Pete Wicks is a well-known British TV personality and podcaster. He first captured public attention in 2015 when he joined the cast of The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE). His time on TOWIE made him a household name, thanks to his memorable storylines and high-profile relationships. Pete Wicks quickly became one of the most prominent cast members, remaining on the show until 2021.
Outside of TOWIE, Pete Wicks expanded his television career by appearing on shows like Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls, Celebrity MasterChef, The Real Full Monty, and Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins. His willingness to take on daring challenges, including being bitten by a shark and dancing naked on stage, set him apart from other reality stars.
Strictly Come Dancing: A New Challenge
In 2024, Pete Wicks joined the cast of Strictly Come Dancing for its milestone 20th anniversary season. He partnered with professional dancer Jowita Przystał and quickly became a talking point for fans and judges alike. Despite his lack of dance experience, Pete Wicks enthusiastically embraced the challenge, admitting that he had never watched the show before signing up.
Pete Wicks described the experience as one of the toughest of his life. He found the mental demands of learning new dances each week more exhausting than physical ones. He confessed to being surprised by how sore he felt in places he never knew could hurt. Despite these challenges, he remained determined to enjoy every moment and improve his skills.
Journey on the Strictly Dancefloor
Pete Wicks’s journey on Strictly Come Dancing was filled with ups and downs. He and Jowita Przystał delivered a variety of routines, from a Rumba to Oasis’s “Don’t Look Back in Anger” to a memorable Argentine tango to The Verve’s “Bittersweet Symphony”. Their performances often received mixed feedback from the judges, with some dances earning lower scores and others surprising everyone with higher marks.
Throughout the competition, Pete Wicks avoided the bottom two more often than expected, thanks in part to strong public support. He openly acknowledged feeling like he lived on borrowed time during the early weeks. Each week he remained in the contest was a pleasant surprise to him.
Public Reaction and Personal Reflections
Pete Wicks’s time on Strictly Come Dancing was not without controversy. Some viewers criticized his performances, arguing that he should have faced the dance-off more often. Despite this, Pete Wicks maintained a positive attitude and focused on enjoying the experience.
He credited his dance partner, Jowita Przystał, as his favourite part of the journey, stating that she made him happy daily. The two batted away rumours of a romance, insisting that their chemistry was purely professional. Pete Wicks also highlighted the mental resilience required for the show, comparing it to his previous reality TV experiences and admitting that Strictly was the most challenging yet.
Elimination and Legacy on the Show
Pete Wicks’s run on Strictly Come Dancing ended in Week 12, just one week before the final. He was eliminated after a dance-off against Love Island star Tasha Ghouri. Reflecting on his time on the show, Pete Wicks described the experience as “beautiful” and expressed gratitude for the opportunity. He admitted not wanting to participate initially but was glad he leapt.
Pete Wicks’s journey resonated with viewers who appreciated his willingness to step beyond his comfort zone. His story on Strictly Come Dancing showcased his determination, humour, and ability to connect with his dance partner and the audience. For many, Pete Wicks will be remembered as the contestant who proved that you do not have to be the best dancer to make a lasting impression on the show.
Life Beyond Strictly
Outside of his Strictly experience, Pete Wicks works as a TV personality and podcaster. He co-hosts the popular Staying Relevant podcast with Sam Thompson, which has garnered millions of downloads. Pete Wicks remains active in the entertainment industry, always ready to take on new challenges and connect with fans in fresh ways.
Pete Wicks’s time on Strictly Come Dancing added a new dimension to his public persona. It revealed a side of him that many viewers had never seen: vulnerable, hardworking, and willing to take risks. As he moves forward, Pete Wicks’s journey on the dance floor will remain a memorable chapter in his ever-evolving career.