Pete Wicks has hailed Jowita Przystał as a ‘friend for life’ in a new Instagram post.

The TOWIE star, 36, was voted off Strictly Come Dancing alongside his professional partner in Sunday night’s results show after the semi-finals and had nothing but good things to say.

Pete, who has been surrounded by rumours about a possible romance with Jowita, wrote: ‘This experience wouldn’t have been anything without Jowita. She believed in me since the first day and never stopped.

‘She supported me, listened to me, made me laugh and cry but most of all she made me believe in myself when I didn’t think I could do it.

‘We did everything our way, and for me that was the right way. I’m so sorry that I couldn’t get you to a final, I tried my best and you deserve to be there. The show may have ended for us but one thing won’t, you will always have a friend in me.

‘You have become such a special person in my life and just because that won’t continue on a ballroom floor doesn’t mean it won’t continue.

‘Unfortunately for you, you’ve gained a friend for life. You will always be my dancing gnome.’

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Pete Wicks has hailed Jowita Przystał as a ‘friend for life’ in a new Instagram post just hours after their Strictly exit

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The TOWIE star, 36, was voted off Strictly alongside his professional partner in Sunday night’s results show after the semi-finals and had nothing but good things to say

The reality star also noted that the ‘only reason’ he stayed on the show in the first place was because of his loyal fans as he insisted he ‘tried [his] best’ throughout.

He said: ‘The only reason I stayed in the show for so long is because of you, the people.

‘You supported me throughout and that is something I’ll never be able to forget and something I never expected.

‘We went on this journey together, the ups and downs and with the right attitude, it’s about learning and it’s about entertaining.

‘I tried my best from day 1 and I took the show seriously, I did what I could and I appreciate every single one of you that gave me the opportunity to keep doing that week on week.

‘You don’t always have to be the best or have the most talent, but you should never stop trying! Thank you.

Elsewhere in his reflective post, the TV favourite was keen to remind fans that the show is not exactly as fun as it comes across on screen and that there is hard work involved.

He added: ‘The show isn’t just what you see on a Saturday night, it’s not all jazz handa.

‘There are an unbelievable amount of wonderful people that make it all happen.

‘From top to bottom, the people that make the show are f**king magical.

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He said: ”We went on this journey together, the ups and downs and with the right attitude, it’s about learning and it’s about entertaining.’

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The television favourite took to Instagram just hours after their results show had aired (pictured during Saturday night’s live show)

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Elsewhere in his reflective post, the TV favourite was keen to remind fans that the show is not exactly as fun as it comes across on screen and that there is hard work involved

‘Every department is full of people who care, who create and work so hard to make Strictly what it is. Thank you all for putting up with me for so long!’

Pete and Jowita had come up against Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec in the bottom two, and now the Love Island star will be vying for the Glitterball Trophy in next week’s final.

They will be up against Miranda star Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola, comedian Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell, as well as JLS star JB Gill and Lauren Oakley.

Pete’s exit from the competition could be perfect timing for the former TOWIE star, 36, who has told pals he would like to ‘make it official’ with Maura Higgins, 34.

Fans joked he now had time to catch the next flight out to see Australia to see his new love interest who was booted out of the I’m A Celeb camo this weekend.