Pete Wicks has defiant response to ‘abuse’ from Strictly Come Dancing trolls-Emily Bashforth-Entertainment – Metro

Strictly Come Dancing semi-finalist Pete Wicks is trying his best to remain positive in the face of ‘abuse’ from fans of the show.

Over recent weeks, the podcaster, 36, has been inundated with harsh messages online, as viewers have claimed he ‘doesn’t deserve’ to still be in the competition.

Earlier eliminations saw the likes of Jamie Borthwick and Montell Douglas sent home despite stellar dance abilities, which many believe was unfair, leading to Pete receiving death threats after avoiding the dance-off thanks to the power of his fanbase.

Addressing the backlash, Pete, who is partnered with Polish pro Jowita Przystał, 30, insisted he’s not out to make everybody happy.

Speaking to Janette Manrara on Thursday night’s It Takes Two, the Towie alum was asked ‘what he has to say’ to the ‘criticism’ directed his way.

‘Criticism is probably a light word. I think “abuse” would be better,’ the TV personality admitted.

Pete Wicks has been receiving death threats from trolls for weeks (Picture: BBC)

The Strictly star has been told he ‘doesn’t deserve’ to be in the semi-final (Picture: BBC)

‘But, look, it is what it is. You can’t please everyone, and I’m not here to please everyone. I’m here to try and learn something,’ Pete said.

‘I’m just a bloke that is just having a go at something, and if I listened to all of the negative stuff, then I wouldn’t get out of bed in the morning.’

‘But, on the plus side, there’s been loads of really lovely things said, you know? So, it is what it is,’ added the Strictly star, who boasts 1.8million Instagram followers, where his performances are flooded with supportive comments.

However, he noted that the trolling is ‘not nice to hear.’

Pete was then asked about comments he made on the launch night of the 20th series, where he confessed the whole Strictly journey was about to show him at his ‘most vulnerable’.

That’s certainly been the case, as the reality TV icon has been close to tears on numerous occasions during Sunday results shows, utterly shocked after being sent through.

Several weeks ago, viewers also saw a totally different side to the Essex lothario as he completely broke down following his couple’s choice routine, which was dedicated to his late nan, whom he hailed as his ‘best friend.’

Pete is visibly tearful each week when he makes it through (Picture: BBC)

The dance contest has shown a different side to the Towie lothario (Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire)

Speaking 12 weeks into the experience, Pete told Janette: ‘I’ve done TV for 11 years, I’ve done all sorts of things, and I’ve never felt as vulnerable as what I do doing this every week. It doesn’t get any easier.

‘I’m quite a confident person, but I’ve never felt less confident doing something in my life.’

For a spot in the grand final next weekend, Pete and Jowita will tackle two very technical routines on Saturday: an elegant foxtrot and a passionate Argentine tango.

While working hard in rehearsals, Pete spoke to Metro about what the show has grown to mean to him, admitting he feels ‘guilty’ for making the final five.

‘There’s some great dancers who are working so hard and then I’m clearly the weakest,’ he said, having made the semi-final alongside Chris McCausland, Tasha Ghouri, Sarah Hadland, and JB Gill.

‘I get wracked with guilt about it, because I would never want to take this opportunity away from anyone.’

Pete also declared that he has ‘no idea’ why people are voting for him and he ‘can’t believe’ it each week when he goes through.

Pete has insisted he’s not trying to please everyone (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

Viewers love his chemistry with dance partner Jowita Przystał (Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire)

‘Every week, this has been about trying to feel comfortable being uncomfortable. I’m not comfortable dancing, particularly in front of people, but I’ve always put 150% into everything I do. I’ve taken this show seriously, but I’ve never taken myself too seriously.’

Meanwhile, away from the dancefloor, rumours have continued to swirl that Pete is romantically involved with Jowita, who lifted the Glitterball Trophy in 2022 with Hamza Yassin.

However, the pair has denied that the chemistry between them is anything more than friendship, while his other rumoured flame, Maura Higgins, has been in the I’m A Celebrity camp, where she spilt the beans on ‘dating’ and ‘taking things slow’.

The Strictly Come Dancing semi-final airs Saturday at 6:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Strictly: It Takes Two airs weeknights at 6:30pm on BBC Two.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

Entertainment – MetroRead More