Pete Wicks’ shocking weight loss revealed after five weeks ‘starving’ on Bear Grylls’ Celebrity Island
PETE Wicks looks gaunt since returning from a gruelling stint on Bear Grylls' Celebrity Island where he spent five weeks "starving".
The 29-year-old left The Only Way is Essex behind to fight for survival on an uninhabited Pacific island with famous faces including Roxanne Pallet and Martin Kemp.
But the Channel 4 reality show has taken its toll on Pete, whose shocking weight loss was revealed at The Sun's Love Island party on Monday.
Weeks spent eating scraps on the Island, while being pushed to the limit with the physical demands of the experience, has seen Pete's weight plummet.
He exclusively told The Sun Online: "You think you're going to be able to come back and scoff as much as you want, but you physically can't.
"I've been really struggling ever since. It's the hardest thing I've ever done, without a doubt."
The handsome reality star usually sports a neatly trimmed beard and likes to style his shoulder-length curly hair when out in public.
But at Monday night's party, Pete joked about his overgrown facial hair and long straggly locks after arriving with love interest Shelby Tribble.
His face looked gaunt as he spoke out about the pressures of starring on the survival show throughout May.
He said: "It's not like Big Brother when you're sat around not doing anything every day.
"We had to do everything - find food, search for water and collect wood - or else we wouldn't survive.
"It was tough."
Pete covered up his skinny-frame in a baggy white t-shirt and blazer with his hair down below his shoulders.
But when probed about exactly how much weight he lost, Pete remained tight-lipped.
He also kept schtum about how far he managed to go on the show.
Pete laughed: "Well, I'm here aren't I, so I survived it."
He added: "It's nice for me to back and have Shelby there waiting for me.
"It was a tough time to be away, so early on in our relationship, but we're stronger than ever and happy as larry."
Celebrities might be led to believe appearing on Bear Grylls' Celebrity Island is an easy way to get on TV - but it's no easy task.
Montana Brown was offered a place on Celebrity Island alongside Pete after leaving Love Island last year.
But the reality star dropped out after complaining that it was “too hard”.
Meanwhile ex-Towie star Lucy Mecklenburgh shocked fans when she shared a picture of her two-stone weight loss after completing Celebrity Island with her boyfriend Ryan Thomas.
She said: "One year ago today we completed the hardest mental & physical challenge of our lives!
"An entire month on a deserted island 🏝 although we experienced extreme starvation, horrendous sand fly bite discomfort and a serious lack of sleep we overcame fears, gained confidence and pushed our bodies & minds to the absolute limit.
"I never thought it was possible but I’m proud to this day of us all!!! #beargrylls #theisland.
"PS it took me 3 weeks to put 2 stone back on!!!"
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