Under-pressure BBC Strictly Come Dancing star's 'in tears' admission

Under pressure Strictly Come Dancing's Pete Wicks has admitted he's been "in tears" this week - but not over his place on the show. He made the admission after preparing for an emotional Couple's Choice routine this Saturday (November 9).

Pete said he would be dedicating the dance to a special person in his life. Alongside his partner Jowita Przystał, Wicks will perform a lyrical contemporary dance to Tina Turner’s 'Simply the Best'.

On the Strictly spin-off show It Takes Two, the former TOWIE star revealed that his performance will be a tribute to his late grandmother. Speaking to host Janette Manrara, Wicks admitted he’s had a challenging week preparing for the emotional dance.

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"This is going to be a tough one for me based on the fact that I’ve not heard the song all the way through, up until this week, since my nan’s funeral," he explained. "My nan was my best mate, and we played this at her funeral because it was her favourite song."

Wicks further explained why he’s chosen to dance a special routine inspired by his late nan: "If there’s one person that I wish was here and was able to watch me, it would be her. This is kind of my way of having her on this mad little adventure with me. So, yeah, it’s been a tough week. I’ve spent more time crying than I have dancing."

As Week Eight approaches, the competition is intensifying, with each couple hoping to perform in the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom for Week Nine.

"All anyone has spoken about in this journey is Blackpool and how amazing it is," Wicks said. "I’ve kind of f Felt that buzz from everyone else which has made me really, really want to be there."

Strictly Come Dancing is broadcast on Saturdays on BBC One, while the spin-off show, Strictly: It Takes Two, airs on weeknights on BBC Two.

Both shows can be streamed on BBC iPlayer.