From the moment we learned that TOWIE icon Pete Wicks had signed on the dotted line for this year's Strictly Come Dancing, we, quite frankly, lost it.
We're big cheerleaders of Pete, so to know that we'd be seeing an exciting new side to him on arguably one of the biggest shows on TV week after week this autumn/winter caused widespread joy in the office – and then we saw a barefoot Pete dressed up as George of the Jungle standing on the Strictly 2024 judges table and that joy soon turned to ecstasy.
It's been bliss watching Mr Wicks shake his stuff on the BBC every weekend, and while his dancing skills are improving week after week, his most recent Strictly news has left us worried about his future with the popular dancing series.
Don't panic, he's not walked. Imagine – no, that's negative, why go there?
Pete has however suggested that he might not partake in the Strictly tour that usually takes places after the series (if he continues to progress on the show), stating that he's not sure the fandom wants to see anymore of his 'attempts at dancing'. On the record right now, Pete – we do.
During an Instagram Q&A with his followers, a fan asked, 'Will you go on the Strictly tour if you get far enough?'
Sharing a snap of him dancing with his partner Jowita Przystal, Pete responded, 'I don't know... not sure people wanna see anymore of my attempts at dancing! 😂.'
Hopefully the choice emoji use is a sign that Pete's kidding because seeing him on the Strictly live tour is absolutely on our LIFE bingo card.
We've held a special place in our hearts for Pete ever since he popped on TOWIE over a decade ago. He soon became one of the most popular cast members in the seven years that he was on the show, but has come a long way since quitting the reality series in 2021.
Not only is he now burning up the dance floor on Strictly, but he hosts the popular Staying Relevant podcast with his bestie, Sam Thompson.
WATCH: Here's how much the Strictly Come Dancing pros, judges and hosts are paid
Ben Pulsford is a digital writer for Bauer Media, writing for both Closer online and heatworld. When he's not getting paid to gossip about Big Brother, Love Island and The Real Housewives of Cheshire, he's storming the London LGBTQ+ scene as drag queen, Beary Poppins. Both Ben and Beary are awaiting an invite to join The Real Housewives of Cheshire for series 18. The budget's not there, but the drama is 💅