Pete Wicks couldn’t resist taking a cheeky dig at Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood during Saturday’s Halloween special – one week on from being told he’d performed an “illegal” move.
Last Saturday, Wicks and pro partner Jowita Przystal had just performed a Rumba for the judges when Revel Horwood pointed out that lifts in the routine could put them at risk of “disqualification”.
“The lifts, that is totally illegal, there were two lifts,” a stern Revel Horwood said. “One foot should remain on the floor at all times, of course, it is up to the professional if they want to lose marks for that.
“And of course, you will be marked down for that. I think even a disqualification darling… But I am not head judge so there you are. I have an issue with that because I think you should follow the rules.”
Luckily for the former The Only Way Is Essex star, the public voted him through to this week’s spooky special to perform once again, despite Revel Horwood’s damning verdict.
Dressed as the Joker and Harley Quinn, Wicks and Przystal took on a Viennese Waltz, and before Revel Horwood could offer his critique on the new routine, Wicks got in first.
BBC Strictly: Craig Revel Horwood wasn’t impressed with Pete’s jibe
BBC
As Ballas gave the pair a standing ovation, Wicks and Przystal made their way over to host Tess Daly when Wicks let loose.
“If you wonder why I’m in jail, it’s because last week I did something illegal so I got arrested for that,” he remarked.
Ripples of laughter emerged from the crowd but a steely-faced Revel Horwood looked unimpressed as he stared emotionless back at Wicks.
“No rule-breaking tonight, hopefully,” Daly remarked before the judges offered their expertise to the reality TV star.
BBC Strictly: Pete Wicks and Jowita scored their best score of the series on Halloween
BBC
Ballas heaped praise on Wicks’ improvement since Week One, applauding his “lovely footwork” and frame.
Anton Du Beke branded it his “best dance so far this series”, adding that Wicks is “improving so wonderfully it is a joy to see”.
Wicks continued his barrage at Revel Horwood when Daly turned to him, bursting out into laughter at the judge’s The Shining-inspired outfit.
Again, Revel Horwood didn’t rise to the bait and instead said: “For me, it was a little behind musically. I felt like it was just slightly behind the beat in this.
“You need to work actually just beyond the beat. Smoother transitions I would’ve liked to have seen.”
However, despite the latest spat doing little to quash reports of a feud between the two, Revel Horwood did have some more positive words to impart.
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BBC Strictly: Pete Wicks has hit back at Craig Revel Horwood over the ‘illegal move’ row
BBC
He concluded: “But you know what, you kept your frame the characterisation I thought was absolutely formidable and Anton my beautiful sister is right, you’ve grown brilliantly.”
In the end, Revel Horwood gave the pair their lowest score of a seven for the routine while his fellow three judges opted for eights apiece.
Wicks racked up a series best of 31 and equally earned plaudits from a number of fans at home.
“I love how much Pete Wicks is improving week on week. He was fabulous tonight! #Strictly,” one fan said on X, followed by a second who concurred: “Pete is easily most improved from week 1 to now #Strictly.” (sic)