minutes away in the town of Ongar according to The 2,400-hectare woodland at Epping Forest is also just a short drive away.

Fans can catch Pete strutting his stuff on on 1 on Saturday and Sunday evenings, or watch on catchup on BBC .