Pete Wicks reveals the identity of his 'perfect companion' - and it's not who you'd expect

has revealed the identity of his "perfect companion" following weeks of speculation around his love life - and it's not who you'd expect. The former TOWIE star found himself on the front page after he reportedly split from Love Island star Maura Higgins at the start of the year.

Since then, fans have been dying to know about his love life and who his perfect partner could be. Now, the 37-year-old TV presenter has lifted the lid on what he is looking for in an exclusive interview with Express.co.uk. In partnership with , the podcast host revealed that "all dogs could be the perfect companion".

The TV star - who is a proud owner of two French Bulldogs named Eric and Peggy - told us: "As far as I'm concerned, it's about finding the right match. It's similar to when you're looking at husbands and wives and whatever else you want, to find the right match for you.

"I think a lot of the time, what the problem is is people going specifically for certain breeds and whatever else that don't necessarily suit their lifestyle.

"And for me, dogs are better than people. They always have been and they always will be because all they want is love, and what you give them in love, they give back to you tenfold.

"So for rescue dogs, it's amazing that some of them have still got love to give, despite some of the previous history that they've had. But any dog, it's not just about rescue or any specific breed, I love every dog."

It comes after the news that the star will return to present a second series of For Dog's Sake after the first series won over viewers at home last year.

An insider has told : "The show got a great reception when it aired earlier this year, and not just because he was still basking in the afterglow of Strictly.

"Many viewers compared For Dog's Sake to show For The Love of Dogs, and said he was a worthy successor to the late, great Paul O'Grady who hosted the ITV show. They noticed how it was obvious just how much Pete adores canines through the four-part series."

This week, the reality star transformed himself into the Easter Bunny for his latest campaign with SMARTY mobile. Pete looked as dapper as ever as he embraced the fictional character with his signature fluffy brown ears and matching tail.

Making sure he still looked stylish, the TV personality opted for a brown suit which he wore over a white T-shirt and teamed with a pair of patent black shoes.

He teamed up with the mobile network after research revealed Brits are irritated by 'chocflaction', with 85 per cent believing chocolate eggs have shrunk, despite being willing to spend an average of £5.70 on a branded egg.

Keen to get involved as he handed out eggs, Pete quipped: "Did I need to be dressed as an Easter bunny to do this? No. But I am very happy to put a smile on people's faces this Easter, who doesn't want a free chocolate egg?"