Strictly Come Dancing’s Pete Wicks couldn’t help but make a sly quip at judge Craig Revel Horwood after delivering his Viennese Waltz to the tune of Frank Sinatra’s “That’s Life” during the Saturday night Halloween special. Portraying The Joker, complete with a jailbreak from behind bars, Wicks addressed last week’s critique regarding ‘illegal’ moves directly before the judges could comment on his latest performance.
He cheekily told the panel: “The reason I was in jail is cause last week I did something illegal, so I got arrested for that.”
Revel Horwood had been critical over his previous rumba, condemning the lifts by saying, “As for the lifts that is totally illegal. There were two lifts and one foot should remain on the floor at all times.”
The sharp-tongued judge even suggested a harsh penalty, stating: “Of course it’s up to the professional if they want to lose marks for that. Of course you”ll be marked down for that and I think even a disqualification darling. I think you should follow the rules.”
Despite the breezy mockery, this episode saw Pete receive more favourable feedback from the Strictly judges. While Craig felt the routine was ‘a little behind musically’, he praised its ‘formidable characterisation’ and noted Pete’s significant improvement, reports Birmingham Live.
Meanwhile, Anton du Beke lauded the performance as Pete’s ‘best dance of the series’, enjoying the ‘joyous breadth of movement’ before adding: “It’s not perfect yet but it was terribly, terribly good.”
Head judge Shirley Ballas remarked on the seriousness of the competition, saying: “I saw some lovely footwork, the frame I can really see you’re trying to keep it up…when you play this back tonight you are going to be very, very proud of yourself like I am.”