Pete Wicks has broken his silence after he became the last celebrity to leave Strictly Come Dancing. The reality star - who is best known for appearing on The Only Way Is Essex- had been taking part in the show alongside professional partner Jowita Przystal.
But the pair just missed out on a place in next weekend's final after they were voted off following the semi-final of the BBC One dance contest during the last results show of the series on Sunday night (December 8).
When asked by host Tess Daly about his time in the competition, Pete said: "It's been wild. I've been quite honest about the fact that I didn't necessarily want to do this [Strictly] in the first place, but everyone else wanted me to do it, and I am so, so glad that I did it!
READ MORE: BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Pete Wicks makes 'quite honest' admission in show future blow
"You don't always have to be the best, but if you enjoy something then why shouldn't you have a go at it? I've tried my best from day one, I said I was in for a penny, in for a pound and I've done it, it's been beautiful."
Pete and Jowita had found themselves in the dance-off opposite Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec, and judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke all opted to save the former Love Island star and her professional dance partner. Head judge Shirley Ballas also admitted that she would have said she would have decided to save Tasha and Aljaž.
Taking to Instagram following the results show, Pete shared pictures of himself in action on the dance floor during the semi-final weekend with Jowita and said: "The past 3-4 months have been nothing short of incredible. I spent 12 weeks saying my time in the show was gonna be over and each week I was wrong…until now.
"I couldn’t be happier with the way it ended, there is no one I would have rather been in a dance off with than Tasha. She is the most beautiful dancer, the most beautiful person inside and out and I’m so proud of her for making the final because she deserves it so much.
"The only reason I stayed in the show for so long is because of you, the people. You supported me throughout and that is something I’ll never be able to forget and something I never expected. We went on this journey together, the ups and downs and with the right attitude, it’s about learning and it’s about entertaining.
"I tried my best from day 1 and I took the show seriously, I did what I could and I appreciate every single one of you that gave me the opportunity to keep doing that week on week. You don’t always have to be the best or have the most talent, but you should never stop trying! Thank you."
The podcast host, 36, continued: "The show isn’t just what you see on a Saturday night, it’s not all jazz hands…there are an unbelievable amount of wonderful people that make it all happen. From top to bottom, the people that make the show are f**king magical. Every department is full of people who care, who create and work so hard to make Strictly what it is. Thank you all for putting up with me for so long!"
Pete added: "Lastly but most importantly, this experience wouldn’t have been anything without Jowita. She believed in me since the first day and never stopped. She supported me, listened to me, made me laugh and cry but most of all she made me believe in myself when I didn’t think I could do it. We did everything our way, and for me that was the right way. I’m so sorry that I couldn’t get you to a final, I tried my best and you deserve to be there.
"The show may have ended for us but one thing won’t, you will always have a friend in me. You have become such a special person in my life and just because that won’t continue on a ballroom floor doesn’t mean it won’t continue. Unfortunately for you, you’ve gained a friend for life. You will always be my dancing gnome. Px."
Jowita was quick to respond to the post, as she said: "I’m so proud of you and you don’t need to be sorry for anything. For me we won and I gain way more then being in the final … I gain a beautiful friendship."
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