Zara McDermott makes feelings clear on pal Pete Wicks joining BBC Strictly after Graziano Di Prima ordeal
BBC Strictly: Zara McDermott and Pete Wicks are close friends
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Former Strictly star Zara McDermott has shown her support for close pal and fellow reality TV alum Pete Wicks after it was announced he'd be joining the line-up for the dance competition.
McDermott and Wicks are close friends and often appear on each others' social media pages and work projects alongside I'm A Celeb winner Sam Thompson - who is dating McDermott.
In fact, the trio share such a close bond that Wicks appeared in the crowd throughout McDermott's stint on the show last year to cheer her on as she competed with Graziano Di Prima.
However, McDermott's Strictly tenure has been marred by controversy ever since she bowed out of the contest alongside her Italian dance pro.
Following a BBC investigation into the conduct of the pros on Strictly, it was revealed McDermott was the victim of abusive behaviour at the hands of Di Prima, which included being "kicked".
McDermott released a statement on the "distressing" ordeal last month and Di Prima was axed from the cast, but it hasn't deterred Wicks from entering the ballroom.
Zara McDermott and Pete Wicks share a close bond alongside Zara's boyfriend Sam Thompson
GETTY
His participation in this year's Strictly was announced on the Kiss FM Breakfast show before the show's social media outlets shared the news online.
On Instagram, the show's verified account broke the news with a cheeky play on words about his reality TV background, stating: "The only way is #Strictly for @p_wicks01!
"We can’t wait to see what he brings to the Ballroom," the announcement signed off, prompting floods of excited comments from the dance show's fans and cast alike.
Among those to seemingly show their support for the announcement was none other than McDermott, who made her stance on his inclusion clear by giving the announcement a like.
Her boyfriend and Wicks' best friend Thompson followed suit as he liked the post to show his support.
Soon after, McDermott also posted the announcement on her own Instagram page, captioning the news: "I've never been so excited
"Love you @p_wicks01," she signed off, followed by a love heart emoji,
Meanwhile, the likes of Shirley Ballas, Amy Dowden and Gorka Marquez all shared "welcome" messages with the 36-year-old and fellow celebrity contestant JB Gill weighed in: "Yes @p_wicks01. It’s gonna be amazing."
Wicks' pro partner won't be unveiled until the show's launch next month and looking ahead to his stint on the dancefloor, it's safe to say the TOWIE star is feeling rather nervous.
"Dancing live in front of the nation every Saturday? Absolutely terrifying," he told the BBC.
"But anyone who knows me knows I love a challenge and trying new things, so I'm genuinely looking forward to getting stuck in."
Wicks was announced as part of the Strictly line-up just minutes after Love Island star Tasha Ghouri had her spot confirmed.
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Sam Thompson and Zara McDermott both liked Pete Wicks' Strictly announcement
The TV personality - who used to date axed Strictly pro Giovanni Pernice - has already caused a bit of a stir due to her performance background.
But Ghouri isn't letting any outside chatter dampen her spirits, saying upon her unveiling: "Pinch me, I can't believe I'm going to be on Strictly Come Dancing! I’ve been watching the show since I was little – it's a firm Ghouri family favourite - so this is a total dream come true.
"I know it's going to be an unforgettable experience and I hope to represent and make everyone proud out on that dancefloor."
Elsewhere, the BBC show has also announced Chris McCausland, JB Gill, Wynne Evans, Toyah Wilcox and Dr Punam Krishan as part of the line-up - the remaining stars will be announced in due course.
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