EXCLUSIVE Pete Wicks gives up the booze - 'People are seeing a different me on Strictly"
Reality TV star Pete Wicks says he’s “not as evil as people think” and he’s now “learning how to let go and have some fun”.
He’s also quietly shaking off his laddish image, aged 35.
The former star of The Only Way is Essex, and Celebs Go Dating has admitted to “giving up the booze” during what he calls his “Strictly adventure”.
He added:"I don't see that as a bad thing. I have a very busy social life.
“It doesn't mean I'm never going to drink again. The nightclubs will be closing down!”
In an exclusive interview, he said: “I think Strictly’s an opportunity for people to see a different side.
“Through 11 years of doing TV, I've built up a bit of a caricature of what people think I am. And really, I'm not like that.
"I'm not quite as evil as everyone thinks -- I know I’ve got a dry sense of humour -- but surprisingly, I can have fun. It's amazing.”
He adds: “Strictly has enabled me to let go a little bit in a part of this industry that is so alien to me that the only option you have is to have fun.”
Paso Pete with another thrilling turn (Image: bbc)"People have seen enough of my feet on a Saturday night!"
Wicks lavishes praise on his dance partner Jowita Przystal, 30, a previous Strictly winner.
He said: “One of the most important things for me was whether or not I got on with my partner because we spend such a long time with each other, and we instantly clicked.
“And that's an amazing thing. She's such a great teacher, and she's such an amazing dancer, that having her and the belief that she has in me really helps.
“We have formed such an amazing kind of partnership on the dance floor, and outside of the dance floor, she has become such a great friend. It's a really beautiful thing.”
His hilarious bare-footed turn as George of the Jungle on Movie Night was a classic performance, and loved by fans.
“I’m so grateful and thankful for all the support we’ve had,” he said.
Last night he was fully clothed again, including dance shoes.
“People have had enough of my feet on a Saturday night!” he joked.
Finally, wondering whether a more mellow Pete Wicks might end up presenting Antiques Roadshow, he quipped, “the only antiques at the minute are my legs. They feel about 90 years old!”
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window.topArticlesScript="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/js/dist/article-top-articles20241008.min.js"EXCLUSIVE Pete Wicks gives up the booze - 'People are seeing a different me on Strictly"
EXCLUSIVE Pete Wicks gives up the booze - 'People are seeing a different me on Strictly"
EXCLUSIVE Pete Wicks gives up the booze - 'People are seeing a different me on Strictly"
EXCLUSIVE Pete Wicks gives up the booze - 'People are seeing a different me on Strictly"
EXCLUSIVE Pete Wicks gives up the booze - 'People are seeing a different me on Strictly"
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