Strictly's Pete Wicks aims brutal one-word dig at Jowita Przystal's new partner

Podcaster and former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Pete Wickshas aimed a brutal dig at Jowita Przystal’s new partner for this year’s edition of the show.

Speaking on his Staying Relevant podcast with co-host Sam Thompson, Pete, 36, spoke about who he believes has a chance of winning the show.

During his discussion on the matter, he said the celeb who has Jowita as their partner will have an unfair advantage, because of how good a dancer she is. Pete was paired up with Jowita, 31, during his time on the BBC show last year.

• Gran who married toyboy 37 years her junior sparks fears as fans spot sad detail
• Princess Andre risks mum Katie Price's wrath after post about dad Peter Andre

He said: “It’s unfair this year. One of them has got, and I don’t know who, an unfair advantage because they get to dance with Jowita. So if anyone makes it to the final, I would love it to be Vick [Vicky Pattison] and Jowita.”

In response, Sam asked: “With who Jowita’s got, do you think they’re going to do well?”

Pete, unsure whether he was allowed to reveal the identity of Jowita's partner at the time of recording, then brutally replied: “No," prompting laughter from Sam. On a sweeter note, the former TOWIE star continued: "Genuinely, I always think Jowita’s got a chance at anything because she’s amazing, and if she can get me to a semi-final...

“Whoever she gets this year is an improvement on where she started last year, do you know what I mean? I am going to the first live show, because that’s always a pleasure.”

It was announced during Strictly's launch show last weekend that Jowita has been partnered up with broadcaster Ross King, 63, who will be taking to the floor for the first time this Saturday.

The broadcaster, best known for his appearances on ITV’s Lorraine and as Good Morning Britain’s Los Angeles correspondent, has spoken about what his friends, singer Gary Barlow and actor Gerard Butler, think about his Strictly stint.

He told Bella magazine: “I asked Gerry how he felt about me doing the show, and he wishes me all the best... But he's still laughing about it. That's good pals for you, isn't it?

“I've known Gary Barlow since before Take That had any hits! It's lucky to have friendships that go back that long, when you have history together.

“I've been winding Gary up by saying to him, 'From a dancing point of view, I do feel like I need you in the training room!' But he threatened to come along at some point, so that'll be funny.”

Speaking about how he feels about dancing with Jowita, Ross added to Lorraine Kelly on her ITV show: "She was the first professional [I met]. She came up and she gave me a big hug, she was so lovely.

“And this young lady is just an absolute joy. The crews love her, everyone loves her because she is just beautiful inside and out. She's just that lovely person, and so my dad would be like, 'How lovely.'”

Ross’s praise of Jowita came after she was seen kissing Pete as they performed on stage at London's O2 Arena during a live recording of the Staying Relevant podcast.

Responding to praise from Lorraine about how well she did with Pete in 2024, Jowita responded: “Aww, thank you! It's the hard work, and I think the commitment you put in, that's all that matters. The celebrities, come from all different backgrounds and they all have different abilities.”