Strictly's Pete Wicks details violent incident that left him with permanent scar on face

Strictly Come Dancing's Pete Wicks has opened up about his journey from a troubled youth to finding fame and success.

In his autobiography, the 36-year-old reality star opens up about his past anger issues that frequently led to altercations during his teenage years.

Recounting a violent episode from his past while working at a hotel, he told readers that he ended up with a permanent scar above his eyebrow after being struck with a plank of wood.

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Pete said things swiftly escalated after he stood up to a bully who was picking on somebody he knew.

"I knew I was testing him in front of people, and it was a show of dominance," he revealed.

"I never wanted to be f*****g fronted. I can't remember exactly what happened next, but I know I punched him and then he smashed a piece of wood across my forehead (who knows where he got it from).

"I won't tell you what I did back, but let's just say it wasn't a good night all in. I still have a scar above my eyebrow from that f*****g plank of wood."

Reflecting on why he often found himself in such confrontations, Pete explained: "But if you relate to being an angry person, then you'll know that there's a rush that's difficult to explain."

Despite, by his own admission, not being academically inclined and regularly skipping school, Pete managed to land lucrative jobs thanks to his charm and persuasive skills.

His financial success allowed him to indulge in a luxurious lifestyle and a heartfelt gesture of buying his beloved grandmother a house, before her death in 2021.

After many years working in the city, he was then approached by The Only Way Is Essex's James Lock, also known as Lockie, to make a guest appearance in one episode in 2015.

His confidence in front of the cameras caught the attention of the producers and he soon became one of the main stars of the show.

In 2021, he decided to take a break from the reality series to concentrate on other work commitments including his popular podcast, Staying Relevant, with best friend Sam Thompson.

He is now ready to display a different side to himself on this year's Strictly Come Dancing, alongside professional partner Jowita Przysta.

Strictly Come Dancing airs tonight at 7pm on BBC One.