October 6th 2024.
Fans of Strictly Come Dancing have had a change of heart when it comes to Pete Wicks. The 35-year-old former Towie star wowed viewers with his outrageously fun Samba on Saturday night, performed with his pro partner Jowita Przystał. The dynamic duo danced to the catchy theme song from the 1997 comedy film, George of the Jungle, during the show's popular Movie Week.
Pete's performance involved swinging in on a vine from the judges' table, where he started off by playfully shaking his derriere in front of judge Craig Revel Horwood. Not only did he receive his highest score yet from the judges with a 26, but it seems that fans watching from home also enjoyed watching the reality star let loose.
"I have to admit, I had my doubts about @p_wicks01 when this season of Strictly started," shared @helendickinson147 on Instagram. "But he has truly surprised me! He's like a breath of fresh air - not taking himself too seriously, yet fully committing to every dance."
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Even fans who were initially skeptical of Pete couldn't help but fall in love with him after his performance. "I'll be honest, I thought I'd hate him but I love him," admitted @mummaleg, who confessed to never having seen him in anything before.
The energetic jungle-themed Samba routine, which featured Pete swinging in on a vine, has certainly charmed fans. "I've really warmed up to him, I just can't help it," gushed @des_moongirl. "And I agree, I never thought I'd like him, but here I am rooting for him. I love these two!"
"Pete is really putting in the effort and enjoying every moment of it," wrote @carolineguy66. "I'm so glad people are giving him a chance instead of judging him beforehand." Fans also couldn't help but notice the pure joy on Pete's face as he performed, with @seonarenaiss commenting, "You can see how much fun he's having just by looking at his face. He's really giving it his all."
Meanwhile, @samanthadouglass couldn't help but notice how happy Pete seemed to be on the dancefloor. "It's a joy to see him blooming in happiness as someone who's learning to dance from scratch," she shared. @nicolachinnock, who also noted Pete's appearance on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, teased, "I think Mr. Pete Wicks is on his way to becoming a national treasure in my opinion."
The judges were also highly impressed with Pete's performance, with Shirley Ballas even calling him an "unrecognizable man from the launch show." The couple earned their highest score so far for their dance, and Anton Du Beke couldn't help but marvel at the "changed man" before him, who was "improving enormously."
Of course, Craig Revel Horwood had to chime in with his trademark criticism, noting Pete's "lack of bounce" and occasional clumsiness. But he still commended it as Pete's "personal best."
Fans have also been speculating about the nature of Pete and Jowita's relationship, with some convinced that they're more than just dance partners. The Polish dancer shared sweet photos of them together on her Instagram, including a dog walk where they wore matching cowboy hats.
According to The Mail on Sunday, their "relationship" is an open secret among the cast and crew of the show, with sources claiming that Pete has fallen head over heels for Jowita. "He thinks she's amazing in every way," revealed an insider. "The feeling is mutual from her side, and things have definitely progressed between them. They are all over one another behind the scenes, just like a loved-up couple would be."
Fellow contestants are said to be "really happy" for Pete and Jowita, who won the glitterball trophy in 2022 with BBC journalist and wildlife cameraman Hamza Yassin. While neither of them has publicly addressed the rumors, fans can't help but root for this potential romance.
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