Pete Wicks expressed his apologies to fans in a sincere gesture after being rescued by the public vote on Strictly Come Dancing.
EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick was eliminated from the competition, missing out on the quarter-finals after becoming the ninth celebrity to depart the show on Sunday night. The 30-year-old soap star and his dance partner Michelle Tsiakkas were pitted against Olympian Montell Douglas, 38, and her partner Johannes Radebe in the tense dance-off.
Jamie and Michelle performed their elegant foxtrot to “Stand By Me” by Ben E King once more, a routine that had earned them a score of 32 from the judges in Saturday’s live show. Judge Anton Du Beke praised Jamie as a “beautiful dancer” but suggested he should aim to be more “ridiculous” and “over the top” in his performances.
Following the second performances, the judging panel reached a unanimous decision to save Montell and Johannes, resulting in Jamie and Michelle’s exit. The revelation that Pete would advance to Musicals Week left him evidently astonished, reports the Mirror.
In the aftermath, strong backlash ensued, which led to Pete taking to his own Instagram to offer up an apology, admitting he was “sorry” and stating that no one had been more surprised at the result than him.
Pete expressed his heartfelt thoughts, writing: “Trust me I know I’m not as good as the rest and I’m sorry for that but I’m trying my best, we all are. I’m just trying to improve and learn as I go. No one is more surprised that I’m still here than me.
“We’re all giving it 100% and no one wants to see any one go home. Whatever happens, all 15 of us that started this series of Strictly took a step outside of our comfort zone to try and learn something new and to put on a show. That’s all we wanted to do.”
He also showed his gratitude to his supporters, adding: “THANK YOU, I never expected to be anywhere near a quarter-final of this show and the fact that I am is purely down to you at home! I’m not sure why you’re voting but I’m so thankful that you are.
“I have put everything I can in to this for the past 3 months, I’ve thrown myself at it and I feel very blessed to be continuing this rollercoaster with Jowita. Im not a dancer, i’m not a performer, i’m just a bloke trying to get a little bit better each week. I wish I could thank every single one of you individually.”
Furious fans took to Twitter to express their outrage at Pete’s survival, with one tweeting: “WHAT? Pete is safe and Montell and Jamie in the dance off. Absolute joke! #Strictly.”
Another chimed in: “Why is PETE not in DANCE OFF #strictly this is a joke a farce and a fix! #Strictly”, while a third posted: “Who keeps voting for Pete? He is the worst of the lot, why do people keep voting him in. Montell and Johannes and Jamie and Michelle in the bottom two? Awful result #Strictly.”
A fourth fan added: “Absolutely HORRIFIC dance off – can the public please get a grip #Strictly. A fifth wrote: “#Strictly who tf is voting for Pete? Montell vs Jamie should never be a dance-off.”
Despite Pete scoring lower than Jamie, it was the soap star who was sent packing. Reflecting on his Strictly journey, Jamie described the show as “magic” and expressed gratitude towards those involved.
He said: “Not just everyone who you see in front of the camera, these four here (the judges), but everyone who works on this show, I have such a good bond and relationship with and that’s what made me want to do this show, it’s the people, not what I’m doing. I’ve had the best time.”
The actor, who was the pro-dancer’s first celebrity partner on the show, hailed her as the “most amazing teacher”. He added: “We have laughed like you wouldn’t believe. I have nothing but the utmost respect for everyone on the show, so thank you.”
Echoing his sentiments, Michelle said: “Jamie is an amazing dancer, and he’s improved so much week by week. “He’s worked so hard to get to where he is. It’s my first year with a partner and I’ve realised that it’s so much more than just the dancing and the technique, it’s the bonds and the friendships that you make. I waited two years for a partner and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.”
The remaining six couples are set to hit the dance floor next week for the quarter final, with the live show making its return to BBC One and iPlayer on Saturday November 30 at 7.05pm and the results show airing on Sunday December 1 at 7.20pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One each weekend.