Former The Only Way is Essex star Pete Wicks has been at the centre of much speculation when it comes to his love life, but he says the reason he is still single is far from what people may think

Strictly Come Dancing’s Pete Wicks has been candid about his personal barriers that inhibit him from finding lasting romance and having a family. Often at the centre of love rumours, the 36-year-old confirmed he is on the singles market – depite contant rumours that he’s fallen for professional partner Jowita Pretzel.

But it isn’t simply a case of not having stumbled upon Ms Right just yet, Pete disclosed that the ‘true’ roots of his bachelor life are a lot more complicated. Delving into his fears and predispositions, he confessed on the High Performance podcast: “As soon as that kind of closeness develops, I’m like, ‘Right I’m off then’, it’s a case of leaving before someone leaves you.”

Reflecting further, he mentioned: “Again [abandonment issues], that’s a really common thing, but you’re basically self-sabotaging and this is the control freak part, at least I’m in control of that.”

Pete also spoke about his evolving views on settling down, acknowledging to Birmingham Live: “I never thought I wanted to get married or have kids, and again over the last few years [I’ve realised that] I would love to get married.”

Pete Wick’s says he “can’t have kids” yet(Image: GETTY)

He continued: “I would love to have kids, but I’m not in a position to be able to do that yet, because there is so much weird stuff in my head, that that would be so unfair for me to go and do that,” reports the Manchester Evening News.

While he harbours aspirations to eventually find that special someone to share his life with, Pete accepts the idea that it might never occur. At the moment, Pete is on a journey of self-discovery, making small lifestyle adjustments to find what truly brings him joy.

Pete wants to focus on his own mental health before starting a family(Image: BBC)

This includes steering clear of his phone first thing in the morning, cherishing moments with his dogs, and escaping from the world on his motorbike.

The reality star also credits his current stint on Strictly Come Dancing as an exciting new adventure that nudges him out of his comfort zone.

Pete has confirmed he is single(Image: BBC)

Pete is currently twirling around the dance floor with Jowita, who was crowned the 2022 pro champion alongside Hamza Yassin.

The dynamic duo have lit up the stage with a Quickstep to Town Called Malice by The Jam and going on to dance their way into another week.