Pete Wicks, a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing, took a playful jab at judge Craig Revel Horwood after his Viennese Waltz performance during the Halloween special. Dressed as The Joker and breaking out of jail, Wicks addressed the previous week’s criticism about ‘illegal’ moves before the judges could comment on his latest routine. He humorously explained, “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 of Wicks’ previous rumba, particularly the lifts, calling them ‘totally illegal’ and suggesting a potential disqualification for not following the rules.
Despite the lighthearted banter, Wicks received positive feedback from the judges in this episode. Craig Revel Horwood acknowledged that the routine was ‘a little behind musically’ but praised Wicks’ ‘formidable characterisation’ and improvement throughout the competition. Anton du Beke even went as far as calling it Wicks’ ‘best dance of the series’, commending the ‘joyous breadth of movement’ and noting that while it wasn’t perfect, it was ‘terribly, terribly good.’ Head judge Shirley Ballas also pointed out the improvement in Wicks’ footwork and frame, expressing pride in his progress.
This moment on the show highlights the competitive spirit and growth of the contestants as they strive to impress the judges and viewers each week. It’s important for the dancers to take feedback seriously and work on their weaknesses to continue improving their performances. With each routine, they have the opportunity to showcase their skills and entertain the audience, making each episode of Strictly Come Dancing an exciting and engaging experience for fans of the show.
