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Pete Wicks details close relationship with Strictly partner Jowita Przystał as he brands her ‘one of the most important people in my life’ and reflects on backlash he faced in overwhelming’ show stint

BBG News

As a devoted admirer, I can honestly say that my Strictly Come Dancing professional partner, Jowita Przystał, has grown to be one of the most significant individuals in my life. The experience on the show has been nothing short of overwhelming, and Jowita’s presence has made it all the more special.

Previously on TOWIE, the 37-year-old celebrity, who wasn’t initially expected to shine, proved everyone wrong by participating in the BBC program last year. Not only did he win over the audience, but his popularity even earned him a spot among the semi-finalists.

Addressing TopMob, Pete openly confessed that he anticipated being the initial celebrity contestant eliminated from the show due to his lack of prior dancing background when he joined Strictly Come Dancing.

Instead, the star surprised everyone by switching gears, captivating audiences with a series of humorous acts. These included a popular Samba performance dressed as George of the Jungle, and an uproariously funny Cha Cha Cha at Blackpool.

Looking back at his experience on Strictly Come Dancing, Pete – now teaming up with Lynx for the unveiling of their latest Lower Body Spray – acknowledged that it was his dance partner Jowita who played a significant role in his improvement during the show. Six months since the series concluded, they continue to maintain a strong friendship.

I assumed since there was a voting process, this would be week two, I should have been eliminated by now, I truly believed so. Each week since then, I kept thinking I’d be gone.

I must admit, I didn’t anticipate reaching the semifinals or having this prolonged journey with its unique experience. However, I consider myself incredibly lucky as it has been an overpowering experience.

In all sincerity, a significant portion of my success can be attributed to Jowita. She has been an exceptional partner for me, and our bond has grown stronger over time. We spent Saturday night together, and she has become incredibly important in my life. To put it simply, she is one of my closest friends, and I deeply appreciate her.

‘She had to put up with me, she dragged me through it, because it certainly wasn’t the dancing!’

I approached the show with a light-hearted attitude about myself, yet I treated it, as well as the process and learning involved, with great importance and seriousness.

In a more relaxed manner, I should clarify that learning wasn’t my favorite pastime, yet it was an aspect I didn’t particularly relish. Despite this, I found humor in myself, acknowledging that I wasn’t a standout dancer. As a result, during such events, you could find me donning the costume of George from the jungle and sporting pink PVC trousers – a unique choice that added an extra dash of fun to the proceedings!

‘I don’t think anyone expected me to be doing that – it was like a fever dream!’

During his time on “Strictly,” Pete gained a lot of new supporters, but there were some viewers who criticized him because they felt he should have been eliminated in favor of other celebrity pairs who received higher scores.

However, the star dismissed the criticisms by saying to TopMob: “I’ve grown accustomed to this, regardless of your actions, if you possess a character that elicits polarizing opinions – as I believe I do – pleasing everyone will always be a challenge.

The focus wasn’t solely on satisfying others; rather, it was a personal endeavor aimed at fulfilling my desires, avoiding disappointing Jowita, valuing those significant in my life, and striving to earn their approval as much as possible.

Over the past 12 years, I’ve found a way to handle everything, and it’s been the support of those around me that keeps me grounded. As long as they are content and secure, my own opinions about what others think of me don’t matter much. To be honest, I’m not sure I’d admire myself if I weren’t who I am today.

As a lifestyle expert, I must admit, I’m captivated by the fervor surrounding shows like Strictly Come Dancing. It’s truly astounding to see such a vast audience tuning in, and an even larger community passionately supporting the show and its dancers. However, it’s essential to remember that at its core, Strictly is an entertainment program focused on dance. The obsession is understandable, but let’s not lose sight of the fact that it’s meant for enjoyment, not as a definitive measure of one’s worth or dancing prowess. It’s all about the joy of movement, camaraderie, and the artistry of dance.

It might be beneficial for everyone to pace themselves a bit more this year. Many individuals are stepping out of their comfort zones, attempting new things or activities they’re not fully confident in. Therefore, instead of criticizing others, I strongly suggest offering them as much encouragement and support as you can.

While competing on Strictly, Pete honored his deceased grandmother by performing an emotionally charged Couples Choice dance, which earned him a perfect 10 from lead judge Shirley Ballas.

Previously, he referred to his grandmother as his “dearest friend”; in his book “Never Enough”, he shared the sad news of her demise.

Speaking with TopMob, Pete explained that his grandmother had been like a safety net for him. He shared that since her passing in 2022, he has made numerous changes in his life.

After the passing of my grandmother a few years back, my life has taken a different course. She served as a sort of safety net for me, and without her, I’ve had to adapt significantly. It’s not just about external changes; it’s also about how you rearrange your thoughts, requiring a kind of self-conversation.

The reading of this book provided a sense of release for me, as it was something I felt compelled to engage with. I believe there are others who may resonate with my feelings in specific scenarios, regardless of the unique experiences we’ve all encountered.

‘If all the troubles in the world were combined into a single pot, you might find yourself feeling much better by focusing on resolving only your own issues. After all, there are countless individuals facing their unique challenges, which makes it easier for many to empathize with this idea.’

Pete explained that a significant factor in him disclosing his past for the first time was influenced by his mother Tracy. In his book, he detailed an incident where at the age of 12, he managed to save her life after discovering her in the kitchen following an unsuccessful suicide attempt.

In my perspective, while this venture undeniably bears my name, it is deeply intertwined with my mother’s journey. She has become increasingly open about the hardships she’s faced throughout her life, and I can’t help but acknowledge the profound impact these struggles have had on her.

She’s truly my inspiration, much like an angel, and a significant part of her journey resonates with me too. Allowing me to share her tale is gracious of her, so others who might connect or comprehend it a tad more deeply can also benefit from her story.

‘I’m just a vehicle for things, it’s got nothing to do with me.

‘She’s my hero, she’s my absolute hero, there’s not a stronger person on this earth than my Mum.’

At the moment, Pete is working on the second and third seasons of his show “For Dog’s Sake,” in addition to co-hosting “Staying Relevant” alongside Sam Thompson. Moreover, he has recently started hosting podcasts, namely “Man-Made” and “The Sunday Roast,” with Olivia Attwood.

They will be hosting the red carpet at the National Television Awards next month for the third consecutive time. A week later, they are scheduled to perform their podcast live at London’s 02 Arena.

During the debut of Lynx’s fresh Lower Body Spray, Pete, accompanied by Chloe Burrows and Joe Weller, introduced a colossal, boxer-shaped ball pit filled with scent, situated at Boxpark Shoreditch. They encouraged the public to pick their preference between ‘spray supporters’ or ‘anti-spray’ group.

Previously featured on TOWIE, this individual shared with TopMob that there remains a certain social stigma concerning men taking care of themselves. However, they expressed their intention to inspire Sam by recommending some self-care products for his revamped self-improvement regimen.

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2025-07-13 18:19

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