Pete Wicks sparks backlash after admitting he ‘prefers dogs to people’.

Pete Wicks has revealed that he ‘prefers dogs to people’ ahead of his new documentary Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake airing.

The former TOWIE and Strictly star, 36, has admitted that he couldn’t stop crying while filming ’emotional’ documentary about rescue hounds.

Pete owns two rescued French bulldogs – Eric and Peggy – who has one eye and he regularly posts about his love for them on social media.

Speaking in a new interview with The Radio Times he said of making his new documentary: ‘It might sound harsh, but it’s true – I prefer dogs to people. I don’t think you realise how much dogs will change things until you have one.

‘Filming the series was a privilege, but also emotionally difficult. I don’t mind saying that. I cried several times. It’s heartbreaking when you witness a dog arrive after a bad start in life, you can see the sadness in their eyes.

‘It’s a series I’ve been desperate to do for a decade. Why? Well, it’s estimated that there are around 100,000 dogs in UK rescue centres. But only one in five people who get a dog, get a rescue.’

Pete Wicks has revealed that he ‘prefers dogs to people’ ahead of his new documentary Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake airing

Pete owns two rescued French bulldogs – Eric and Peggy – who has one eye and he regularly posts about his love for them on social media

Pete’s journey began when him and his mum adopted dog Arnie when he was just 10 years old.

Then in 2016 he rescued Eric from the Dogs Trust centre in Basildon, Essex near where he grew up.

The new four-part documentary called Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake will air on January 7.

Pete recently took part in Strictly with partner Jowita Przystał and while he competed and trained for the show his mother looked after his two dogs who ‘spoiled them rotten’.

It comes after recently Pete and his love interest Maura Higgins sparked rumours they spent Christmas together, after the new couple posted snaps in what seemed like the same pub last Wednesday.

The former Love Islander, 34, and podcaster were beaming as they loaded luggage into a car together on Monday, preparing to head off on a festive getaway.

And Maura later shared a slew of pictures to her Instagram stories, include one of her view from the plane window, before revealing she had checked into the luxurious Glasson Lakehouse, Spa & Golf Club.

As the reality star celebrated with her family, fans questioned whether she’d taken her beau back to meet the parents – and now, The Sun has reported that the duo jetted off together for a romantic break.

The former TOWIE and Strictly star, 36, has admitted that he couldn’t stop crying while filming ’emotional’ documentary about rescue hounds

Speaking in a new interview with The Radio Times he said of making his new documentary: ‘It might sound harsh, but it’s true – I prefer dogs to people’

She shared a picture of the inside of her gorgeous suite, which featured a standalone copper bathtub and a cream chaise lounge and retails for roughly £600 per night.

According to the hotel’s website, the opulent suite also boasts a flat-screen TV and a balcony.

The brunette beauty looked delighted to be reunited with her loved ones for the festivities as she posed a selfie with a younger family member.

Later, Maura headed to the pub and both she and Pete posted pictures of their drinks to their Instagram stories.

Maura opted for a glass of red wine while the Strictly star made the most of being in Ireland and went for a pint of Guinness.

The pub looked incredibly cosy and boasted a huge wooden fireplace decorated with Christmas stockings, a pine garland and sparkling fairy lights.

Seen with his dogs while filming TOWIE with James Lock

And the relaxation continued on Boxing Day as Maura shared a snap from a huge double bed in the room as they watched The Grinch.

‘Afternoon movie in bed,’ she penned in her caption, with the photo giving fans a glimpse into the stunning room, which featured a big crystal chandelier.

MailOnline has contacted representatives for Pete and Maura for comment.

After Pete’s successful stint on Strictly Come Dancing and Maura’s time Down Under for I’m A Celeb, the new reality TV couple have a lot to celebrate.