BBC Strictly's Pete Wicks breaks silence on favouritism claims as he's axed from show
Reality TV star Pete Wicks has spoken out after being the latest celebrity to exit Strictly Come Dancing. The ex-TOWIE star and his dance partner Jowita Przystal didn't make it to the final during Sunday's results show (December 8) as they lost the dreaded dance-off for the first time.
While Pete will be missed by many viewers, some Strictly fans believe that the Celebs Go Dating star stayed in the competition longer than he should have and accused the judges of favouritism, reports the Mirror. As his departure was aired on BBC One, Pete seemed to address the criticism on Instagram, telling his followers that you "don't always have to be the best or have the most talent" to succeed.
He wrote: "The past 3-4 months have been nothing short of incredible. I spent 12 weeks saying my time in the show was gonna be over and each week I was wrong...until now. I couldn't be happier with the way it ended, there is no-one I would have rather been in a dance off with than Tasha.
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"She is the most beautiful dancer, the most beautiful person inside and out and I'm so proud of her for making the final because she deserves it so much." He went on to say: "The only reason I stayed in the show for so long is because of you, the people. You supported me throughout and that is something I'll never be able to forget and something I never expected.
"We went on this journey together, the ups and downs and with the right attitude, it's about learning and it's about entertaining. I tried my best from day one and I took the show seriously, I did what I could and I appreciate every single one of you that gave me the opportunity to keep doing that week on week. You don't always have to be the best or have the most talent, but you should never stop trying! Thank you."
Pete expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the Strictly Come Dancing team, saying: "The show isn't just what you see on a Saturday night, it's not all jazz hands...there are an unbelievable amount of wonderful people that make it all happen. From top to bottom, the people that make the show are f**king magical. Every department is full of people who care, who create and work so hard to make Strictly what it is. Thank you all for putting up with me for so long!"
He also paid tribute to his dance partner Jowita and said: "Lastly but most importantly, this experience wouldn't have been anything without Jowita. She believed in me since the first day and never stopped. She supported me, listened to me, made me laugh and cry but most of all she made me believe in myself when I didn't think I could do it. We did everything our way, and for me that was the right way.
"I'm so sorry that I couldn't get you to a final, I tried my best and you deserve to be there. The show may have ended for us but one thing won't, you will always have a friend in me. You have become such a special person in my life and just because that won't continue on a ballroom floor doesn't mean it won't continue. Unfortunately for you, you've gained a friend for life. You will always be my dancing gnome."
The romance rumours surrounding Pete and his Strictly Come Dancing professional partner Jowita have been as rife as the commentary on his dance floor performances. Despite their efforts to sidestep the gossip, it's evident they've developed a close connection during the show.
Jowita didn't hold back her emotions when discussing Pete's progress since starting on the BBC programme. Reflecting on their time together in the competition, the professional dancer said: "I just want to say thank you, thank you for the trust you have given me since day one.
"I know it wasn't easy, but with your hard work, your commitment and your heart, which is the most amazing thing, you were winning every week. For me, every dance was special ... even the cha cha in Blackpool!". She continued by addressing Pete's self-doubt at the outset, by saying: "Remember on day one you said, 'I'm not going to stay long in this competition because I cannot dance' but now I can say to you, yes you can."
Pete Wicks heaped praise on his dance partner Jowita Przystal, calling her his "ray of sunshine" and crediting her for his inspiring journey on Strictly. His heartfelt acknowledgment came following their intense Argentine Tango where, in a flirtatious moment, they appeared poised to kiss—holding each other’s faces and igniting speculation amongst viewers with their passionate embrace.
This did nothing to quell the speculation of a romance among fans. On social media, one fan commented: "Wow Pete the near kiss at the end." Another queried: "Did they kiss then?" A third observer noted: "Did look like Pete and Jowita was going to kiss, they were that close." While another exclaimed: "The speed in which I zoomed to check if it was a real kiss".
