waltz going on?
Strictly in favouritism row as judges brush over Pete Wicks’ mistakes – and fans have worked out why
The reality star apologised to his pro partner live on air
STRICTLY is in yet another favouritism row after the judges brushed over Pete Wicks' mistakes tonight.
The former Towie star, 36, and pro dancer Jowita Przystal performed a West Side Story inspired Waltz for musicals week.
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He took to the stage for an elegant routine to the track Somewhere, but during the routine Pete made a couple of technicals errors, leaving the star gutted.
At the end of the performance he could he telling Jowita that he was "sorry" for messing up.
He repeatedly apologised as he embraced his partner on the dancefloor.
They then joined Tess Daly in front of the judging panel for their feedback, with the presenter telling him: "There's nothing to say sorry for, that was gorgeous."
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Anton Du Beke told him: "Your out of hold work is as beautiful as anything we've seen on Strictly this year or anything we'll see on Strictly next year.
"You have a wonderful compassion when you dance with Jowita, this wonderful partnering and skill.
"It's a shame we have to take hold because this bit we haven't quite conquered yet but the rest is gorgeous.
"I'm going to focus on that, the hold bit could do with a bit of work."
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While Craig Revel Horwood admitted Pete's "shoddy footwork" didn't bother him - as his storytelling was on point.
"It took me back to 1983, this was my first show ever as a professional dancer in musicals and I was loving what you were bringing to this piece," he told him.
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"It's true, you don't have the swing or sway, your footwork is shoddy and you went completely wrong.
"But for some reason that didn't bother me for some reason because the storytelling was so engaging."
Motsi Mabuse agreed and said his technical abilities lacked but he was the "master of telling a story".
Head judge Shirley Ballas praised Pete's vast improvement with his framework over the weeks.
She said: "There was a mistake of course, but everyone makes mistakes. I like the way that you picked it up, got on with it and moved on."
Pete looked disappointed after receiving the criticism as he fought back tears.
But some fans were convinced that the judges were too soft on him amid accusations of favouritism.
One wrote: "Why do the judges never want to dwell on Pete's mistakes but will go on about others that are actually good."
A second said: "Sorry, stop making excuses for Pete, he made a number of mistakes."
A third said: "Why is it alright for Pete to make mistakes but none of the others, I think the judges are biased. Pete should have gone weeks ago."
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Another added: "If any of the female contestant did those same mistakes Pete did, they'd be onto it like a leech."
Pete and Jowitza was scored a total of 26 points.
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