Zara McDermott responds as friend Pete Wicks signs for BBC Strictly Come Dancing 2024 after her ordeal

Zara McDermott was among the first to respond to the news that her friend Pete Wicks will be taking part in this year's Strictly Come Dancing. The reality star and podcast host made visits to the ballroom last year when Zara competed in the 2023 series.

But this year, the roles will be reversed as it'll be Pete putting on his dancing shoes. The former The Only Way is Essex (TOWIE) star was the seventh contestant to be confirmed for the BBC One dance contest, and he was unveiled just minutes after Tasha Ghouri was confirmed for the upcoming series.

He was also announced on 'KISS Breakfast with Jordan and Perri', and joked his best friend Sam Thompson "screamed and cried" when he found out the news. He admitted the prospect of strutting his stuff on the ballroom floor is "absolutely terrifying", but he's excited to give it a go.

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Pete added in a statement: "Dancing live in front of the nation every Saturday? Absolutely terrifying. But anyone who knows me knows I love a challenge and trying new things, so I'm genuinely looking forward to getting stuck in."

Sharing Pete's Strictly reveal video to her Instagram Story, Zara commented: "I've never been so excited. Love you @p_wicks01." Meanwhile, Sam wrote in his own post: "No words. So proud of you @p_wicks01... The content we are going to make that you don't even know about yet... [crying laughing emojis]."

Zara, who was the first 'Love Island' star to compete on Strictly, recently hit headlines after her 2023 dance partner Graziano Di Prima was accused of mistreating her during training.

The dancer was recently axed from the show and shared his "regrets" in a candid post on