BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Pete Wicks says 'I'm sorry' as he responds to quarter-final backlash

Pete Wicks has issued an apology to Strictly Come Dancing fans as he responded to making it through to the quarter-finals. The reality star admitted that no one was as shocked as he was to discover he'd made it through to week 11 of the BBC One dance contest.

Over the weekend, Pete bounced back from a difficult yet entertaining weekend in Blackpool, where the show was broadcast from the world-famous Tower Ballroom, as he returned to the ballroom on Saturday night (November 23) alongside his professional dance partner Jowita Przystal.

Pete kicked off the latest live show with an elegant tango. Dressed in an all-black suit, podcast host and former TOWIE star Pete guided and dipped his professional partner Jowita across the dancefloor to Easy Lover by Philip Bailey and Phil Collins, with the performance landing them a score of 29 out of a possible 40 points from the judges.

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It was then on Sunday night (November 24) during the latest results show that it was confirmed Pete and Jowita had made it through to the quarter-final of Strictly's 2024 series, which is the show's annual Musicals Week.

Taking to social media after the news was revealed, Pete shared pictures of himself and Jowita in action in the ballroom and said: "Firstly THANK YOU, I never expected to be anywhere near a quarter-final of this show and the fact that I am is purely down to you at home! I’m not sure why you’re voting but I’m so thankful that you are.

"I have put everything I can in to this for the past 3 months, I’ve thrown myself at it and I feel very blessed to be continuing this rollercoaster with Jowita. Im not a dancer, im not a performer, im just a bloke trying to get a little bit better each week. I wish I could thank every single one of you individually."

He went on to add: "Secondly, trust me I know I’m not as good as the rest and I’m sorry for that but I’m trying my best, we all are. I’m just trying to improve and learn as I go. No one is more surprised that I’m still here than me. We’re all giving it 100% and no one wants to see any one go home. Whatever happens, all 15 of us that started this series of Strictly took a step outside of our comfort zone to try and learn something new and to put on a show. That’s all we wanted to do."

And Pete was quickly flooded with support. @itsamxycr_ said: "SO HAPPY YOU WENT THROUGH! You’ve worked so hard and it’s amazing seeing you on the show every week! Well deserved." @rileyroxyxx commented: "You’re doing amazing, the show is about improving and you are week by week!!! Roll on quarter finals."

@suzannedinsmorex shared: "Love seeing you and Jowita dance every week. You’re what Strictly is all about, learning and improving every week and falling in love with dancing. You have my vote every week! Keep it up." @saragalloway87 added: "You are what strictly is all about, I've loved watching u throw yourself into every single dance. Bring on next week."