Strictly Come Dancing star announces shock TV exit

Reality TV star says he wants to take a step back from the limelight

Strictly star Pete Wicks has revealed he's taking a break from television. The Towie star said it was time for new talent to take over.

He's currently entertaining audiences on Strictly Come Dancing. He told the Sun: "I won't be going back on Celebs Go Dating any time soon put it that way. I am banned from dating shows.

READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing star 'struggling to walk' and says 'I refuse to give in'

"At my ripe old age I am just going to settle for dying alone. You hear of single women and their cats. I'm going to be a single man with my dogs. Hopefully they don't eat me when I die."

He added: "I've had 10 years of doing shows. I've survived a decade. I have been a contributor on nearly every show. It is time to step aside and hand the baton on to younger, better looking, more talented people. Plus I am too old and have too much grey hair to be doing dating or reality shows anymore."

Pete has hinted at a potential reality TV venture with his pal Sam, adding: "The only reality show I would still love to do would be Celeb Race Across The World which Sam (Thompson) would love us to do. To be honest he's the only person who would put up with me.

"I'd have to do it with him or alone. But I'm not sure Sam and I would finish together. I would probably have to leave him somewhere!"

Amidst rumours swirling around Pete's possible romantic ties with his Strictly partner Jowita Przystal, fans are abuzz with speculation that Pete has fallen for Jowita, leaving his good friend Sam as the proverbial "third wheeling", reports Wales Online.