Pete Wicks, the well-known British television personality, best recognized for his role in the reality series “The Only Way Is Essex” (TOWIE), embarked on a new and exciting chapter in his career when he joined the cast of the twenty-second series of “Strictly Come Dancing” in the autumn of 2024. Partnered with the talented professional dancer Jowita Przystał, Pete’s participation in the beloved dance competition captivated audiences and generated considerable discussion across various media platforms. This article delves into Pete Wicks’ journey on “Strictly Come Dancing,” exploring his performances, the public and critical reception, and the overall impact of his time on the show.
From Reality TV to the Ballroom: Pete Wicks’ Strictly Debut
Pete Wicks rose to fame through his appearances on TOWIE, where his charismatic personality and involvement in various storylines made him a popular figure. His transition from the world of reality television to the elegant and demanding realm of ballroom dancing was met with anticipation and curiosity. Many viewers were eager to see how the tattooed, rock-and-roll-loving personality would adapt to the discipline and artistry required by “Strictly Come Dancing.”
His pairing with Jowita Przystał, a professional dancer known for her vibrant choreography and supportive teaching style, was seen as a potentially dynamic partnership. Jowita, who had previously lifted Hamza Yassin to victory in the previous series, brought a track record of nurturing celebrity talent and creating memorable performances.
Navigating the Dances: A Week-by-Week Breakdown
Pete and Jowita’s journey through the “Strictly Come Dancing” competition was a rollercoaster of highs and lows, marked by noticeable improvement and unwavering effort. Here’s a look at their performances week by week:
Week 1: Paso Doble to “The залатая орда”
Their first dance, the powerful Paso Doble, set the stage for Pete’s Strictly journey. While he embraced the intensity and character of the dance, the judges noted some technical shortcomings. Craig Revel Horwood humorously remarked that it looked like he was “going through a stroll of the Port Talbot steelworks,” indicating a lack of the required shaping and technique. They landed near the bottom of the leaderboard, highlighting the steep learning curve ahead.
Week 2: Cha-Cha-Cha to “I’m Too Sexy”
For their second performance, Pete and Jowita tackled the energetic Cha-Cha-Cha. While they brought a sense of fun and personality to the routine, the judges again pointed out issues with footwork and rhythm. Despite their enthusiasm, they remained towards the lower end of the scores, emphasizing the challenge of mastering the fundamental steps.
Week 3: Viennese Waltz to “That’s Life”
Week three saw a change of pace with the graceful Viennese Waltz. Pete embraced the romantic and flowing nature of the dance, showcasing a different side of his performing abilities. The judges acknowledged his improved musicality and storytelling, although they still noted areas for technical refinement. This performance earned them slightly higher scores, indicating progress.
Week 4: Tango to “Easy Lover”
The dramatic Tango was their week four challenge. Pete brought his characteristic intensity to the performance, and the judges commended his strong presence and commitment to the character. However, they also pointed out inconsistencies in the frame and footwork, preventing them from achieving higher marks.
Week 5: Couple’s Choice to “The Best”
Week five allowed Pete and Jowita to showcase a more contemporary and personal style with their Couple’s Choice routine. Dancing to “The Best,” they incorporated elements of street dance and storytelling, which resonated with the audience. The judges praised their creativity and connection, resulting in a more favorable score and a boost in confidence.
Week 6: Jive to “Great Balls of Fire”
The fast-paced and demanding Jive was their week six dance. Pete tackled the energetic routine with enthusiasm, but the judges noted a lack of sharpness and precision in his kicks and flicks. While his energy was commendable, the technical aspects needed further work.
Week 7: Rumba to “Falling Slowly”
The emotionally charged Rumba presented a significant challenge for Pete. The dance requires precise movements and a deep connection between the partners. While he conveyed the emotion of the song, the judges pointed out a lack of fluidity and technical accuracy in his movements.
Week 8: Quickstep to “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore”
Week eight saw Pete and Jowita take on the Quickstep, a lively and intricate ballroom dance. While they captured some of the dance’s energy, the judges noted issues with his posture and footwork, preventing them from achieving a higher score.
Week 9: Salsa to “Despacito”
The vibrant Salsa was their week nine routine. Pete embraced the Latin energy and incorporated some impressive lifts and tricks. However, the judges pointed out a lack of hip action and rhythmic accuracy, which affected their overall score.
Week 10: Argentine Tango to “Bittersweet Symphony”
Pete and Jowita’s Argentine Tango in week ten was a highlight for many viewers. They brought a dramatic intensity and strong connection to the performance. While the judges acknowledged his improved technique and powerful presence, they still noted some areas for refinement in terms of footwork and precision.
Week 11: Waltz to “Somewhere” and Samba to “Livin’ la Vida Loca”
In the semi-final week, Pete and Jowita performed two dances: the elegant Waltz and the energetic Samba. While they showed improvement in the Waltz, particularly in storytelling, the judges noted technical shortcomings. Their Samba, while full of energy, lacked the required hip action and rhythm. Despite their efforts, they found themselves at the bottom of the leaderboard.
Week 12: Showdance to a medley of songs and a reprise of their Argentine Tango
In the semi-final, Pete and Jowita performed a Showdance that incorporated various elements from their Strictly journey, as well as a reprise of their Argentine Tango. While they brought creativity and emotion to their Showdance, the judges’ scores, combined with the public vote, ultimately led to their elimination, placing them in the semi-finals.
Public and Critical Reception: The Underdog Appeal
Pete Wicks’ journey on “Strictly Come Dancing” was marked by a significant level of public support. Despite consistently placing lower on the judges’ leaderboard, he managed to stay in the competition for an extended period, reaching the semi-finals. This longevity was largely attributed to the strong backing of the viewers, who seemed to appreciate his effort, personality, and the visible progress he made each week.
Many viewers saw Pete as the “underdog” of the competition. He was not a natural dancer, and he openly acknowledged the challenges he faced in learning the intricate steps and techniques. His willingness to embrace the experience, his good humor, and his evident dedication to improving resonated with the audience, who rallied behind him week after week.
The judges, while acknowledging the public support, often provided more critical feedback, focusing on the technical aspects of his performances. Craig Revel Horwood, known for his sharp critiques, consistently pointed out issues with footwork, posture, and overall technique. However, even the more critical judges often acknowledged Pete’s commitment and the entertainment value he brought to the show.
Online discussions and social media were often divided, with some viewers questioning why Pete remained in the competition while more technically proficient dancers were eliminated. Others passionately defended him, emphasizing the entertainment factor and the spirit of the show, which celebrates the journey of learning and improvement.
Key Moments and Memorable Performances
Throughout his time on “Strictly,” Pete Wicks delivered several memorable moments that captured the audience’s attention:
His Couple’s Choice routine: This performance allowed Pete to showcase a more personal and contemporary style, earning praise for its creativity and connection.
His Argentine Tango: This dramatic and intense routine demonstrated a significant improvement in his technical abilities and his capacity to convey emotion through dance.
His interactions with Jowita: The partnership between Pete and Jowita was a highlight, with their supportive and encouraging dynamic evident in their performances and behind-the-scenes footage.
His consistent effort and positive attitude: Despite facing weekly challenges and often receiving lower scores, Pete maintained a positive attitude and demonstrated a genuine commitment to learning and improving.
The Impact of Pete Wicks on Strictly Come Dancing
Pete Wicks’ participation in “Strictly Come Dancing” had several notable impacts:
Broadening the Audience: His fanbase from reality television likely brought a new segment of viewers to the show, demonstrating the cross-appeal of celebrities from different entertainment genres.
Highlighting the Journey of Improvement: Pete’s consistent progress, albeit gradual, underscored the core element of “Strictly” – the transformation of novices into dancers through hard work and dedication.
Sparking Debate about Voting: His longevity in the competition, despite lower judges’ scores, ignited discussions about the balance between technical skill and entertainment value in the public voting system.
Showcasing Personality and Connection: Pete’s personality and his genuine connection with his professional partner, Jowita, resonated with viewers, emphasizing the importance of these elements in the show’s appeal.
FAQs
Who is Pete Wicks?
Pete Wicks is a British television personality best known for his appearances on reality shows like The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE), Celebs Go Dating, and Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins. In 2024, he joined the cast of Strictly Come Dancing Season 22, partnered with professional dancer Jowita Przystał.
How did Pete Wicks perform on Strictly Come Dancing 2024?
Pete Wicks reached the semi-finals of Strictly Come Dancing 2024, finishing in fifth place. Despite being one of the lower-scoring contestants, he remained in the competition due to strong public support.
Who was Pete Wicks’ dance partner on Strictly?
Pete was partnered with Jowita Przystał, a Polish professional dancer who previously won the show in 2022. Their partnership was noted for its chemistry and mutual respect.
Did Pete Wicks face any controversies during the show?
Yes, Pete Wicks revealed that he received death threats during his time on Strictly Come Dancing, which he discussed on his podcast Staying Relevant.
Is Pete Wicks dating his dance partner Jowita Przystał?
While there were rumors about a romantic relationship between Pete and Jowita, both have maintained that they share a strong friendship and professional bond.
Did Pete Wicks participate in the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour?
No, Pete Wicks declined to join the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour due to prior commitments, expressing regret over his packed schedule.
What has Pete Wicks been up to since leaving Strictly?
After Strictly, Pete Wicks continued his television career, including presenting the docuseries For Dogs’ Sake in 2025, focusing on dog welfare.
How did Pete Wicks’ relationship with Maura Higgins end?
Pete Wicks and Maura Higgins ended their relationship prior to his participation in Strictly Come Dancing.
What is Pete Wicks’ background before television?
Before his television career, Pete Wicks worked in the fashion and hair industry. He gained fame through his appearances on various reality TV shows.
To conclude
Pete Wicks’ journey on Strictly Come Dancing 2024 was marked by determination, public support, and personal growth. Despite not being the highest-scoring dancer, his charisma and connection with the audience propelled him to the semi-finals. His partnership with Jowita Przystał was a highlight of the season, showcasing a strong bond and mutual respect. Facing challenges both on and off the dance floor, including public scrutiny and personal threats, Pete demonstrated resilience and professionalism. His post-Strictly endeavors, such as hosting For Dogs’ Sake, indicate a continued presence in the entertainment industry. Pete Wicks’ experience on Strictly Come Dancing reflects the transformative power of the show, offering participants an opportunity for personal development and public engagement.
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