Pete Wicks: ‘Life’s too short to say no to Strictly Come Dancing’

As a long-time movie enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of cinema, I find myself captivated by the journey of Pete Wicks as he embarks on yet another challenging television adventure – Strictly Come Dancing. With his extensive background in reality TV contests, it’s clear that this endeavor represents a whole new realm for him.


Television personality Pete Wicks has quite the resume when it comes to celebrity-centric competitions. He’s appeared on shows like Celebs Go Dating, Celebrity MasterChef, The Celebrity Circle, The Real Full Monty, Tipping Point: Lucky Stars, and Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins.

However, in the care of the former Strictly Come Dancing champion Jowita Przystał, he encounters a more rigorous training regimen…

What’s harder – Celebrity SAS or Strictly?

Pete: Strictly speaking, it’s more challenging! For the past 11 years, I’ve been on TV, and SAS is all about adjusting to a new setting. It’s an entirely fresh skill set that takes me way beyond my comfort zone. Not only will it be physically demanding since I’m used to drinking and not into gym workouts, but mentally, I believe it’ll exhaust me. Despite not being highly educated, I enjoy learning new things.

I’ve always said Strictly is the one show I wouldn’t do. I needed a lot of persuading. I still do. Everyone said I’d enjoy it, and as miserable as I come across, I actually do!

Why did you say yes this year?

Pete: I’ve come to understand that life is too precious. Two years ago, I lost my grandmother, an event that has been the most painful in my life. Unfortunately, before her passing, I didn’t have the opportunity to make her feel proud of me. Now, I strive to try new experiences and become a better person, hoping that she, if watching from somewhere, will be filled with pride.

Raised on the performances of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, it’s hard for her to fathom that I’d do this. Her wit was unparalleled, and if she were here, she’d undoubtedly be in splits. She would have been my most enthusiastic supporter without a doubt.

How have your friends and family reacted to you being on the show?

As a Cinema Enthusiast: I couldn’t help but notice Sam Thompson tearing up – it seems he’s rather sentimental. In fact, his enthusiasm for my current project surpasses the excitement he exhibited during his stint on ‘I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!’.

They, along with Sam’s partner Zara McDermott, have prepared care packages filled with blister bandages, special socks, and items I particularly enjoy. They reach out to check on me twice a day – once in the morning and again in the evening.

Jowita, how is Pete as a partner?

Jowita: I mean, he wanted to dance with Johannes…

Pete: He’s just amazing, isn’t he?

Jowita: Pete is an ideal fit for the show, as he’s not afraid to take risks and dive headfirst into the magical world of dance that I envision. His fearlessness and willingness to listen to me are truly commendable, and his dedication to hard work adds to my admiration. What we need now is to mold him into a dancing legend like Patrick Swayze!

Me: There’s no one quite like my mentor, Jowita, when it comes to knowledge and guidance. Her advice is always something I take seriously, whether she suggests a diet or asks me to cut back on certain habits. I’m quite competitive by nature, and I detest falling short in anything I do. Given that Jowita is an expert in her field, it would be disrespectful not to give my all. After all, this isn’t just about my personal growth; it’s about our collective progress. She’s already achieved greatness once, and I believe this time around, the challenge will be even greater. I’m determined to do everything in my power to support her and live up to her expectations.

Have you seen Pete on The Only Way Is Essex?

Jowita: No, but I want to!

As a former film enthusiast reflecting on the past, let me clarify: I wouldn’t recommend revisiting those old clips of mine. Those were moments from a different chapter in my life. Today, I am not the same person I was back then. To put it bluntly, I was… well, let’s say I had a rough edge to me. But fret not, I’ve grown since then – just take a look at my new coral wardrobe!

How are you feeling about being Strictly-fied? Are you embracing the sequins?

Pete: I haven’t started. I brought this from home. This is mine.

A casual look.

Pete: Typically, I prefer black attire. However, at the moment, I’m sporting colorful, sheer shirts and sequins. To be truthful, I’m enjoying this change. It feels like I’ve discovered my inner dance spirit.

Would you agree with that? He’s embracing the colour?

Pete: What do you prefer? The colour?

Jowita: I love it. I am living for that outfit.

Pete: Are you?

Jowita: He will never, ever wear that again.

Pete: Straight after this, I’m going to burn it.

Jowita: Actually, I quite like the shirt. I might take it home.

A condensed version of this interview appears in the latest issue of TopMob.

Strictly Come Dancing continues at 7pm this Saturday on BBC One and iPlayer.

Have you heard? You can now request older editions of TopMob magazine through our newly introduced back issues service!

Read More

2024-09-20 23:34