Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystal have shut down romance rumours, insisting they are “not in a love bubble” on Strictly Come Dancing.
The BBC One show partners had been reported to have been growing closer outside of training, but told This Morning on Wednesday that they were just good friends. Wicks also admitted that he had still never watched an episode of the show, despite making it to week seven.
Przystal offered Strictly fans a health update on co-star Amy Dowden, who will miss this weekend’s show after an ambulance was called for her last Saturday night.
Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystal might have great chemistry on the dancefloor, but the Strictly Come Dancing partners have said that outside of their routines they are just good friends.
The Strictly stars have been at the centre of romance rumours ever since they were matched for this year’s series, but told This Morning that they were “not in a love bubble”.
Speaking about dealing with the judges’ critiques of his performances, Wicks said: “I’m kind of in my own little world. We’re in a bit of a bubble when we dance.”
Read more: Strictly Come Dancing
But as host Alison Hammond asked: “Is it a love bubble?” he revealed: “It’s not a love bubble, unfortunately. You came in early, that was about 30 seconds before you went into it. No, it’s not a love bubble. We have great chemistry because we’ve become such good friends, she’s one of the most amazing people I’ve ever met, genuinely. Not just on the dancing side of things but outside of that.”
Wicks has also recently been linked to Maura Higgins, but said of his relationship with Przystal being under scrutiny: “It’s always the same, I’m used to it. 10 years, that’s all anyone is ever really interested in is that side of stuff, but we don’t listen to all of that, it doesn’t matter to us.”
As Dermot O’Leary pointed out that Wicks’ best friend Sam Thompson had started many of the rumours, he said: “I blame Sam for most things that happen in my life so there’s no surprise there either. But no, it’s not like that, we’ve become such great friends and that really helps us with the whole dancing side of stuff.”
Wicks also admitted that he had still never watched Strictly, despite starring in it this year and friend Zara McDermott having taken part last year.
He said: “I’ve never seen the show. I’ve still not watched it. The only time I’ve seen it was when Zara was on it, I went to the first live show. All I could think about was, it’s very long. They take your phone off you. But everyone else wanted me to do it and I’m in the stage the last couple of years where it’s in for a penny, in for a pound.
“It’s a life experience, when I’m 80 years old I’m going to be telling people that I once did this. That is where I’m at in my life, making memories. I’m so blessed to do some of the things that I do. I’m getting older and I lost someone a couple of years ago and you think life’s too short. Memories are all you’ve got, materialistic stuff you leave behind. The only things you can carry with you, that people can’t take away from you, are memories.”
Strictly fans have been concerned for pro dancer Amy Dowden this week as it was announced that an ambulance had been called for her after Saturday night’s show and that she wouldn’t be taking part this weekend.
Przystal offered an update on Dowden’s health as she said: “Unfortunately she won’t perform this week with us. We’re all gutted but her health is the most important thing and she’s taken care of right now by the team. We’re all sending all our love and hope she will just get better soon and she will come back to us.”
Meanwhile, the remaining couples will take on Strictly’s first ever Icons Week, where Wicks and Przystal will perform a Salsa.
Wicks said: “I’ve gone for the icon of icons, Freddie Mercury. I’m not overly keen on the Latin ones. My hips are uncontrollable. It’s a struggle to get them in check.”
He added: “It’s the toughest week for me so far. It’s going to be wild.”
This Morning airs on ITV1 at 10am on weekdays.
