Pete Wicks has finally spoken out after his departure from , marking the end of his journey on the hit One show. The TOWIE favourite was competing with pro dancer Jowita Przystal but fell short of reaching the grand finale.
The duo were eliminated in the semi-final round, narrowly missing a spot in the much-anticipated final next weekend. Their exit came during Sunday night’s results show (December 8), where they faced the dance-off against and Aljaz Skorjanec.
Reflecting on his Strictly experience with host Tess Daly, Pete remarked: “It’s been wild. I’ve been quite honest about the fact that I didn’t necessarily want to do this [Strictly] in the first place, but everyone else wanted me to do it, and I am so, so glad that I did it!”
He continued, emphasizing the joy of participation over perfection: “You don’t always have to be the best, but if you enjoy something then why shouldn’t you have a go at it? I’ve tried my best from day one, I said I was in for a penny, in for a pound and I’ve done it, it’s been beautiful.”
In the tense dance-off, judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke chose to save Tasha and Aljaz, with head judge Shirley Ballas also conceding she would have made the same decision, reports .
EMBARGOED TO 2000 SUNDAY DECEMBER 8For use in UK, Ireland or Benelux countries only BBC handout photo of Tess Daly, Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystal during the results show of Strictly Come Dancing on BBC1. Reality star Pete Wicks will miss out on the Strictly Come Dancing final after becoming the 11th celebrity to depart the show. Issue date: Sunday December 8, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SHOWBIZ Strictly. Photo credit should read: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: Not for use more than 21 days after issue. You may use this picture without charge only for the purpose of publicising or reporting on current BBC programming, personnel or other BBC output or activity within 21 days of issue. Any use after that time MUST be cleared through BBC Picture Publicity. Please credit the image to the BBC and any named photographer or independent programme maker, as described in the caption. (Image: PA)
In the wake of the recent results show, Pete dashed to to share snapshots of his semi-final exploits with Jowita, sharing: “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.”
Expressing utmost satisfaction with his journey concluding, he stated: “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. 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.”
Attributing his success on the show to public support, he expressed gratitude, saying: “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.”
Strictly Come Dancing’s Pete Wicks spoke out (Image: BBC)
Pete reflected on his determination and acknowledgment of the fans’ role, concluding with: “I tried my best from day 1 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.”
The 36-year-old podcast host elaborated: “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!”
Pete went on to say: “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 pair were voted out just before the final (Image: PA)
He warmly concluded: “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. Px.” (sic)
Overwhelmed by his sentiments, Jowita quickly replied: “I’m so proud of you and you don’t need to be sorry for anything. For me we won and I gain way more then being in the final … I gain a beautiful friendship.” (sic)
returns next weekend for the live final on One and iPlayer.