Strictly's Saffron Barker 'really proud' of 'absolutely amazing' pal Pete Wicks

Former Strictly Come Dancing star Saffron Barker shared her thoughts on celebrity pal Pete Wicks' stint on the BBC show so far whilst at the Mirror's Pride of Britain Awards

Former Strictly Come Dancing star Saffron Barker has shared her thoughts on Pete Wicks' dancing abilities.

Content creator Saffron, 24, spoke about reality TV star Pete, 36, competing on the latest series of the BBC show whilst at the Daily Mirror's Pride of Britain Awards on Monday. She was among the guests at the event in London.

Saffron said of the awards ceremony - which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year - whilst at venue Grosvenor House: "It's an honour to be here as always. Pride of Britain is my favourite event because it gives me a lot of faith in humanity." She added: "It makes me proud to be British."

And when asked about celebrity pal Pete being on Strictly, she told the Mirror: "I told him he was going to do absolutely amazing. He said he was terrible at dancing. But he's improved so much. I am really proud of him and I would love to see him in the final."

Saffron herself competed on Strictly five years ago, having been partnered with AJ Pritchard in 2019. The pair placed sixth in the competition that year, with Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher and Oti Mabuse later crowned the winners.

Saffron - who competed against Pete on the Celebrity Circle in 2021 - graced the red carpet of the Pride of Britain Awards this year in a floor-length floral gown. She opted against accessorising with lots of jewellery, instead simply sporting just a pair of earrings.

Pete was also present at the venue for the special occasion, with the former the Only Way is Essex cast member providing red carpet coverage. He was joined by his pal and former Made in Chelsea star Sam Thompson, 32, for the role.

The pair - who host the podcast Staying Relevant together - both opted to wear black for the occasion. Pete modelled a blazer, with a white top underneath, and trousers, whilst Sam showcased a traditional jacket as part of his look.

Pete wasn't the only Strictly star to attend the Pride of Britain Awards this year, as a host of contestants and professional dancers from the latest series were present too. It included his own dance partner Jowita Przystał, 30.

Jowita - who's been on the BBC show since 2021 - walked the red carpet in an extravagant gown. It consisted of a black bodice, that feature sparkling detailing, and a white skirt. The dancer accessorised with a pair of silver earrings.

The latest series of Strictly launched last month and four celebrities have been voted off the BBC show so far since then. Pete is among the remaining contestants, alongside the likes of JLS member JB Gill and Love Island's Tasha Ghouri.

The Pride of Britain Awards 2024 will air on ITV and ITVX on Thursday at 8pm.

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