Strictly’s Pete Wicks sobs after dance dedicated to ‘person that matters the most’

Strictly Come Dancing star Pete Wicks was visibly moved to tears after a powerful dance in honour of his nan.

Pete and pro partner Jowita Przysta did their dance to Tina Turner’s Simply The Best in tonight’s episode – a song that has huge personal importance in the Towie star’s life.

He told viewers: ‘This is the one dance that I’ve wanted to do since the start of this and this is the tribute to the person that matters to me more than anyone. And that’s my nan.

‘My nan, my mum and I were as close as you could really imagine. When my mum was in dark places it was my nan I would turn to. She was just the rock for everyone.’

And his mum Tracy added that their relationship was ‘really unique’ and they both ‘adored’ each other.

‘As a friend, as a safety net, a support, she was just everything,’ Pete then added, explaining that Simple The Best was his nan’s ‘favourite song’.

He continued: ‘This is my tribute to my nan who would have absolutely loved to experience this journey with me. This is my way of her being part of that adventure.’

After a moving performance, the couple received a standing ovation and the rest of the studio was clearly emotionally affected by the impactful routine.

As Pete held back tears, judge Shirley Ballas said: ‘I have to breathe, getting quite emotional. I am a grandma myself, a nana and just to see you dedicate that to your beautiful nan, your dance was not only filled with beautiful movements but your heart and soul shone through what you did.’

The other judges shared their agreement at the emotion Pete brought to the dance.

When Pete and Jowita were interviewed by co-host Claudia Winkelman, the tears started coming as Pete sniffled through his answers.

‘It’s been a tough week but the one person I wish was here is my nan but she’s not so that;s my way of her being here,’ he told Claudia while choked up with emotion.

And Jowita was a steady support throughout, talking about how much the dance also meant to her: ‘I wish I could meet your grandma but I met her through all the stories we shared with you and your mum.’

The pair landed their highest score of the show so far at 36 with Shirley giving them a prestigious perfect 10.

Those in the crowd were also moved to tears, with mum Tracy and TV friend Vicky Pattinson both wiping the tears away from their eyes.

And Strictly fans shared their love for Pete on X.

‘A beautiful soft, caring side to Pete Wicks. What a man. I love him so much,’ @xvicix wrote.

‘I want nothing more than to give Pete Wicks the biggest cuddle right now! Your Nan would be so proud!!!’ @francescajayne added.

‘Pete Wicks dance was absolutely beautiful, such a lovely tribute to his Nan. By far one his best dances’ @caroline_day shared.

‘Blimey got emotional watching Pete on Strictly, I miss my Nan everyday so I completely get it,’ @buster_comedy echoed.

All the couples are vying for their spot on the special Strictly episode filmed at Blackpool Tower.

Pete and Jowita are currently grappling with an injury on the team as Jowita was recovering from whiplash – a neck injury caused by the sudden movement of the head.

‘We’d had a tough week because Jowita has been working with an injury because she got whiplash on Monday,’ the TV personality said on his Staying Relevant podcast.

‘She’s powered through,’ he added in the pre-recorded conversation, saying that it would be a ‘miracle’ to make it through.

‘I’ll be over the moon because then it will be a Couple’s Choice and it’s one week to Blackpool,’ he said at the time

The dancing duo have had a tough Strictly journey.

They have previously been accused of a ‘totally illegal’ performance, with judge Craig Revel Horwood claiming they should be disqualified for the lifts during their dance to Oasis hit Don’t Look Back In Anger.