Pete Wicks was in the Strictly Come Dancing audience to cheer on the first BBC One live show at Elstree Studios on Saturday evening.
The Only Way is Essex star, 36, returned to the ballroom, but this time as a viewer, after he was partnered with Jowita Przystal, 31, on last year’s series of Strictly and made it all the way to the semi-final.
Wicks and Przystal became close friends during his stint on the BBC One ballroom dancing show.
They even sparked relationship rumours once he had called time on his relationship with Love Island alum Maura Higgins.
Przystal and Wicks have not confirmed they’re dating, but did share a passionate kiss during a performance at the O2 Arena last week.
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The pair took to the stage to perform a raunchy dance number, which they had prepared for the Strictly live shows, but never actually got to perform as the reality star missed out on a spot in the final.
Speaking about their close bond during the series, Wicks said of Przystal: ‘She’s one of the most amazing people I’ve ever met, genuinely.
‘Not just in the dancing side of things but outside of that and I think that helps us with the whole dancing thing.
‘It’s not a love bubble – we have great chemistry because we’ve become such good friends.’
Wicks shared a series of photos with Przystal to celebrate her birthday earlier this month.
Posting snaps to his Instagram Story, he wrote: ‘It was never about dancing… it was about the person. Happy birthday @jowitaprzystal – I am so blessed and grateful to have you in my life. My pocket rocket.’
Wicks was seen in the audience cheering on his close pal Vicky Pattison on Saturday night.
The TV personality has been paired with professional dance partner Kai Widdrington, and had a lot of love in the room, given how nervous she has been in the run-up.
After Pattison performed her first live routine, which earned her a total score of 23 from the judges, Wicks was seen clapping and smiling, with his arms above his head in the audience.
Strictly Come Dancing continues on BBC One and iPlayer on Saturday and Sunday nights.
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