Pete Wicks has said 'sorry' to fans in a heartfelt move after being saved by the public on Strictly come Dancing.
EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick has missed out on a place in the quarter final as he becames the ninth contestant to leave the show on Sunday night. The soap star, 30, and his professional partner Michelle Tsiakkas faced the dreaded dance-off against Olympian Montell Douglas, 38, and her partner Johannes Radebe.
Borthwick and Tsiakkas reprised their graceful foxtrot to Stand By Me by Ben E King, which landed them a score of 32 from the judges during Saturday’s live show. Judge Anton Du Beke told the actor that he is a “beautiful dancer” but advised him to be more “ridiculous” and “over the top” following his performance on Saturday.
After both couples had danced a second time, the judges unanimously agreed to save Montell and Johannes, sending Jamie and Michelle home.
Pete looked visibly shocked by the result as he discovered he would make it through to Musicals Week.
Taking to Instagram after the show ended, Pete said he was 'sorry' and said 'no one is more surprised by me' as a fierce backlash began.
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PA)Pete wrote: "Trust me I know I’m not as good as the rest and I’m sorry for that but I’m trying my best, we all are. I’m just trying to improve and learn as I go. No one is more surprised that I’m still here than me. We’re all giving it 100% and no one wants to see any one go home. Whatever happens, all 15 of us that started this series of Strictly took a step outside of our comfort zone to try and learn something new and to put on a show. That’s all we wanted to do."
He also took the time to thank everyone who had voted him for so far, penning: "THANK YOU, I never expected to be anywhere near a quarter-final of this show and the fact that I am is purely down to you at home! I’m not sure why you’re voting but I’m so thankful that you are. I have put everything I can in to this for the past 3 months, I’ve thrown myself at it and I feel very blessed to be continuing this rollercoaster with Jowita. Im not a dancer, im not a performer, im just a bloke trying to get a little bit better each week. I wish I could thank every single one of you individually."
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PA)Angry fans had taken to Twitter to vent their thoughts on Pete staying, with one writing: "WHAT? Pete is safe and Montell and Jamie in the dance off. Absolute joke! #Strictly." A second added: "Why is PETE not in DANCE OFF #strictly this is a joke a farce and a fix! #Strictly" with a third writing: "Who keeps voting for Pete? He is the worst of the lot, why do people keep voting him in. Montell & Johannes and Jamie & Michelle in the bottom two? Awful result #Strictly."
A fourth added: "Absolutely HORRIFIC dance off - can the public please get a grip #Strictly. While a fifth wrote: "#Strictly who tf is voting for Pete?! Montell vs Jamie should never be a dance-off."
Despite Pete earning a lower point score than Jamie, it was the soap star that was sent home. Reflecting on his time on the show, Jamie hailed Strictly Come Dancing as “magic” and praised those who work on the show.
He said: “Not just everyone who you see in front of the camera, these four here (the judges), but everyone who works on this show, I have such a good bond and relationship with and that’s what made me want to do this show, it’s the people, not what I’m doing. I’ve had the best time.”
The actor, who was the first celebrity partner for Tsiakkas on the show, praised her as being the “most amazing teacher”.
“We have laughed like you wouldn’t believe. I have nothing but the utmost respect for everyone on the show, so thank you,” he added. Michelle returned the sentiment, saying: “Jamie is an amazing dancer, and he’s improved so much week by week.
“He’s worked so hard to get to where he is. It’s my first year with a partner and I’ve realised that it’s so much more than just the dancing and the technique, it’s the bonds and the friendships that you make. I waited two years for a partner and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.”
The remaining six couples will take to the dancefloor next week for the quarter final with the live show returning to BBC One and iPlayer on Saturday November 30 at 7.05pm and the results show airing on Sunday December 1 at 7.20pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
English (US) ·