Reality TV favourite Pete Wicks has previously spoken candidly about a long-term health condition that has followed him since childhood. The former TOWIE star opened up during an episode of his popular podcast Staying Relevant, which he co-hosts with broadcaster Sam Thompson (BBC Sounds). Pete, who appears on Sunday Brunch today (November 16), revealed that an old eye condition has resurfaced as he gets older, prompting him to consider further medical treatment.

During the discussion, Pete explained that he struggled with a “lazy eye” as a child—an issue medically known as amblyopia, a condition commonly treated in early childhood with eye patches or corrective therapy (NHS Health Guidance). He revealed that the problem, which had improved in his youth, has recently begun to return.

Pete Reveals His Childhood Struggles with a Lazy Eye

Speaking on Staying Relevant earlier this year, Pete said: “I may have to go back to having an eye patch. I’m going to tell the truth here.” He then confessed that he had been given the nickname “Pirate Pete” as a child. “It’s a weird nickname, but it was my mum who first called me that when I was a kid because I had a lazy eye when I got tired.”

Sam Thompson laughed at the story, prompting Pete to respond jokingly: “Why are we laughing at my affliction?” He went on to explain that wearing the eye patch helped improve the condition when he was younger, saying: “It corrected it, which was great.”

However, Pete added that the problem has begun to return with age. “The bad eye is coming back as I’m getting older—it’s going for a walk,” he said, a comment that received further playful teasing from Sam.

According to Metro UK, Pete has spoken in the past about dealing with self-consciousness and health-related anxiety, making his openness on the podcast another example of his willingness to address personal issues publicly.

Pete Considers Seeing a Specialist Amid Worsening Symptoms

Sam then asked the next logical question: “So what are you going to do?”
Pete replied: “I have to go and see an eye specialist to see whether or not we can re-train it or whether I am going to have some kind of surgery.”

Amblyopia can sometimes require surgical intervention in adults if the eye muscles weaken significantly or if the condition begins to interfere with vision or alignment (Healthline Medical Review). Sam, misunderstanding Pete’s explanation, exclaimed: “They are going to get rid of the eyeball!”

Pete immediately clarified: “I’m not going to have it removed,” shutting down the dramatic speculation with a laugh.

He also shared that Loose Women star and friend Olivia Attwood was the first to point out that his eye had begun drifting again. According to Pete: “I’ve started noticing… it was Liv that mentioned it first.”

Friends Notice the Condition Is “Getting Quite Bad”

During the conversation, Sam acknowledged that he too had seen the issue gradually worsen, saying: “It is getting quite bad.” Pete jokingly snapped back: “Well great, I’m glad I don’t feel conscious about it,” highlighting the mix of humour and vulnerability that often defines his friendship with Sam (ITV Entertainment).

Pete added that he had a specialist appointment scheduled “in a couple of weeks,” suggesting that he is taking the symptoms seriously and is ready to explore possible treatment options.

According to The Guardian, Pete Wicks has become known for his openness about health challenges, mental wellbeing, and body image, often encouraging fans to be honest about their own struggles. His recent comments about his eye condition align with his broader commitment to transparency and self-acceptance.

A Private but Relatable Revelation

While much of Pete Wicks’ public persona revolves around his tattoos, long hair, and confident swagger on reality TV, his admission about a childhood condition resurfacing shows a more grounded and relatable side. As he continues filming TV appearances and podcast episodes, fans have praised his honesty and humour in discussing something that clearly still affects his confidence.