Strictly's Pete Wicks granted break from Strictly training for special reason

Strictly Come Dancing star Pete Wicks has been allowed a brief break from training for a heartwarming reason, according to his best friend Sam Thompson

Sam Thompson appeared on Monday episode's of Lorraine to discuss his best friend Pete Wicks' journey on Strictly Come Dancing so far.

The former Made In Chelsea star, 32, shared that Pete, 36, has been granted a short respite from the gruelling training schedule for a very special reason.

During the chat, Sam revealed he would be teaming up with Pete once again to host the live red carpet at the Pride of Britain awards. Guest host Christine Lampard questioned: "You and Pete, so he is allowed time off from Strictly then?" leading Sam to respond with: "Just about!" Christine then playfully added: "He is just about allowed to go and do something else!"

Reflecting on their friendship and support for each other, Sam mentioned how Pete supported him during his stint in Australia for I'm A Celebrity, saying, "I think I have [been supportive]! You know what, he came to Australia [when Sam was on I'm A Celebrity] for a good month to be with me. That was the best, I couldn't believe he would do that for me, so I have to go to as many shows as I can."

Sam then joked: "He actually gave me a weekend off this past weekend, he said: 'You know what, mate, take it off!' and I was like: 'Thank you!' They are long shows!" The TV star went on to discuss Pete's journey on the competition so far with: "He's loving it, he's adoring it! I don't think he expected to, to be fair!

He added: "He adores it, it's the most beautiful thing to watch, I have to say as a best mate, I'm so proud of him as that is what the show's about. It is about someone who has never danced before", reports the Mirror.

Pete and his dance partner Jowita Przystal made history on Strictly Come Dancing by delivering a memorable rumba to an Oasis track, specifically Don't Look Back In Anger, over the weekend while impressing viewers with their elaborate lifts.

However, the routine was not without controversy, as judge Craig Revel Horwood deemed the lifts "totally illegal" within the context of a competition, suggesting they could lead to "disqualification", despite acknowledging Pete's effort in the performance.

In a twist over the weekend, ex-football star Paul Merson was voted off Strictly Come Dancing, becoming the fourth celebrity to exit the ballroom. Despite this, the 56-year-old sportsman took his departure from the BBC One competition gracefully, expressing his sense of victory for having learnt to dance.

Paul and his dance partner Karen Hauer were pitted against JLS's JB Gill and Amy Dowden, ultimately leading to Paul's elimination after the dance-off.

Lorraine continues on weekdays at 8am on both ITV and ITV X.