BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Pete Wicks handed devastating news hours before live show

BBC Strictly Come Dancing star Pete Wicks has been handed a crushing blow just hours before this weekend's live show. Ahead of Strictly Come Dancing returning on Saturday, Pete, the ITV The Only Way Is Essex star, is 4/7 to be booted off.

Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: "Pete's upset the odds in recent weeks and still somehow finds himself in the competition, but he's clear favourite to be given the boot on Sunday, as we approach the business end of Strictly."

Pete is paired up with Jowita Przystal for the ongoing series, two years on from Jowita lifting the Glitterball Trophy alongside Hamza Yassin. The ITV TOWIE star is at risk of being booted from the show this weekend with Montell Douglas also up there.

READ MORE Drivers who don't press three dashboard buttons in specific order face £2,500 fine

Pete has been given a huge boost ahead of Saturday's live show as it has been confirmed he will be performing the Waltz. Spokesperson for SlotsCalendar, Viorel Stan, said: “Despite being touted as a firm favourite to be eliminated in this weekend’s quarter-final, our research has seemingly given Pete Wicks yet another lifeline in this year’s edition of Strictly.

"Data collected since 2018 has found the Waltz – Pete’s chosen routine this weekend – is one of the safest dances in the programme, contributing to just a single elimination in the last seven series. Instead, it’s Sarah Hadland who has thrown caution to the wind by performing the Charleston, which has led to a whopping nine eliminations in the same timeframe.

"Montell Douglas also takes a risk with the Rumba, responsible for five eliminations, while JB Gill’s Viennese Waltz has brought about just two exits.” Fan favourites Sarah Hadland and Montell Douglas could be putting themselves at risk with their chosen dances, the experts said.

Former Strictly pro Brendan Cole had slightly more faith in his efforts. He told Sky Vegas: “I didn't love his [Pete Wicks’] number on the weekend, but it wasn't bad enough [to be voted out].”