Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystal danced the samba to the George of the Jungle theme on Saturday night(Image: BBC/Guy Levy)

Strictly romance 'open secret' as Pete Wicks 'falls head over heels' for partner Jowita Przystal

Pete Wicks thinks his dance partner Jowita Przystal is 'amazing in every way' and the pair are 'always smiling' behind the scenes of Strictly Come Dancing, a source has claimed

by · The Mirror

Rumours of a Strictly Come Dancing romance are said to be an "open secret" among the cast and crew at the BBC show amid claims that Pete Wicks has "fallen head over heels" for his partner Jowita Przystal.

The Only Way Is Essex star Pete, 36, and his professional dance partner Jowita, 30, have been a fan-favourite couple since the series started last month. Last night, the energic pair were given a total score of 26 points after dancing the samba to the George of the Jungle theme.

Reflecting on his performance, Pete admitted: "I absolutely hate the film, but I absolutely love the samba. George loves the samba." But behind the scenes, Pete and Jowita are said to be "all over one another" just like a "loved-up couple would be" and this has become an "open secret" on the show, a source has claimed.

The pair received a score of 26 points( Image: BBC/Guy Levy)

An insider told The Mail on Sunday: "Pete has fallen head over heels for Jowita. He thinks she is amazing in every way. The feeling is mutual from her side and things have definitely progressed between them. They are all over one another behind the scenes, in a way that a loved-up couple would be."

The source added: "It appears that we may have the first Strictly romance of the series, which is so exciting. They are the talk of the show. The other contestants are really happy for them. They are always smiling. It's lovely. It will certainly brighten up the show following the dreadful saga around Giovanni (Pernice) and Amanda Abbington."

It is claimed that Pete and Jowita hit it off "immediately" after they were paired together over the summer. At the beginning of last month, they were seen cosying up together at the National Television Awards.

Rumours of romance between Pete and Jowita have been swirling( Image: BBC/Guy Levy)
Pete and Jowita in co-ordinating leather outfits as they leave Television Centre in London after an appearance on 'Loose Women'( Image: REX/Shutterstock)

As romance rumours continue swirling, Pete's close friend Sam Thompson added more fuel to the speculation when he declared: "Pete's in love." Things ramped up as Pete and Jowita revealed on Loose Women they plan to get matching tattoos if they win the Glitterball Trophy.

When the duo recently appeared on Loose Women, they discussed their tattoo plans. While on the ITV show, panellist Janet Street-Porter asked: "Is it true that you two are going to get matching tattoos if you win?" Pete replied: "Obviously, I have got a fair few tattoos so if we win then we are going to get a couple of glitterballs." In response, Janet probed: "Pete, where will you put it?"

And in a recent chat with the BBC, the pair revealed their ideal movie date scenario. Pete said: "Raining, log cabin in the middle of the woods, fire going, cold night. A couple of bottles of Malbec and cheese board." Jowita agreed and said: "Snowy night, log cabin! A big bowl of salted popcorn." Pete cheekily quipped: "It may be a glitter ball."

Pete has dated a string of famous women including Love Island beauty Maura Higgins and EastEnders actress Danielle Harold. Jowita was in a long-term relationship with her dance partner Michael Danilczuk and after their break-up, she was linked to Giovanni Pernice, 34, and dancer Arduino Bertoncello.

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