STRICTLY fans were sh0cked tonight as Pete Wicks — the favourite to leave — was saved by the public vote.

The tangoing Towie star and his pro Jowita Przystal were thought to be a shoo-in to end up in the bottom two.

Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystal were saved by the public vote
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Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystal were saved by the public voteCredit: PA

Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas during their appearance on the live show
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Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas during their appearance on the live showCredit: PA
But EastEnder Jamie Borthwick, doing a foxtrot, went into the dance-off for the first time — and lost to Gladiators’ Montell Douglas, doing the quickstep.

It came after Saturday’s live show became the series’ most-watched episode with an 8.2million peak audience.

Next week’s show decides the semi-finalists.

A TV insider said: “There were gasps in the audience when it was revealed that Pete had gone through.

“Even he seemed sh0cked.

“It raises the question of whether Pete might end up making it to the final four on the back of a wave of public support.

“It seems unlikely but he is enjoying an incredible late voting surge, so now nothing seems impossible.”

Pete’s racy outfits seem to have gained the admiration of female viewers.

Last week he wore pink PVC trousers for a cha-cha-cha.

This week his exit odds were 3/4 with Montell at 5/2 and Jamie at 5/1.

Strictly Jowita reveals surprising ban she’s put Pete Wicks on as they fuel romance rumours with ‘insane chemistry’ in podcast chat
Jamie said last night: “Strictly is magic.

“I’ve had the best time.”

His pro partner Michelle Tsiakkas added: “Jamie is an amazing dancer, and he’s improved so much.”

Injured pro Amy Dowden praised her former partner JB Gill’s Charleston with Lauren Oakley, writing: “So proud of you. Would do anything in the world to be out there with you.”