November 9th 2024.
Tonight's episode of Strictly Come Dancing was an emotional rollercoaster for star Pete Wicks. The Towie star was visibly moved to tears after a powerful dance in honor of his beloved nan. Accompanied by his professional partner Jowita Przysta, Pete danced to Tina Turner's iconic hit "Simply The Best" - a song that holds immense personal significance for him.
As he shared with viewers, this was the one dance he had been looking forward to since the beginning of the competition, as it was a tribute to the person who means the most to him - his nan. "My nan, my mum, and I were as close as you could imagine," he shared. "Whenever my mum was going through a difficult time, it was my nan I turned to. She was the rock for our entire family."
Pete's mum Tracy added that their relationship was truly unique and that they adored each other. "As a friend, a safety net, a support - she was everything to us," Pete added, explaining that "Simply The Best" was his nan's favorite song.
He then offered a heartwarming backstory to his song choice, saying, "This is my tribute to my nan, who would have absolutely loved to experience this journey with me. This is my way of her being a part of this adventure."
Their moving performance received a standing ovation from the judges and the rest of the studio audience, who were clearly touched by the emotional routine. As Pete held back tears, judge Shirley Ballas said, "I have to catch my breath, I'm getting quite emotional. As a grandma myself, I can truly appreciate the beautiful movements and the heart and soul you put into this dance as a tribute to your nan."
The other judges also shared their agreement at the raw emotion that Pete brought to the dance floor. In the end, the couple received a score of 36 - their highest score so far in the competition.
And it wasn't just the judges and the audience who were moved to tears. When Pete and Jowita were interviewed by co-host Claudia Winkelman, the tears started flowing as Pete sniffled through his answers. "It's been a tough week, but the one person I wish was here is my nan," he shared, visibly choked up with emotion. "But she's not, so this is my way of having her here with me."
Jowita was a steady support throughout, expressing how much the dance also meant to her. "I wish I could have met your grandma, but I feel like I got to know her through all the stories we shared with you and your mum," she said.
Their performance not only touched the judges and the audience, but also the viewers watching at home. Many took to social media to share their love for Pete, with one fan writing, "A beautiful, soft, caring side to Pete Wicks. What a man. I love him so much."
As for Pete and Jowita, they are hoping to secure a spot at the Blackpool Tower, a special episode filmed at the iconic location. However, their journey to the top has not been an easy one, as they have faced challenges along the way. In fact, Jowita was recovering from a neck injury caused by whiplash just days before their performance.
"We had a tough week because Jowita was working with an injury she got on Monday," Pete shared on his Staying Relevant podcast. "But she powered through, and if we make it through, it will be a miracle."
Their determination paid off, as they received their highest score yet and are now one step closer to Blackpool. The dancing duo have faced their fair share of obstacles, including being accused of performing illegal lifts in a previous routine. However, they have persevered and have become a fan-favorite in the competition.
Strictly Come Dancing airs on Saturdays and Sundays on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. And if you have a celebrity story, video, or pictures, be sure to get in touch with our entertainment team - we would love to hear from you.
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