Pete Wicks 'on a mission' to rehome poorly dog

The Only Way is Essex star met Theo during filming for his latest TV series

TV personality Pete Wicks says he is "on a mission" to help rehome a dog who does not have long to live.

The Only Way is Essex and Strictly Come Dancing star met Theo, a Neapolitan mastiff, during his visit to the Dogs Trust centre in Kenilworth, Warwickshire, while filming for his latest series of Pete Wicks: For Dogs' Sake.

Wicks said he "instantly fell in love" with Theo, who has dilated cardiomyopathy, a life-limiting heart condition and is expected to only live for one more year.

He returned to the centre on Thursday and said: "It is a genuine, genuine mission, he needs to live out the rest of his life happy."

Tristan Smith, who cares for Theo at the dogs home, said his condition had not been well treated when he was taken in at the centre.

"He's now on medication but he won't lead a life of a normal length," Mr Smith said.

"Nobody knows how long he's got left," Wicks added.

Wicks said Theo was a "gentle giant" who had "so much love to give"

The TV star described Theo as a "gentle giant".

"He's goofy, he's clumsy, his temperament is incredible, he's got so much love to give," Wicks said.

"He deserves to be part of family and have as much love as any other dog.

"We are in rush to get him that happy feeling where he knows he's safe and content."

Wicks previously took in two rescue dogs and said it was so important to give dogs that had not had the best start in life a second chance.

"Every dog deserves to know not every human is bad and that is exactly what Theo deserves," he added.