Strictly’s Pete Wicks hit back after sparking backlash with 'ungrateful' habit

Strictly: Pete Wicks addresses his 'illegal' move

Strictly Come Dancing star Pete Wicks has opened up after being accused of not thanking voters during the results show. 

On Saturday, the reality star took the stage alongside his professional partner Jowita Przystal for Halloween week to perform the Viennese Waltz to That's Life by Frank Sinatra.

Pete impressed the panel of judges and was awarded 31 points, which meant he avoided the bottom two and subsequent dance-off during Sunday’s show.

That evening, the 36-year-old took to Instagram with snapshots of his performance and shared his appreciation in the captions: “It means a lot to us. More than you could imagine.

Pete Wicks has made it to Strictly's seventh week (Image: BBC)

“It’s been a tough week, for various reasons but we can’t wait to try and entertain you all again. Prepare yourself, we have nothing to lose @jowitaprzystal.”

While many took to the comments with praise, a furious viewer @ladypen34 asked: “You’re doing really well but why do you never say thank you to your voters when you go through?”

The comment sparked a mixed reaction from other fans, as one agreed: “I was going to say exactly the same thing.”

Pete responded to the criticism, “I wouldn’t be anywhere without you all…I always put it on my story.

“If you voted then I’m very thankful,” he added.

Others defended the Towie star including @michaelastevens93 who added: “He also thanks everyone who voted on his podcast. You can see how grateful he is.”

@Debbie.h.0901 shared: “Pete thanks everyone every week on his story. Also, on the podcast. Pete is so humble and incredibly grateful to all. Also, you can see by his shock every week.”

As @swift5051 penned: “Just because he doesn’t jump around going crazy it doesn’t mean he isn’t grateful. We are all different.”