BBC Strictly Come Dancing’s Pete Wicks declares love as moment under fire from viewers

Pete Wicks has been seen declaring his love as his latest support in the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom came under fire. The former The Only Way is Essex (TOWIE) star left viewers 'wheezing' as he performed his latest routine in an animal-print loincloth.

It was Movie Week in the BBC One dance contest which saw the couples channel their inner film stars as they performed routines with songs from the likes of Harry Potter, Dreamgirls, Rocketman, Mrs Doubtfire and The Little Mermaid.

There was also an epic first for Strictly, as it celebrates its 20th anniversary, as Morning Live’s Dr Punam Krishan and Gorka Marquez performed a couple's choice routine to Bole Chudiyan from the Bollywood film Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, marking the first time this style of dance has ever been performing on the show.

READ MORE: BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans' same complaint about Dr Punam Krishan and Gorka Marquez’s show first

Pete, meanwhile, caught everyone off guard as he and Jowita Przystal performed the samba to the George Of The Jungle theme, scoring 26 out of a possible 40 points.

But things could have been worse as, during one section of intricate footwork, it appeared as though the reality star and podcast host extended his leg too early, which caused Jowita to trip. Her legs appeared to fall behind her as Pete kept her up and prevented her from falling on the floor.

It came after Pete left judge Craig Revel Horwood shocked when he opened the routine by dancing with his bum right in front of Craig's face after starting his latest performance by standing atop his side of the judging podium.

Pete's bestie and podcast co-host Sam Thompson was seen back in the ballroom excitedly supporting Pete and when a clip of his and Jowita's latest performance was shared on Stricly's social media account, Sam said: "Peter….James…..Johnathan….joseph…..Wicks! Everyone!!!" before Pete replied: "love you mate."

But I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here winner Sam unexpectedly found himself under fire when he was caught on camera not clapping for one of the couples after their performance.

@beth.winfield said: "Unimpressed with @samthompsonuk not clapping AT ALL at the end of this routine. It was so good, and honestly expected better from him from his nature and upbringing. Loved this dance, well done both." @suzy2062 replied: "I noticed that too. Just there to watch his friend not into the show." @StrictlyGossip wrote: "Sam Thompson sitting not clapping Wynne was a bit strange. Share the love and positivity #Strictly."

But @thepinktribble argued: "Knowing him he was probably off in his own world by then. I don't think for a minute that he had an ill intent." And @hannah_leotaa added: "Sam Thompson looks enthralled! Hahaha love him #strictly #strictlycomedancing."