Strictly’s Pete Wicks shares gushing tribute to Jowita after they make it to Blackpool

STRICTLY'S Pete Wicks has shared a gushing tribute to Jowita Przystał after they made it to Blackpool.

Pete, 36, heaped praise on the Polish dancer, 30, following their show milestone as he took to Instagram yesterday with some snaps from the dance floor.

The former Towie star expressed deep gratitude for his pro partner, telling fans he's "beyond grateful" for her support.

He revealed that next week’s performance is dedicated to her since he knows how much dancing in the Northern city means to her.

Pete also included a selfie with his late nan Doreen, writing in the caption that she "would have loved" watching him in action.

He penned: "I don’t know what to say…I ain’t always very good at talking about emotions but I wanted to thank every single one of you that voted last night or just resonated with our dance.

"We all lose people we love, it’s life…but someone once told me 'don’t let the death of someone be the death of you' and it’s stuck in my head.

"My nan was my best friend and she would have loved watching me try and dance every Saturday night.

"This was just my way of sharing this experience with her.

"It wasn’t about the show or getting to Blackpool, it was just a thank you to my mum and my nan.

"I’m humbled by all of your kind words and support.

"Next week is for Jowita, she has given me so much over the past couple of months and I know how important it is for her to be able to dance again in Blackpool."

Pete gave a shoutout to choreographer Arduino Bertoncello, too, who is rumoured to be dating Jowita last year.

He added: "I am beyond grateful to Jowita and Arduino for helping me through the last week.

"Next week we are bringing fun, it’s gonna be all about the fun. The support I’ve had since the start of this show is wild and no words will ever be enough but genuinely THANK YOU. Px."

During Saturday's show, Pete was overcome with emotion when performing a contemporary dance in tribute to Doreen.

The star's proud mum Tracy wiped away tears as she looked on from the live studio audience.

It comes just hours after his best mate Sam Thompson revealed Pete may join him in Australia if he is booted off Strictly.

Sam, 32, is set to host the ITV show's returning spin-off Unpacked alongside former contestant Joel Dommett, 39, and Capital radio host Kemi Rodgers, 29.

Pete met Sam in the jungle after he won last year's series.

As well as a reunion with Sam, it could pave the way for Pete to support former Love Islander Maura Higgins, 33 - his latest love interest, who is set to appear in the jungle.

They were snapped kissing after enjoying a date night in London last month, putting to bed months of rumours.

Asked who he will miss most out of Pete and his girlfriend Zara McDermott, 27, Sam deliberated and said: "Probably Zara because Pete is so stressed with Strictly.

"I’ve never seen a man so stressed with his dancing because he’s having to learn a whole new skill.

"I’ve got to say my girlfriend, I don’t want to get in trouble.

"Pete did say if he gets booted out of Strictly he might come out and see me. We’ll get to have another bridge reunion."