SIX years ago, Joe Wicks became the nation’s PE teacher – loved by millions stuck at home during Covid as he worked out in his living room.
Fast forward to today, and the 40-year-old has been branded “dangerous” after he claimed to have run a marathon without drinking. And as he hits back at his latest criticism, insiders have revealed his desperate bid to get back in the public’s good , with a surprising plan up his sleeve.
Insiders have revealed Joe Wicks is struggling to understand why the public have turned on him after becoming the nation’s PE teacher during lockdowns Credit: BBC
Joe caused huge outrage last week after saying on a podcast that he ran a marathon with no water or food Credit: YouTube
We’re told that dad-of-four Joe is furious at the and is struggling to understand why the public has turned on him.
Our insider said: “Joe has always been a huge hit with the public, but has recently found it very tough. He feels like everything he does and says is so heavily analysed, and he’s frankly pretty fed up with it.”
In just a matter of days, will be running the alongside Daddy Pig – the famous TV dad of Peppa.
In a clever marketing stunt, Joe was roped in to help train the pig, and he’s been building up his fitness by doing three sessions a week, including a strength session and interval sessions, apparently.
And as part of the promo, hopped on a podcast last week to talk about his running experiences, which has spectacularly backfired.
In the now deleted clip discussing the 26.2 miles, he said: “I ran a marathon with no water, no toilet breaks and no food, so I don’t think we really need as much as we are told. The average runner, if you had a bowl of porridge and a banana, you are going to get round.”
His comments went viral almost instantly, and one person remarked: “Irresponsible advice, and given your own performance clearly not effective. Stop spouting s**t and do some research on proper fuelling.”
Others raged: “Good god (9 time marathoner here!) what a bloody stupid thing to actually leave Joe’s mouth!!! Use your platform in a safe way Joe.
“You need to fuel and hydrate correctly to complete a marathon. Fml…. What next? He’ll be telling people not to bother training for one !!”
The Running Channel, which made the podcast, was forced to backtrack, telling followers: “In an earlier version of this video, there was some discussion about nutrition, specifically around marathons, which didn’t align with advice that we would give, and wasn’t challenged enough in the discussion.
“We have since removed that short section to avoid any confusion, and in response to your feedback.”
Joe later backtracked and insisted he was just talking about his own experience and wasn’t offering advice, but it’s taken its toll on him, according to those closest to him.
The fitness influencer and his team are said to be conjuring up a plan to return Joe to the pedestal he once stood on after a series of costly controversies.
Our insider continued: “Joe and his team are always looking for ways to keep him in the limelight, and their latest plan is to include his wife Rosie more. They think she might help him win back some public favour.
“Rosie is very pretty, smart and is ready to step into the limelight again after having their kids.
“Blokes will remember her from , but these days she’s seen as somewhat of an earth mother, so will appeal to lots of mums.”
Joe later backtracked about his controversial comments and insisted he was just talking about his own experience Credit: Getty
Joe’s team’s latest plan to keep the Body Coach in the limelight includes his wife Rosie Credit: Refer to Caption
It’s certainly not the first time Joe has raised eyebrows with his ‘advice’ or actions.
Only in January, he sparked uproar after at 1C, and he was branded ‘dangerous’ and ‘idiotic’.
In October, Joe fronted in which he created a spoof, additive-laden “killer” protein bar to expose the dangers of ultra-processed foods (UPFs).
However, it was after the programme sparked debate about food affordability and saw Joe accused of scaremongering, as well as making parents feel judged for using convenience foods.
Joe told The Sun at the time: “I wasn’t prepared for it, emotionally.
“It definitely knocked my confidence. For a week, I was like, ‘Have I done the wrong thing?’
He vowed to continue his work in 2026 and said he wouldn’t let the backlash stop him.
He continued: “But more and more research will show this link between UPFs and poor .
“I hate upsetting people – I actually want to empower and inspire – but sometimes you say things the wrong way or people are triggered by an emotional topic. Ultimately, all I’m trying to do is get people to be healthier, but people won’t always love what you do.”
Wave of backlash
It’s not just his fitness advice that has raised eyebrows over the years; his parenting technique has also been a hot topic.
Joe and wife – who he married in 2019 – are parents to Indie, six, Marley, five, Leni, two and Dusty, who is not yet one.
In July 2023, Joe announced they would be taking Indie out of school because they wanted to “travel more”.
I hate upsetting people – I actually want to empower and inspire – but sometimes you say things the wrong way or people are triggered by an emotional topic.
Joe Wicks
He said at the time: “She had a great year in reception, but we have always loved teaching the kids at home and want the freedom to travel more and explore the world.
“She might go to school next year. We have no idea long term, but want to do at least a year of home educating.”
He had and relocated with the family there.
He told The Times at the time: “It’s not like I’m saying, I’m going to homeschool my kids and go and live on a farm in the middle of nowhere. It’s really just about our lifestyle.
“I don’t want to be someone who isn’t present in my children’s life. What I try and give my children is stability and love, and I want them to know I’m always there for them.”
Joe was also slammed by fans over his Channel 4 documentary Credit: Getty
As well as his fitness advice, Joe’s parenting techniques have also been a hot topic Credit: Instagram / @thebodycoach
Three years on and none of the children are currently in school – instead Joe is teaching them phonics, while of course running his hugely successful company and helping Rosie with the two younger kids – an impressive feat on both their parts.
The kids are clearly remarkable – Marley was doing chin-ups on a pull-up bar aged three, Indie was steaks and using a carving knife at five, and Leni was just a few months old when he was allowed to hang from a pull-up bar alone.
Rosie is also extraordinary – just ten weeks after giving birth to one of her babies, she was back in the gym showing off her six pack, as proud Joe watched on.
He boasted about how she had exercised all through her pregnancy and was now stronger than ever.
Joe has lots of big plans for working with Rosie – she’s really inspiring and people will love seeing their dynamic on camera.
Sticking the knife in further, he added: “What’s more impressive is Leni has never slept through the night and since 4 months old continues to wake multiple times through the night. She still makes the commitment to a healthy and active lifestyle, and when she does train, she really pushes herself, and I admire her for that.”
Rosie was famous long before Joe – she was a well-loved glamour model and Page 3 girl.
She had planned to become a primary school teacher, but gave up that dream after hitting the big time. It probably explains why she doesn’t mind homeschooling now.
Joe had always fancied her and couldn’t believe his luck when they started in 2016, and three years later, despite Joe saying he wasn’t a fan of marriage, they tied the knot.
Her glamour days were already a thing of the past by then, and she fully threw herself into motherhood.
Now, fans will be seeing a lot more of her as Joe plans to use her more in his upcoming videos.
Our source added: “Joe has lots of big plans for working with Rosie – she’s really inspiring and people will love seeing their dynamic on camera. Rosie is a huge support to him and is actually pulling a lot of the shots behind the scenes. She’s determined to help make him no 1 again.”
Looks like things will be Rosie in no time.
Joe Wicks doing his morning workout at the Gateway stage during day two of Glastonbury 2025 Credit: Getty
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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