BBC Strictly outrage as Pete Wicks sparks calls for voting system overhaul after sailing through to semis: ‘P*** take!’

Strictly Come Dancing star Pete Wicks has caused backlash and outrage from viewers at home after he made it through to this weekend’s semi-finals – despite a “shocking” performance.

On Saturday night, Wicks and his partner Jowita Przystal performed the Waltz to Somewhere from West Side Story and received an underwhelming score of 26 out of a possible 40.

During his performance, Wicks made an error and was once again picked up on his frame when doing partner work with Przystal.

Anton Du Beke noted: “It was a bit of a disaster down here. I don’t want to dwell but you… You have a wonderful passion when you dance with Jowita, but it is a shame when you take hold.”

Craig Revel Horwood agreed and added: “It is true, you don’t have the swing and the sway, the footwork is shoddy, there wasn’t a lead in the house and you went completely wrong.

“But it didn’t bother me because the storytelling was so engaging.”

Motsi Mabuse and Shirley Ballas both praised Wicks on his ability to tell a story through his performances.

Despite being at the bottom of the leaderboard, Wicks managed to scrape through to the semi-finals – which left Montell Douglas to be the 10th star to leave the competition following a dance-off with Tasha Ghouri.

Wicks broke down crying after Tess Daly revealed he had made it through and left Przystal to scream and jump into his arms.

Later that evening, the former reality star took to his Instagram to express his gratitude for those who had been voting and kept him in the series.

Sharing an image of himself and Jowita from their performance, he penned: “I’ve been struggling to think of what to say and it’s not often I’m lost for words.

“I am so overwhelmed and blessed to have had your support over the past 3 months, I never expected it and I have never taken it for granted.

“The belief you guys have had in me has been incredible and at times I’m not sure I’ve deserved it. I’ve said it before but no amount of words will ever be able to repay what you have given me.

“People talk about the ‘journey’ and let me tell you, this isn’t my journey at all. It’s our journey. Jowita, you and I have all been on this wild ride and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I literally have no idea how I’m gonna get through next week but I can guarantee you I’ll be giving it my all. Thank you.”

However, several fans have expressed their frustration in Wicks still being in the competition as one X user slammed: “F***ING HELL!! Pete is through. HE IS A S**T DANCER! All those voting for him – Give your heads a severe wobble!”

Another added: “Surely even Pete knows it’s a bit of a p**s take now he’s near the finals and Tasha and Montell are in the dance-offs?

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“Like come on now – and I like Pete so this is honestly nothing against him ’cause he’s a nice guy but please be real.”

A third said: “He’s not improved at all as this week showed. I’m all for non dance celebrities but they have to improve. He’s getting through on followers alone and nothing to do with any improvement in his dance which is what the show is about.”

Someone else fumed at those defending Wicks: “I’m voting for Pete because he doesn’t have any dance experience, Pete’s getting my vote because he’s never danced before unlike the others’… Why aren’t you voting for Montelle then?? She also had no dance experience but was actually a good dancer, unlike Pete.”

A fifth penned “So in a dancing competition, the worst dancer keeps getting through? That seems about right. Voting system needs to be changed big time.”

However, not all were outraged at the thought of him being in the semi-final as one praised: “It’s simple enough. Pete connects with the public more than Montelle does. It comes down to the same thing every year. How else do you think Bill Bailey won? Grow up.

A second agreed: “People just need to lighten up, if it’s true about Pete getting death threats, you need to have a word with yourself ! It’s an entertainment show!” (sic)