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Pete Wicks has hit back at backlash over his Strictly Come Dancing success, describing the criticism as "abuse".
During an appearance on It Takes Two, the 36-year-old addressed claims he’s surviving on popularity votes rather than dancing ability.
Responding to host Janette Manrara, Wicks said: "Criticism is probably a light word. I think abuse would be better. But, look, it is what it is. You can’t please everyone, and I’m not here to please everyone. I’m here to try and learn something.
"I’m just a bloke that is just having a go at something, and if I listened to all of the negative stuff then I wouldn't get out of bed in the morning.
"But, on the plus side," he continued, "there’s been loads of really lovely things said as well. It is what it is, it's not nice to hear."
While Wicks focuses on dancing with professional partner Jowita Przystal, his rumoured romance with I'm a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! star Higgins has also been in the spotlight.
Higgins, 34, was the sixth contestant to be voted out of the jungle during Thursday night’s episode. She has been candid about her love life in camp, confirming she was seeing someone before flying to Australia but stopped short of revealing Wicks' name.
When questioned by Oti Mabuse about her relationship status, Higgins said: "I am but I was seeing someone before I came in, but I'm not in a relationship."
Later, during a conversation with Richard Madeley and Dean McCullough, Higgins shared more details. When asked if the man she was seeing was "an a**hole," she laughed and replied: "Yeah, he's not an a**hole."
Higgins also admitted she was missing him and suggested their relationship might feel different because "we've known each other for a long time."
Wicks has been showing his support for Higgins throughout her jungle journey. The TOWIE star reposted a message from Higgins' Instagram account, run by her friends and family, urging fans to vote for her.
He added: "I've been George of the Jungle but now it’s time to vote for Maura of the Jungle." Higgins’ family returned the favour by sharing a clip of Wicks and Przystal’s Strictly performance on Saturday night, writing: "Waltzing into the quarter-final like... known em dead tony!"
Despite the pressure of competing on Strictly and speculation about his personal life, Wicks remains focused on dancing his way to the Glitterball Trophy.
He and Przystal are now preparing for the semi-finals, defying critics week after week. But Pete has also reportedly “respectfully declined” to appear in the Strictly Come Dancing live tour in 2025.
The former TOWIE star chose not to join the line-up due to “prior work and filming commitments,” MailOnline reported on Wednesday.
Wicks reportedly “regrets” having such a packed schedule as it means he cannot perform for audiences around the country with his dance partner Jowita Przystał.
“Pete is gutted that he's unable to commit to the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour,” an insider told MailOnline.The source added: “Pete made it clear from the beginning he wouldn't be available for the shows in 2025 but now he feels regretful over not having a clear diary.
“His popularity among Strictly viewers is clear and he would have received such a positive reaction from audiences at the shows. He will certainly be there in spirit.”
The tour begins in Birmingham on January 17 and concludes at London's O2 Arena on February 9.
Former professional dancer Janette Manrara will host the series of live dance shows, and Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood, and Anton Du Beke will make up the judging panel.
