'I'm a dance expert and I was gutted when Pete Wicks was eliminated from Strictly'

'I was gutted when Pete Wicks was eliminated from Strictly - I found myself crying' (Image: BBC)

Strictly Come Dancing is gearing up for its grand finale this week, with Sarah Hadland, JB Gill, Chris McCausland, and Tasha Ghouri all vying for the coveted Glitterball Trophy.

Despite Pete Wicks' valiant efforts in the semi-final dance off, the judges weren't convinced, ultimately denying him a spot in the final showdown.

The decision sparked controversy among viewers, many of whom believed Pete had made remarkable progress on Strictly, especially considering his novice status at the start.

Dance aficionado Dr Jill Jacobs was among those who felt a strong connection to Pete's journey. In an emotional interview with Heart Bingo, Dr Jill confessed: "I was gutted when Pete Wicks was eliminated last weekend. He was the one dancer where I found myself crying all the time watching him.

"He was quite raw and very real at the start and looked as though he didn't think he was on the right show for him. I think he took on the challenge thinking that his mother and grandmother would like it, but soon realised he didn't have what it takes."

Pete Wicks found himself narrowly missing out on a place in the Strictly Come Dancing 2024 final (Image: BBC)

"But then he learned to dance. He was so real. I didn't take to him at the beginning, but he really grew on me. In the end it's about who touches your heart and who has been on the biggest hero's journey that is who should win the show!"

Dr Jill also highlighted Pete's standout performances, saying: "I thought his Argentine Tango was the dance of the series, only behind the dance for his grandmother earlier in the season.

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"Her biggest advantage is her partner, Vito Coppola. It's important not to forget that he leads her he is smart, he knows the competition, he knows how to choreograph, how to teach, and he's full of power. He can pick her up, highlight her, and make her look good.

Pete found himself in the dance-off with partner Jowita (Image: BBC)

"He can only do that to a certain point, though, then she has to carry it on. That is where I feel she's just not quite at the same level as the others. She's pushing through it, working hard, but she's missing a little something. The judges want to see the embodiment of the dance, which she is slightly lacking."

As the final approaches, Chris McCausland remains the clear favourite with odds of 1/20, while JB Gill is positioned as the next contender at 14/1 to snatch the Glitterball Trophy, reports Wales Online.

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In contrast, Sarah's chances are placed at 25/1 to clinch the series title, and Tasha Ghouri is considered the rank outsider at 33/1 for Saturday night's showdown.

Ladbrokes' Alex Apati commented: "One name has completely dominated the betting from Week One, and Chris will head into this weekend's final as one of shortest-priced contestants we've ever seen. If anyone if to cause an upset, the odds suggest it'll be JB."

Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday on BBC One at 6pm.

'I'm a dance expert and I was gutted when Pete Wicks was eliminated from Strictly'

'I'm a dance expert and I was gutted when Pete Wicks was eliminated from Strictly'

'I'm a dance expert and I was gutted when Pete Wicks was eliminated from Strictly'

'I'm a dance expert and I was gutted when Pete Wicks was eliminated from Strictly'

'I'm a dance expert and I was gutted when Pete Wicks was eliminated from Strictly'