Strictly star Pete Wicks' secret mishap leaves fans asking if judges 'didn't want to notice'

Strictly Come Dancing fans have pointed out how the judges appeared to ignore Pete Wicks' mistake during his third live performance, with it not impacting his scores.

Strictly Come Dancing fans have been left puzzled after the judges seemingly 'overlooked' a mistake Pete Wicks made during his latest live performance on the BBC show.

The TOWIE star, 36, danced a samba to George of the Jungle on Saturday, 5 October alongside professional dance partner Jowita Przystal, 30. The judges - Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke - awarded the pair an overall score of 26 out of 40, making it Pete's highest score yet.

However, during the Movie Week routine, he made a mistake with his footwork and he and Jowita tripped up, yet they quickly resumed their routine and ignored the mishap. Eagle-eyed fans were quick to notice the mistake and have accused the judges of 'overlooking' it during their feedback.

Over on social media, a fan was quick to point out: "I noticed that the judges didn't notice Pete's mistake - it was either very minor or they didn't want to mention it. #ItTakesTwo #Strictly." (sic)

Other viewers had pointed out how the judges had "overlooked" Pete's mistake during Saturday's live show, with one writing on X: "Shirley 'overlooking' mistakes due to it being Pete Wicks. So Predictable Shirley." Another said: "I do think Pete has been royally stitched up here, but Shirley choosing to 'overlook' mistakes when it's a pretty male celeb absolutely does my head in."

Pete and Jowita appeared on It Takes Two on Monday, 7 October and addressed the dance floor mishap.

On It Takes Two, Pete said: "It's the third week and that's the first time I've tripped, so that's a surprise. If I wasn't enjoying it, then I think it would have got to me. Because I was enjoying it, it is what it is, things happen don't they."

Jowita then added: "It's a live show. Live telly, anything can happen. But, the most impressive thing... he didn't even blink! He just kept going."

Pete and Jowita have managed to miss out on being in the dance-off so far, with the pair being voted through by the public twice now. The first elimination saw Olympian Tom Dean sent home, while the second dance-off ended with singer Toyah Willcox exiting the BBC show.

Along with Pete, other celebrities still in the competition include Nick Knowles, Tasha Ghouri, JB Gill, Jamie Borthwick, Chris McCausland, Wynne Evans, Dr Punam Krishan, Shayne Ward, Sarah Hadland, Montell Douglas, Paul Merson and Sam Quek.

Strictly returns this Saturday at 6.20pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.