Former Strictly Come Dancing star Dan Walker has defended fellow 'worst dancer' Pete Wicks and has insisted that the TOWIE star deserves to stay on the BBC show.
It was announced on Sunday's results show that Pete, 36, and his dance partner Jowita Przystał, 30, had become semi-finalists on the BBC contest. The news prompted a backlash though, with some viewers having suggested that he should not have made it this far in the competition.
At the time of Pete being saved for another week, one fan fumed: "What a joke!!!! Pete should not be in the semi final!" Another said: "I mean I like Pete but the public vote is a joke now as just a popularity contest..." A third commented: "We NEED to get Pete out next week. He's more than outstayed his welcome."
Former the Only Way is Essex cast member Pete has however received support too, including from TV presenter Dan Walker. The 47-year-old was previously dubbed the 'worst dancer' of his series when he appeared on the BBC show back in 2021. Dan can sympathise with Pete, but says that he undoubtedly still deserves a place in the semi-finals.
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INSTAGRAM)Taking to Instagram to share his support for Pete, Dan wrote: "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," Dan added.
Dan is not the only one who has shown staunch support for Pete in recent days. His best friend, Sam Thompson, 32, has also backed the reality TV star all the way. He celebrated Pete's achievement whilst out in Australia as a host on I'm A Celebrity companion show Unpacked.
Sam - whose partner Zara McDermott was on Strictly just last year - said that Pete "deserves" to have made it through to the semi-final. He made the remark on his Instagram Story, alongside a photo of Pete dancing with Jowita.
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PA)After sharing other updates on his life, Sam wrote in the post: "And then to top it off! Come on Peter! You deserve to be there mate. More than anyone I know. The country is seeing what we've all seen since day one. Love you brother."
Meanwhile, Pete had reflected on his progress on Strictly in the recent post and told his followers that he has felt "so overwhelmed" to have their support. He wrote: "I've been struggling to think of what to say and it's not often I'm lost for words. I am so overwhelmed and blessed to have had your support over the past 3 months, I never expected it and I have never taken it for granted.
"The belief you guys have had in me has been incredible and at times I'm not sure I've deserved it. I've said it before but no amount of words will ever be able to repay what you have given me. People talk about the 'journey' and let me tell you, this isn't my journey at all. It's our journey.
"Jowita, you and I have all been on this wild ride and I wouldn't have it any other way! I literally have no idea how I'm gonna get through next week but I can guarantee you I'll be giving it my all. Thank you."
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