Dan Walker makes feelings clear on BBC Strictly ‘worst dancer’ Pete Wicks in supportive post

Broadcaster Dan Walker has spoken up for BBC Strictly Come Dancing contestant Pete Wicks as fans raged at the TOWIE star’s progression to the popular dance show’s semi-final.

Wicks, 36, dodged the dreaded Week 11 dance-off that saw former Olympian Montell Douglas eliminated.

Douglas faced Love Island alum Tasha Ghouri in the head-to-head, having received the least public votes, with the latter chosen to be saved by the judges.

Wicks, who has so far avoided the dance-off this series, sailed through thanks to viewers’ support despite finishing last on the judge’s leaderboard for the last three weeks.

His progression proved divisive, with fans claiming it was an “injustice” that Wicks continued to survive – especially as the 36-year-old made a noticeable mistake in his Musicals Week Waltz.

Walker, 47, who competed in 2021’s Strictly series, has leapt to the TOWIE star’s defence against critics.

The former BBC Breakfast host empathised with Wicks, identifying them both as “the worst dancer left in the competition”.

He asked of fans: “Can we just all decide to leave Pete Wicks (and to some extent Chris McCausland) alone.”

“It’s a TV show and he is only there because we, the viewers, want him there,” the 47-year-old continued.

Walker, who danced with Strictly pro Nadiya Bychkova, got to Week 11 of the competition before being eliminated.

He explained: “Strictly has always been a mix of people who have dance experience and those who start from scratch and improve along the way.”

“Pete is learning so much from @jowitaprzystal and deserves to be there just as much as anyone else. He is what the show is all about,” Walker added.

The Instagram post concluded with stark advice to fans: “Bin the bile and threats and enjoy the final 2 weeks of the biggest thing on the box.”

Both Wicks and his pro dance partner Jowita Przystal were appreciative of Walker’s support.

“Thank you mate…means a lot,” the TOWIE star said.

Przystal responded: “Thank you Dan!”

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It is unclear if Walker’s favourite to lift the coveted Glitterball Trophy has changed after he through his weight behind Chris McCausland three weeks ago.

“There are some great couples on #Strictly this year but Chris & Dianne simply have to win,” he wrote.

Wishing Strictly’s first blind contestant well, he added: “They are wonderful to watch.”