Pete Wicks labels BBC Strictly backlash ‘abuse’ as he responds to recent criticism
Pete Wicks has addressed the backlash he has faced on Strictly Come Dancing, stating the comments are “abuse”.
The former Towie star, 36, has managed to make it to the quarter-finals without facing the dreaded dance-off, leading some to argue the show is a “fix” and that Wicks has remained in the show due to popularity.
Wicks and dance partner Jowita Przystal, 30, appeared on Strictly spin-off show It Takes Two on Thursday, where they touched on some of the backlash Wicks has received.
“There’s criticism that you’re getting the “popularity vote” and you’re not here because of your dance ability,” host Janette Manrara noted.
“What do you say to that?” the former Strictly professional probed.
“Criticism is a lightweight, abuse would be better,” Wicks replied candidly.
He continued: “It is what it is and you cannot please everyone and I’m not here to please everyone.
“I’m just a bloke having a go at something and if I listen to all the negative stuff, I wouldn’t get up in the morning.”
Pointing out the positive comments he’s received, he added: “On the plus side, there have been lovely things said as well.”
“It is what it is, it’s not nice to hear,” the TV personality concluded.
“Speaking of lovely things being said, we had a viewer send this in,” Manrara began before sharing a social media post which read: ‘Dancing isn’t all about technique, sometimes it is telling a story, moving people and showing expression.
‘It is so brave showing up each week and doing something you have never done before.'”
Wicks went on to admit he had “never felt as vulnerable” as he does on the show.
“It doesn’t get any easier,” he added. “And I am quite a confident person, but I have never felt less confident doing something in my life.”
“But dare I say, your vulnerability if your superpower,” Manrara commented.
“The fact you are just being honest and learning as you go and that is beautiful and I think a lot of viewers are saying that.”
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It comes after many fans have made their feelings known on social media.
For weeks, many have claimed Wicks has been “overmarked” and that the show is “fixed”.
The two have yet to experience being in the dance-off, while other couples such as Montel Douglas and Johanes Radebe and Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas have recently left the show after being put in the dreaded position.
Unfortunately, Wicks also made a mistake in last week’s show, sparking further complaints.