Strictly's 'worst dancer' Pete Wicks defended by show legend amid threats from fuming fans
Dan Walker, a former contender on Strictly Come Dancing, has come to Pete Wicks' defence amidst criticism from some viewers over him getting through to the semi-finals. The TOWIE star, aged 36, has been questioned for staying in the competition while others deemed 'better' dancers have been eliminated.
Dan, 47, who danced in the 2021 series, supported Pete on Instagram, saying: "As someone who has been 'the worst dancer left in the competition' can we just all decide to leave @p_wicks01 (and to some extent @chrismccauslandcomedy) alone? It's a TV show and he is only there because we, the viewers, want him there. Strictly has always been a mix of people who have dance experience and those who start from scratch and improve along the way."
"Pete is learning so much from @jowitaprzystal and deserves to be there just as much as anyone else. He is what the show is all about! Bin the bile and threats and enjoy the final 2 weeks of the biggest thing on the box."
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Dan, who was partnered with pro dancer Nadiya Bychkova, made it to week 11 in his season, finishing fifth. This comes after fans expressed their frustration at Sunday's results, questioning how Pete has managed to remain in the competition despite other celebrities clearly outperforming him.
Fans took to social media in a flurry, venting: "Whoever is voting for Pete over Montell needs to take a long hard look in the mirror." Another said: "Pete is not on the level of any of them… not fair to have Montell & Tasha in the dance off! It should've been Pete going!"
Alongside his partner Jowita Przystał, 39, Pete secured his spot in the semi-finals last Sunday, even after scoring the lowest for three consecutive weeks.
In a surprising turn of events, Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe danced in the face off against Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec, with Montell and Johannes ultimately being sent home. The revelation that Pete had survived another week was a huge shock for fans, who had anticipated his elimination.
Pete himself seemed stunned by his luck after his Waltz to Somewhere from West Side Story.
Upon hearing he'd made it through, an emotional Pete fought back tears, confessing: "I am speechless every week, especially this week". Recognising that the public had voted to keep him in, he quipped: "I think they might be playing a cruel joke on me" before expressing his gratitude: "I couldn't be more grateful, I’m so humbled by it, honestly."
Despite Pete's highest score of the series being 36 points during week eight, he has since consistently been the show's lowest-scoring contestant, even receiving a low five from judge Craig Revel-Horwood on Saturday.
