BBC Strictly's Pete Wicks shares two reasons he's still in competition amid massive backlash

Strictly Come Dancing's Pete Wicks has spoken out about the 'two reasons' he's still in the competition amid a major backlash from fans. The former TOWIE star and his dance partner Jowita Przystal made it through to the quarter finals of the BBC competition on Sunday night despite finding themselves at the bottom of the leaderboard.

EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick and Gladiator Montell Douglas were in the dance-off on Sunday night, leading to the judges unanimously saving Montell. Fans at home were outraged by the result as they fumed that neither should have been in the bottom two following their performances on Saturday night.

Viewers called for the rules to be changed and public votes no longer allowed after insisting it was 'unafir' that Pete was still in the competition. One wrote on X: "How, HOW the actual heck did Pete escape the dance off??!?!?? Montelle and Jamie did not deserve to be there, this isn't fair."

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A second added: "I think the right person went home in relation to the dance-off. But the right person didn't go home... Yes, Pete has improved and been an 'everyman' to those watching the competition but the gulf between him and the others is getting too great and it doesn't feel right."

And a third added: "Furious at this result tonight #Strictly yet again a bottom 2 that should not have happened. Pete has improved so much and his dance Saturday was brilliant. But looking at the other couples, it was his time to go. And now we have to lose another brilliant couple far too early."

Addressing the fact that he wasn't the best dancer, Pete admitted there were only two reasons he was still in the competition. Speaking to host Claudia Winkleman, he said: "There is literally only two reasons I'm still here and that is people at home."

He continued that he was "so overwhelmed that people have supported us" as he admitted "because it's certainly not down to the dancing". He added: "But also Jowita. If I was with anyone else, I wouldn't be here now.

"They're all amazing but she's become like a best friend to me. I'm so pleased that I get to spend another week doing this with you."

Pete also admitted he was stunned by the results, adding: "I'm more shocked this week than last week."

Jowita revealed the pair would be dancing to a song from West Side Story for musicals week.

Strictly Come Dancing continues next weekend on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.