Pete Wicks Opens Up About Lifelong Eye Condition and Possible Surgery: “It’s Getting Quite Bad”

Reality star Pete Wicks has spoken candidly about a secret health issue he has dealt with since childhood, revealing that he may soon need specialist treatment — and potentially surgery — to correct the problem. The Staying Relevant podcaster and former TOWIE favourite discussed the condition earlier this year, sharing details that many fans had not previously known (Staying Relevant Podcast, May episode).

Wicks, who appears on Sunday Brunch this weekend (November 16) on Channel 4, explained that he has struggled with strabismus, commonly known as a lazy eye, since he was young — a condition that affects eye alignment and can worsen with age (NHS guidance on strabismus).

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Pete Wicks’ Childhood Struggles: “I Used To Be Called Pirate Pete”

Speaking to his podcast co-host Sam Thompson, Pete revealed that the issue was significant enough in childhood that he had to wear an eye patch:

“I may have to go back to having an eye patch. I’m going to tell the truth here,” Pete began.
“I used to be called Pirate Pete… my mum started that nickname because I had a lazy eye whenever I got tired.”

Growing up with the condition wasn’t always easy. Many children with strabismus report teasing or reduced confidence, something that Pete light-heartedly alluded to on the show.
Despite the challenges, the patch did help correct the misalignment for many years — a common treatment recommended for young patients by eye specialists (NHS; Moorfields Eye Hospital).

Pete said:

“I had an eye patch to try to correct it, which it did, so that was great.”

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But Now the Problem Has Returned: “The Bad Eye Is Going for a Walk”

In the same episode, Pete confessed that the issue has resurfaced as he has grown older, something experts say can happen when eye muscles weaken over time (BBC Health report on adult strabismus).

“The bad eye is coming back as I’m getting older — it’s going for a walk,” he joked.

Sam Thompson, always ready with humour, couldn’t help laughing — prompting Pete to tease:

“Why are we laughing at my affliction?”

But behind the banter, Pete acknowledged genuine concern about his worsening symptoms.

Pete candidly opened up about a health issue (Credit: YouTube)

Is Surgery on the Table? Pete Reveals Next Steps

Sam eventually asked the question listeners were waiting for: what happens now?

Pete explained:

“I have to go and see an eye specialist to see whether we can re-train it, or whether I’m going to have some kind of surgery.”

Strabismus surgery is a common and relatively straightforward procedure that involves adjusting the eye muscles to restore alignment — something many adults undergo successfully (Royal College of Ophthalmologists, patient information).

Sam, misunderstanding the seriousness of the condition, joked:

“They’re going to get rid of the eyeball!”

To which Pete replied sharply:

“I’m not going to have it removed.”

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Olivia Attwood Helped Him Notice the Issue

Pete also revealed that it was Loose Women star and close friend Olivia Attwood who first pointed out that his eye misalignment was becoming noticeable again.

“It was Liv that mentioned it. I’d started noticing it, but she brought it up properly.”

Sam agreed that the misalignment had become more visible:

“It is getting quite bad.”

Pete, half-annoyed and half-amused, shot back:

“Great. I’m glad I don’t feel conscious about it.”

He then confirmed that he had an appointment scheduled “in a couple of weeks,” suggesting that assessments and potential treatment could begin soon.

He spoke about his lazy eye (Credit: Lorraine/YouTube)

Public Reaction and Health Awareness

Fans have praised Pete for being open about a condition many adults find embarrassing or difficult to discuss.
Strabismus affects roughly 1 in 20 children and can continue into adulthood or recur later in life, often requiring new treatment (NHS). Vision experts note that early diagnosis and correction are ideal, but adults can still benefit from therapy or surgery.

Pete’s honesty has helped destigmatise adult eye-health conversations, something charities like the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) have long encouraged (RNIB statement on adult eye health).

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What’s Next for Pete Wicks?

Pete will appear live on Sunday Brunch (Channel 4, November 16, 10am), where fans hope he may give a brief update — though the star often keeps his medical details light-hearted and humorous.

Despite the worsening of his condition, Pete remains optimistic and maintains that the issue is treatable:

“We’ll see what they say. Either we re-train it or we fix it.”

Regardless of the outcome, his candidness has offered reassurance to many dealing with similar conditions — proving once again why Pete remains one of reality TV’s most relatable and unfiltered personalities.