PETE Wicks has been defended by former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips amid backlash from his position in the competition.
On tonight’s show, Pete was seen breaking down in tears after being sent through to the semi-finals with Jowita Przytal, despite messing up his routine on Saturday night and falling to the bottom of the leaderboard.
Viewers were left stunned that Pete was sent through to the semi-finals, with Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe being eliminated.
But Arlene, speaking to Daily Mail at the opening night of London’s Devil Wears Prada: The Musical, backed Pete up.
“I actually admire him,” Arlene said of Pete. “He is trying so hard and anyone who will wear pink trousers – so tight, bare chest, come on! That’s hilarious! And he doesn’t mind sending himself up.”
As for who could take home the glitterball, Arlene said she felt “anyone” could take it.
However, she added: “I love Chris because he’s so fearless and Tasha’s stunning.
“But they’re all great and anyone can win, because it’s all about who the public fall in love with.”
Speaking with Claudia after it was announced he was safe, Pete admitted he was shocked at getting put through.
“I am speechless every week, especially this week, because i’ve tried my best throughout this.
“I’m just a bloke trying to learn stuff, and the fact that i get to take Jowita to the semi-final means so much to me, because she deserves it. She deserves everything.
“I just didn’t want to let her down tonight by messing it up, and i’m so pleased i get an opportunity to.”
He also joked that he thought viewers were saving him as a “cruel joke” but remained grateful for his time on the show.
Pete is now through to the semi-final alongside remaining celebrities Tasha Ghouri, JB Gill, Chris McCausland and Sarah Hadland.
All five remaining stars will now have to learn two routines in order to make it to the final in two weeks’ time.
Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday at 6.30pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
