The Strictly Come Dancing finalists for the 2024 competition have been revealed, as Pete Wicks became the 11th celebrity eliminated.
The reality star, 36, and his dance partner Jowita Pryzstal faced the dance-off against Tasha Ghouri and her pro partner Alijaz Skorjanec.
Tasha, 26, had been in the dance-off last week against Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe, and was once again saved by the judges tonight, but was left teary after being announced in the bottom two.
She performed a waltz to (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman by Aretha Franklin, while Pete and Jowita performed their Argentine tango to Bitter Sweet Symphony by The Verve.
After their dances, judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke all chose to save Love Island star Tasha and Alijaz, who hadreceived a perfect score for their waltz during Saturday night’s show.
Meanwhile, Pete scored an impressive 32 points with his Foxtrot last night, earning the title of ‘Mr Strictly Come Dancing’ from head judge Shirley.
However, he became the 11th celebrity eliminated from the competition, leaving Tasha, comedian Chris McCausland, Miranda actress Sarah Hadland and JLS singer JB Gill in the final.
Asked about his time on the competition, Towie star Pete said: ‘It’s been wild. I’ve been quite honest about the fact that I didn’t necessarily want to do this (Strictly) in the first place, but everyone else wanted me to do it, and I am so, so glad that I did it.
‘You don’t always have to be the best, but if you enjoy something then why shouldn’t you have a go at it?
‘I’ve tried my best from day one, I said I was in for a penny, in for a pound and I’ve done it – it’s been beautiful.’
Asked about his dance partner, he added: ‘There’s a lot of things I’m going to take away from this, but one of the most special things is you (to Jowita) and I mean that, because you’re one of the most incredible people – not just as a dancer – but as a person.
‘You’ve been a ray of sunshine for me.
‘You’ve helped me through things in the past three months that I didn’t think I could do and you made me believe in myself and that means more to me than anything.’
She told Pete: ‘I just want to say thank you, thank you for the trust you have given me since day one.
‘I know it wasn’t easy, but with your hard work, your commitment and your heart, which is the most amazing thing, you were winning every week. For me, every dance was special … even the cha cha in Blackpool!
‘Remember on day one you said ‘I’m not going to stay long in this competition because I cannot dance’ but now I can say to you, yes you can.’
Pete has had a particularly emotional stint on Strictly, and struggled through weeks of backlash and harsh criticism from trolls, even receiving horrific death threats.
Last week, he told Metro that he felt ‘guilty’ for reaching the semi-finals, despite the immense public support.
‘There’s some great dancers, who are working so hard and then I’m clearly the weakest,’ he said.
‘I get wracked with guilt about it, because I would never want to take this opportunity away from anyone.’
Despite not lifting the glitterball trophy, he’s become a firm fan-favourite and in some people’s eyes, already won the show.
Hearing how the public clearly supported him, he said it was ‘incredibly difficult’ to process.
He added: ‘Every week, this has been about trying to feel comfortable being uncomfortable.
‘I’m not comfortable dancing, particularly in front of people but I’ve always put 150% into everything I do.
‘I’ve taken this show seriously, but I’ve never taken myself too seriously.’
Sunday’s results show also featured a performance from Becky Hill, who sang her track Indestructible, and Raye, who took to the stage to sing Genesis, Pt III.
The remaining four couples will take to the dance floor next weekend for the competition’s grand final where they will each perform three dances; their favourite dance of the series, the judge’s pick and a show dance.
The Strictly Come Dancing final airs live on BBC One on Saturday, December 14, at 6pm.
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