Sam Thompson launches fierce defence of Pete Wicks after Strictly controversy

Strictly Come Dancing semi-finalist Pete Wicks has received some support from his close pal Sam Thompson, who is out in Australia working on I'm A Celebrity, this week

Reality TV star Pete Wicks has been supported by his close pal Sam Thompson after making it through to the semi-final of this year's Strictly Come Dancing over the weekend.

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.

As previously reported, one fan wrote: "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 his pal Sam, 32. 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.

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."

Sam linked to a post that his pal had shared himself on the platform on Sunday night. 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.

Pete 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."

He continued in the post's caption: "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."

The latest episode of Strictly saw Gladiators star Montell Douglas, 38, and her dance partner Johannes Radebe, 37, voted out of the competition. They lost the dance-off, shown in Sunday's results show, against Love Island finalist Tasha Ghouri, 26, and her dance partner Aljaž Škorjanec, 34.

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