Pete Wicks, best known for his charismatic personality and his appearances on reality television, captured the attention of millions when he joined the cast of Strictly Come Dancing. For many fans, this marked a thrilling new chapter in his career, showcasing a side of him that had rarely been seen on screens before.
While Pete had already built a reputation for his entertaining presence on shows like The Only Way Is Essex, Strictly Come Dancing provided a platform that challenged him in unprecedented ways, pushing him beyond his comfort zone and allowing audiences to witness his growth as both a performer and an individual.
Participating in Strictly Come Dancing is no small feat. The show demands not only physical stamina and technical skill but also emotional resilience and the ability to connect with the audience through every performance.
For Pete Wicks, this experience offered a unique opportunity to reveal vulnerability, dedication, and determination, proving that reality TV personalities are capable of far more than just on-screen drama. Each week, as he learned complex routines, honed his dance techniques, and performed live in front of judges and millions of viewers, Pete demonstrated remarkable perseverance and adaptability, earning admiration from fans and critics alike.
Beyond the dance floor, Pete Wicks’s journey on Strictly Come Dancing highlighted his commitment to self-improvement and his willingness to embrace new challenges. It was not just a competition—it was a transformative experience, one that required him to balance rigorous training schedules, public scrutiny, and personal growth simultaneously.
His charm, humor, and authenticity resonated with audiences, reinforcing why he has remained a beloved figure in the world of reality television. Strictly Come Dancing allowed Pete Wicks to redefine his public persona, illustrating that with passion, effort, and resilience, even the most unexpected challenges can be turned into remarkable achievements.
Who Is Pete Wicks?
Before diving into Pete Wicks Strictly details, it’s essential to understand who Pete Wicks is.
Pete Wicks is an English television personality born on 1 November 1988 in Harlow, Essex, England. He first rose to fame as a cast member of the reality series The Only Way Is Essex (often abbreviated TOWIE), appearing from 2015 until 2022. Over the years, Pete has also featured on several reality and entertainment shows, including Celebs Go Dating, Celebrity MasterChef, The Celebrity Circle, and more. In 2024, he took a major leap by joining Strictly Come Dancing, a show that would profoundly influence his public image and career trajectory.
His foray into Strictly marked a shift from his earlier “bad boy” persona toward someone admired for vulnerability, humor, and resilience
What Is Strictly Come Dancing?
Before continuing, let’s clear up what Strictly Come Dancing is — especially for readers outside the UK.
Strictly Come Dancing is a hugely popular British television dance competition broadcast on BBC One annually. Celebrities are paired with professional dancers and compete in various ballroom and Latin dance styles. Each week, judges score performances, and public voting helps decide who stays and who leaves. The show has become a cultural institution, inspiring international versions worldwide.
Pete’s participation in the 22nd series (2024) brought his star presence to a platform demanding dedication, physical challenge, and emotional growth — far beyond his comfort zone as a reality TV personality.
How Pete Wicks Ended Up on Strictly
The Decision to Join
Pete Wicks didn’t always plan to enter Strictly Come Dancing. In interviews leading up to his debut, he admitted he had never watched the show before being cast, and joining was not initially his idea — he was “semi‑forced” by his manager and close friend, Sam Thompson, to give it a try.
He described his first Strictly taster session as daunting yet transformative. Despite initial nerves, Pete quickly embraced the challenge and discovered a new passion for dance and performance. This candid admission made him relatable to viewers who felt uncomfortable stepping into unfamiliar territory.
This initial resistance followed by wholehearted commitment became one of the defining narratives of his Strictly journey.
Pete Wicks Strictly Journey: Week by Week Highlights
Pete’s time on Strictly was far from ordinary — it was a rollercoaster of emotional performances, public scrutiny, undeniable growth, and viral moments. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most significant moments throughout his run:
Week 1: Arrival and First Impressions
The first week is always daunting for new Strictly contestants. Pete’s debut performance brought both laughs and applause.
Without formal dance background, Pete’s technique was raw, but he made up for it with personality — something that would become his Strictly trademark. His rapport with professional dancer and partner Jowita Przystał was instantly evident, and fans began noticing an unusual chemistry between them.
Mid‑Series: Growth and Genre Challenges
As the competition progressed, Pete faced a range of styles — from passionate tangos to slick quicksteps — each pushing him beyond his existing comfort zone.
While some critics argued his technique was inconsistent, many viewers responded with overwhelming public votes, keeping him safe from elimination week after week.
His journey became less about technical perfection and more about heart, humor, and resilience — an embodiment of Strictly’s ethos that the spirit of dance can matter as much as produced skill.
Week 9: Blackpool Tower Ballroom
Performing at Blackpool Tower Ballroom is considered one of Strictly’s most prestigious moments. This week often separates competitors who can handle pressure. Pete’s performance may not have topped the leaderboard in scores, but fans rallied for him nonetheless, showcasing that popularity and public support can become powerful forces on Strictly.
Final Weeks and Semi‑Final
Pete and Jowita made it to the semi‑final stage (week 12), an impressive feat for someone with no prior dance experience. Despite strong competition and vocal fan debate over his technical merits versus his popularity, he put in consistent effort, improving significantly from his opening performance.
Elimination came before the final, but his journey was widely seen as a triumph in personal development and public appeal.
The Chemistry Factor: Pete and Jowita Przystał
One of the major headlines throughout and after Pete’s Strictly journey was his connection with his professional dance partner, Jowita Przystał.
From the beginning, the pair showed exceptional rapport — often described by fans as having “natural chemistry.” Their performances weren’t just technical steps; they told a story of mutual support, trust, and joy, which many viewers found compelling.
After the show ended, Pete and Jowita publicly confirmed their romantic relationship, sharing passionate moments during a live show performance in front of a sold‑out crowd. Their connection didn’t just remain on screen — it continued in real life, making their story one of Strictly’s most talked‑about relationships in recent history.
Public Reaction and Social Media Buzz
Pete Wicks Strictly became a social phenomenon. His run inspired intense passionate discussion on forums, social platforms, and fan communities — often more than technical dance critiques.
Love and Support
Many fans praised Pete for his honesty, growth, and vulnerability. Threads celebrating his willingness to embrace discomfort and positivity became common. Supporters applauded his emotional vulnerability and consistent determination — qualities that many found inspirational. These fans saw his journey as less about ballroom prowess and more about personal courage.
Criticism and Backlash
Not all reactions were positive.
Some critics accused Pete of being “overstayed” in the competition — meaning they believed stronger dancers were eliminated before him due to his substantial public support. Debate stirred across social media, with passionate voices on both sides of the conversation.
In rare and concerning cases, Pete even received online abuse and extreme comments, a stark reminder of how divisive celebrity competition shows can become. However, such negativity also sparked wider discussion about online behavior and the mental health impact of public criticism.
Despite this, Pete generally maintained a positive outlook, focusing on gratitude and personal growth.
How Appearing on Strictly Affected Pete’s Career
Pete Wicks’s Strictly Come Dancing journey had a remarkably positive impact on his career and public image:
Broadening His Fanbase
While already a household name from TOWIE, Pete reached new audiences through Strictly — particularly from viewers who may never have watched his earlier reality shows. His Strictly arc gained admiration from fans of all ages and backgrounds.
New Professional Opportunities
Following Strictly, Pete found doors opening in unexpected directions — including increased visibility for podcast ventures, live shows, and television presenting roles beyond reality TV.
The transformation brought by Strictly played a part in shifting his image from tabloid fodder to a multifaceted TV personality with broader appeal.
Lessons from Pete Wicks’s Strictly Experience
Pete’s journey offers important lessons that extend beyond entertainment into personal development:
Embrace Challenges Outside Your Comfort Zone
Pete’s initial hesitation about joining Strictly reflects a common human experience: fear of the unknown. Step‑by‑step commitment turned unfamiliar territory into a source of growth.
Show Vulnerability
Embracing vulnerability — whether through tears after a performance or admitting a lack of experience — made Pete more relatable and more compelling as a public figure.
Build Strong Partnerships
His partnership with Jowita was based on trust, consistency, and mutual encouragement — a reminder that success often hinges on strong collaboration.
Handle Criticism With Grace
Dealing with vocal fans and social media discourse isn’t easy. Pete’s approach — focusing on gratitude, not antagonism — offers a model for how to navigate public feedback constructively.
How Strictly Come Dancing Works (Explained)
For anyone unfamiliar with Strictly, here’s a clear, step‑by‑step explanation of the show’s format and judging system:
Step 1: Celebrity Announcement
Each season begins with a lineup of celebrities from various backgrounds — entertainment, sports, media, etc. These contestants are paired with professional ballroom dancers.
Step 2: Rehearsals
Pairings rehearse daily — often several hours a day — learning choreography in different styles (e.g., waltz, tango, samba, foxtrot).
Step 3: Live Performances
Each week, contestants perform choreographed routines live on television in front of judges and studio audiences.
Step 4: Judges’ Scores
A panel of dance experts scores each performance, typically on a scale of 1–10 based on technique, rhythm, performance quality, and other criteria.
Step 5: Public Voting
After the show airs, viewers vote for their favorite couples. Judges scores and audience votes combine to decide who stays and who enters the “dance‑off.”
Step 6: Dance‑Off and Elimination
Couples with the lowest combined scores may perform again in a dance‑off, after which judges decide who to save. The eliminated couple leaves the competition.
This cycle repeats weekly until the final, where the winner is crowned based on performance excellence and viewer engagement.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Dancers (Inspired by Pete’s Journey)
Even if you’re not aiming for Strictly Come Dancing fame, Pete’s experience offers concrete lessons for anyone interested in dance or performance:
Tip 1: Start With Small Steps
Don’t expect perfection overnight. Just as Pete began with basic lessons, focus on fundamentals before attempting complex routines.
Tip 2: Practice Regularly
Consistency is key. Frequent, short practices can make a bigger difference than sporadic long sessions.
Tip 3: Watch and Learn
Study performances not just to mimic choreography but to understand rhythm, posture, and expression.
Tip 4: Embrace Feedback
Constructive criticism — from instructors, peers, or judges — is a tool for improvement, not discouragement.
Tip 5: Enjoy the Process
Dance is as much about joy as precision. Pete’s infectious positivity show that fun and authenticity resonate with audiences.
Recent Trends in Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Competitions
As of 2025, several trends are shaping how audiences engage with shows like Strictly:
Greater Focus on Mental Well‑Being
Following years of intense social media commentary, dance competitions are placing more emphasis on mental health support for participants.
Social Media Interaction
Viewers now engage in real time on platforms like X and TikTok, making Strictly a broader cultural moment beyond the broadcast itself.
Celebrity Journey Narratives
Audiences are increasingly drawn to contestant stories of struggle and growth, not just dance prowess. Pete’s journey epitomizes this trend — fans rooted for transformation as much as technique.
Live Tours
Post‑season tours bring dance performances to arenas across the UK, extending fan engagement and giving contestants a stage off television.
Real‑Life Examples of Celebrities Who Have Benefited From Strictly
Pete is just one of many celebrities whose careers experienced a boost from Strictly exposure:
Bill Bailey (comedian) became a fan favorite, reaching the final early in his season and broadening his creative profile.
Helen Skelton (TV presenter) used her Strictly journey to highlight personal resilience.
Kelvin Fletcher (actor) won the competition and leveraged the spotlight for further media opportunities.
These examples show how Strictly can serve as a career catalyst or reinvention platform — not just a dance contest.
FAQ
What year did Pete Wicks appear on Strictly Come Dancing?
Pete Wicks competed in the 22nd series of Strictly Come Dancing, which aired in 2024.
Who was Pete Wicks’s dance partner on Strictly?
His professional partner was Jowita Przystał, a skilled ballroom and Latin dancer.
How far did Pete Wicks get in the competition?
Pete and Jowita reached the semi‑final (week 12) of the series, a significant achievement for a first‑time competitor.
Did Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystał become romantically involved?
Yes — after the show, they publicly confirmed a romantic relationship, which was widely covered in media and embraced by many fans.
Why was Pete sometimes controversial on Strictly?
Pete’s journey generated mixed reactions: some viewers criticized his technical ability, while many others celebrated his vulnerability, humor, and growth. Additionally, discussions around judging and public voting fueled passionate debate.
Final Thoughts
Pete Wicks Strictly stands as one of the most compelling celebrity competition stories of recent years. His journey from reluctant participant to beloved semi‑finalist, coupled with real‑life chemistry with his partner Jowita Przystał, tapped into what makes Strictly Come Dancing more than just a dance show: human stories, vulnerability, resilience, and performance as personal expression.
Pete’s Strictly experience shows that success in performance isn’t always about perfection — it’s about heart, determination, connection, and a willingness to grow.
Whether you’re an aspiring dancer, a devoted fan of Pete, or someone intrigued by reality TV narratives, his Strictly story offers real insight, entertainment, and inspiration.
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