It’s no secret that we’re HUGE Strictly fans here at Closer HQ and this year’s line-up features some of our favourite famous faces including Love Island’s Tasha Ghouri and, of course, TOWIE legend ‘Pirate’ Pete Wicks.
Pete is taking part in Strictly just one year after Love Island 2018 star Zara McDermott, his best friend Sam Thompson’s girlfriend, competed for the Glitterball trophy. Zara finished the show in ninth place alongside professional dancer Graziano Di Prima, who was axed from the show earlier this year amid allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
Ahead of the series 20 premiere on Saturday 14 September, Pete has revealed how his BFF Sam reacted to the news that he’s joined the dance competition.
‘Sam cried. Sam’s more excited than I am,’ Pete said.
‘I think he’s actually more excited about this than when he did the jungle [for I’m A Celeb].’
As for how the rest of his family and friends reacted, Pete continued, ‘My mum laughed in my face. No, they’ve all been really really supportive. I think that’s the main thing.
‘It’s such a big show and everyone around me is just so excited and they cannot believe I’m doing it. I can’t believe I’m doing it.’
Last week, Pete revealed how Zara ‘pushed’ him to sign up for Strictly.
‘Zara was the one that kind of pushed me to do this because she loves the show. I was quite honest about the fact I had never actually seen it,’ he explained during an appearance on ITV’s Lorraine.
‘The first time I saw Strictly was the first live show last year when Zara was on and I just thought wow, this is amazing - but I never imagined myself doing it. Sequins, all that stuff, is not necessarily my style.'
Zara’s professional dance partner Graziano was sacked from the show in July following accusations that he kicked and spat at Zara during training. Although he admits he ‘crossed the line’, Graziano denies the accusations of kicking and spitting.
In an Instagram statement released following his dismissal, he told his followers, ‘My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime.’
The Strictly Come Dancing 2024 launch show will air on Saturday 14th September at 7:20pm on BBC One & BBC iPlayer.