Devastated Pete Wicks pulls out of TOWIE filming in the Dominican Republic after his beloved nan dies

TOWIE's Pete Wicks is devastated over the death of his beloved nan and has pulled out of filming the show's trip to the Dominican Republic.

His ex Ella Wise, 22, spoke exclusively to The Sun about how Pete, 33, was coping.

"I messaged him and wished him my love," Ella, who admits she and Pete still text and "have a little flirt", revealed. "I think he is doing ok."

She confirmed that he wouldn't have been able to film in the Caribbean, adding: "It would have been hard for him to be here."

Ella is currently filming overseas with the cast while Pete has stayed back in Essex following the sad news.

The Towie star announced his beloved grandmother's passing on Instagram today, writing "I hope you knew how much you were loved."

Emotional Pete, 33, shared one photo of him and his smiling nan Doreen sitting outside with a Christmas tree behind her, and another of Doreen in hospital, as Pete tenderly held her hand.

The heartbroken star paid tribute to his grandmother, who was in her early eighties when she died, and said: "Nan, Despite knowing this time would always come it doesn’t make it any easier.

"It’s taken me days not knowing what to say because no words will ever be able to describe what you meant to me. My heart is broken and I have never felt so lost.

"I have been blessed to have you as my nan but more importantly to have you as my best friend.

"The strength, resilience, love, empathy and compassion you have shown throughout your life is a lesson to us all and without doubt the only good parts of me come from you.

"I hope you knew how much you were loved. Sleep well and be at peace, no one deserves it more. I love you.🦋🖤"

Pete was comforted by friends and fans beneath the post, with Ex Towie star Danielle Armstrong writing: "😢 so sorry for loss babe 💔 xxx"

Co-star Georgia Kousoulou said: "So sorry for your loss Pete ❤️"