Pete Wicks and Jowita’s tired showmance trick is an insult to Strictly viewers – we’re not stupid
IT totally baffles me that Strictly Come Dancing stars think they can still fake a romance to get ahead – don’t they get that us loyal fans are fed up of being taken for fools?
After twenty years and countless scandals, it’s bonkers that bosses still believe we can’t see through the spin – even with steamy kisses caught on camera.
Saucy dance routines oozing with sexual tension used to drive fans wild – but it’s since been used as a clever tactic by competitors to stay on the show.
Not to sound cynical, but as the saying goes, sex sells. And even more so if it’s secret.
But just like viewers became bored of sob stories being aired on talent shows like The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent, they’ve had enough of ‘showmances’.
Since the first episode aired on May 15, 2004, long-standing relationships have crumbled to the infamous curse- with dance floor romances and punishing rehearsal schedules often to blame.
It comes as no surprise that stars give in to temptation as their hot and sweaty bodies get up close and personal during the whirlwind experience.
Reality TV Lothario Pete Wicks ‘kissed’ his dance partner Jowita Przystał during a steamy performance during a week of non-stop speculation over ‘will they/won’t they’.
Make no mistake, that was no accident. Having starred on 15 series of Towie, Celebs Go Dating (three times) and Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins (twice), Pete is a fully-fledged expert on reality television.
Just like Love Island couples fake relationships outside of the villa while milking big money brand deals, Pete knows that questions surrounding the chemistry between him and Jowita will boost his profile – and bank balance.
Their touchy-feely friendship, doe-eyed looks and sexy dance routines has been a deliberate ploy to keep fans guessing about their true feelings.
While that may have worked in the past, viewers are more savvy 20 series in. They’re not stupid, Pete.
As I said previously, if only there was a pound for every time Strictly Come Dancing was described by its stars as being “like a family”.
However, after a summer of abuse scandals rocked the show, fans now know not to always believe what they see.
Actress Amanda Abbington, 50, officially made bullying complaints against pro-dancer Giovanni Pernice – claiming she was mistreated by the 33-year-old.
It sparked an investigation – with Strictly bosses upholding SIX allegations against him.
Strictly Curse - The Lowdown
STRICTLY Come Dancing's latest series has already been hit by rumours of a BBC show 'curse' - yet what is it?
A host of Strictly Come Dancing stars have been struck by the Strictly Curse during the past two decades.
This is where celebrities who may or may not be attached in the outside world become more than friends with their professional partners.
A total of 20 relationships are said to have been impacted so far over the show’s 20 years.
It has seen relationships crumble with dance floor romances and punishing rehearsal schedules to blame.
This includes the partnerships of Louise and Jamie Redknapp as well as Kevin Clifton and Karen Hauer.
Controversially, Judge Craig Revel Horwood once said of the curse: “I think of it as a blessing, to be honest. One person is married, the other one had a girlfriend but my point in this entire thing is: if you come on Strictly, sometimes you are in a relationship that is not working anyway.
“There has to be something wrong in your relationship before it all goes awry.”
Series one winner Brendan Cole left his fiancé, fellow Strictly professional Camilla Dallerup, during filming for the very first series in spring 2004.
Brendan was said to have fallen for his celebrity partner and inaugural winner Natasha Kaplinsky, although the duo didn’t confirm they were romantically involved.
Graziano Di Prima was axed for “kicking” Love Island star Zara McDermott – despite the pair remaining close after the series ended. Both men’s absence was not mentioned when the show made its return to screen last month.
Fans now understand that behind the smiles and sequins are a bunch of egotistical celebrities desperate to get as much airtime as possible.
And of course their competitive pro-dancers want that glitterball trophy to use as leverage for bagging another series on the sought-after show.
Let’s put an end to the fictitious claim from stars who say they “feel like winners just for taking part”.
Why not have them, instead, boldly admit they’ll do anything to win – like fake a romance for votes.
If not, it’s an insult to all Strictly fans who have dedicated thousands of hours over 20 years supporting the hit BBC show.