The reality TV star, who has previously appeared in Towie and on a string of other reality shows, will be swapping his Essex roots for the ballroom later this year alongside the likes of Nick Knowles and Jamie Borthwick
Reality TV star Pete Wicks has reportedly joined the star-studded 2024 line-up for Strictly Come Dancing.
The TOWIE legend's rumoured signing follows in the footsteps of DIY SOS's Nick Knowles and EastEnders ' Jamie Borthwick, who have also reportedly signed up for the show. The signing comes in the wake of the scandals plaguing the show's 20th anniversary series.
Pete, 36, is famously best mates with Zara McDermott's boyfriend Sam Thompson who earlier this month revealed she had been kicked by professional dancer Graziano Di Prima, leading to his dismissal. Giovanni Pernice has also left the franchise following allegations made against him by his 2023 celebrity partner Amanda Abbington. The dancer denies all the claims.
An insider revealed to The Sun: "Pete has joined the Strictly line up and is excited to get started. He isn't much of a dancer but that's what the BBC loved about him. They wanted the show to feel more like it did in the beginning. Pete is also going to attract younger viewers who have followed his career since Towie."
Pete is no stranger to reality TV. In the past, the podcast host has appeared on Celebs Go Dating (multiple times), Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins and The Real Full Monty where he bared all for charity. He was spotted in the Strictly audience last year as his pal Sam Thompson's girlfriend Zara, 27, competed on the show with Graziano.
Speaking to the Mirror last year, Sam took a cheeky swipe at Pete's love of reality TV and banned his best mate from appearing on Celebs Go Dating once again. "Sorry but absolutely not," Sam chuckled when asked about Pete's potential fourth stint on the E4 series. He elaborated: "He's had enough. I've said to him 'mate, you've had enough. You've given it another chances but you're not going to find love on that show'."
When asked if Pete would fit in among the sun-kissed Love Island contestants in a Spanish villa, like fellow former TOWIE star Joey Essex, Sam joked his BFF was "too old". Speaking in August, he added: "He's past his prime - every line tells a story. To be honest with you, he's gone. He's completely past it if you ask me."
Sam had nothing to say about Pete potentially appearing on Strictly but is sure to have some advice for his unlucky in love pal should Pete take to the BBC dancefloor later this year. Sam was heavily involved in his girlfriend Zara's Strictly stint last year, as the former Love Island star danced alongside Graziano.
Italian dancer Graziano was sensationally dropped from Strictlys professional line-up for 2024 earlier this month, after shocking claims surfaced of him kicking Zara during practice. Graziano later acknowledged the kicking incident earlier in the week but disputed any allegations of spitting at her.
Zara broke her silence on the matter via an emotional Instagram post. She expressed her hesitation to come forward fearing backlash and victim-shaming. In her online revelation, the reality TV star alluded to apparent footage and witnesses corroborating some of these disturbing accounts.
Reflecting on the start of Zara's Strictly adventure last September, Sam praised Graziano on Hits Radio, calling him "a lovely man", yet he couldn't hide the sense of intimidation he felt about the professional dancer. Sam's past remarks now have a different echo in the wake of recent controversies surrounding Graziano.
He also commented on Graziano's impressive looks: "What a beautiful man as well... big muscles, about 6ft 4, jacked and a year younger than me as well which is terrifying." Sam then shared details of a recent get-together with the dancer before Zara and Graziano's debut live show.
"He came round for dinner with his lovely, beautiful wife not long ago - we made him spag bol - and we found out loads about him. He grew up in Sicily, he was a grape stomper - I think that's what they call it," Sam revealed. "He put a roof over his parents head when he started dancing, he's got the most amazing story, he's the loveliest man." He then expressed his eagerness to support them live: "Hopefully I can go because tickets are very, very hard to come by. But it's really, really cool and I'm so glad it's Graziano - he's going to take good care of her."
Graziano's representative Mark Borkowski released a statement last week addressing the dancer's mental health in the wake of his Strictly exit and acknowledged that his client did kick Zara during rehearsal session, for which he apologised immediately. Speaking to BBC News, Mark stated: "There is never a time when kicking, or any sense of that is right. And he knows that. He knows he's made a mistake. He apologised at the time."
Mark conceded that the dancer recalls "does remember that he was pushing [McDermott] quite hard" during the training session in question. Nonetheless, he stated: "But he doesn't recognise some of the issues surrounding it," which contrasts with recent media speculation.
The spokesperson pressed on, stating, "The descriptions of what is being commented online, and how he remembers it, are not aligned". He also refuted the idea that such incidents were frequent, branding them as "absolute rubbish". Furthermore, Mark insisted, "There is also 'lots of evidence' of Graziano and Zara 'having a huge amount of fun together through this process'".
In her emotional statement earlier this month, Zara bravely spoke up about the fear she faced in going public with her story, given the potential for "public backlash" and "victim shaming". She took to Instagram, expressing: "So much of my Strictly experience was everything I could have dreamed of."
The star continued: "The entire production team and everyone behind the scenes as well as my fellow contestants were so amazing to work with. However, my experience inside the training room was very different. Reports have been made about my treatment on the show and there were witnesses to some events, as well as videos of particular incidents which are incredibly distressing to watch."
Opening up about her trepidations before going public, Zara shared: "I have wrestled with the fear of opening up I was scared about public backlash, I was scared about my future, I was scared of victim shaming. But after a lot of conversations with those I love, I've gained the strength to face these fears, and when I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the show."
Addressing the impact of societal attitudes that often discourage speaking out, Zara noted: "The culture within our society makes it difficult for people to speak up, especially in a world where social media opinions and voices are so loud. This is something I've seen through working with countless women on my documentaries." With heartfelt thanks, Zara voiced her appreciation for the backing and swift response from the BBC.
The BBC has emphasised their commitment to addressing any concerns raised, with prompt action where necessary. Graziano originally expressed his remorse on Instagram, stating: "I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime."
He went on to recognise the significance of adhering to the BBC's HR procedures and his consequent exit from the show: "Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand it's best for the show that I step away. While there are aspects of this story involving external influences that I can't discuss at this time, I remain committed to being strong for my family and friends. I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success in the future. I also want to thank everyone who has supported my career, both professionally and personally. When the time is right, I will share my story."
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