PETE WICKS ELIMINATED FROM STRICTLY COME DANCING

Pete and Jowita have left at the Semi-Final stage of the competition, following a dance off against Tasha and Aljaž during the eleventh results show of the series. 

Both couples each performed one of their routines again; Tasha and Aljaž performed their Waltz to (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman by Aretha Franklin. Then, Pete and Jowita performed their Argentine Tango to Bitter Sweet Symphony by The Verve. 

After both couples had danced a second time, the judges delivered their verdicts:  Craig Revel Horwood chose to save Tasha and Aljaž. Motsi Mabuse chose to save Tasha and Aljaž. Anton Du Beke chose to save Tasha and Aljaž .

With three votes in favour of Tasha and Aljaž they won the majority vote meaning that Pete and Jowita would be leaving the competition. Head Judge Shirley Ballas also agreed and said she would have decided to save Tasha and Aljaž. 

When asked by Tess about his time in the competition 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.”  

When asked about his dance partner Jowita, Pete 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.” 

Jowita said: “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.” 

Sunday’s results show will feature two phenomenal performances. Becky Hill will sing her powerful single Indestructible and Raye will also take the stage with her stunning track Genesis, Pt. III.  

The remaining four couples will take to the dancefloor next week for the competition’s Grand Final. Our finalists will each perform three dances: their favourite dance of the series, the judge’s pick and a spectacular show dance. The Strictly Come Dancing Grand Final returns live on BBC One and iPlayer on Saturday 14 December at 1800.  

Strictly Come Dancing: The Final airs Saturday 14th December on BBC One.