Pete Wicks has paid tribute to Tasha Ghouri, Jowita PrzystaĆ and the rest of the Strictly team in a lengthy statement following Sunday's semi-final results.
The former TOWIE star's journey on the dance competition came to a close on Sunday after he landed in the dance-off for the first time against Ghouri and Aljaz Skorjanec.
All four judges decided to send Ghouri through to the final meaning it was time for Wicks to say his goodbyes.
And Wicks took his exit in his stride, thanking his dance partner and admitting he knew he wasn't the strongest dancer.
The TV personality had sparked several debates among the fandom due to his inclusion in the line-up with fans outraged week after week that Wicks had seen off fellow castmates.
With the time now up on his stint, Wicks took to Instagram to pen a heartfelt statement about his journey, beginning: "The past 3-4 months have been nothing short of incredible.
BBC Strictly: Pete Wicks and Jowita were voted out at the semi-final stage
BBC
"I spent 12 weeks saying my time in the show was gonna be over and each week I was wrongâŠuntil now. I couldnât be happier with the way it ended, there is no one I would have rather been in a dance off with than Tasha."
Continuing his kind words towards the Love Island star, Wicks branded her the most "beautiful dancer, the most beautiful person inside and out" before expressing his pride at seeing her in the final.
He continued: "The only reason I stayed in the show for so long is because of you, the people. You supported me throughout and that is something Iâll never be able to forget and something I never expected.
"We went on this journey together, the ups and downs and with the right attitude, itâs about learning and itâs about entertaining.
BBC Strictly: Pete Wicks was embraced by his cast mates after saying goodbye
BBC
"I tried my best from day 1 and I took the show seriously, I did what I could and I appreciate every single one of you that gave me the opportunity to keep doing that week on week."
Alluding to the backlash he received, he added: "You donât always have to be the best or have the most talent, but you should never stop trying! Thank you.
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"The show isnât just what you see on a Saturday night, itâs not all jazz handsâŠthere are an unbelievable amount of wonderful people that make it all happen. From top to bottom, the people that make the show are f***ing magical.
"Every department is full of people who care, who create and work so hard to make Strictly what it is. Thank you all for putting up with me for so long!"
Wicks then dedicated the final part of his statement to his dance partner and once rumoured love interest PrzystaĆ.
"Lastly but most importantly, this experience wouldnât have been anything without Jowita," he wrote. "She believed in me since the first day and never stopped.
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"She supported me, listened to me, made me laugh and cry but most of all she made me believe in myself when I didnât think I could do it.
"We did everything our way, and for me that was the right way. Iâm so sorry that I couldnât get you to a final, I tried my best and you deserve to be there. The show may have ended for us but one thing wonât, you will always have a friend in me.
"You have become such a special person in my life and just because that wonât continue on a ballroom floor doesnât mean it wonât continue.
"Unfortunately for you, youâve gained a friend for life. You will always be my dancing gnome." (sic)
