Pete Wicks has worried his fans with his latest Strictly Come Dancing update.

The 36-year-old The Only Way Is Essex icon is among the stars taking part in the 2024 season of the long-running BBC dance show and has been paired with professional dancer Jowita Przystał, 30.

Last weekend, fans saw the duo work their magic on the dance floor as they performed a paso doble to the sound of Breath, by The Prodigy.

This weekend, the pair will be hoping to improve on their 17 points from the judges as they return to the floor to perform the American Smooth – which they will dance to the sound of the Post Malone and Morgan Wallen song, I Had Some Help. The pair have been rehearsing hard – with highlights of their preparations appearing on the companion show Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two.

But fans of Pete and Jowita have been left distressed by the fact their sneak preview clip on It Takes Two saw the Towie Lothario struggling with his footwork. The star is shown staying: “I know nothing about American Smooth other than it’s really difficult. Even just doing the frame hurts me.”

Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystal are battling to win Strictly 2024

( Image:PA)

Fans fear the couple will be the first to go

( Image:Jowita Przystal Instagram)

Jowita is then shown explaining: “This week we are focusing on the technical side. So footwork.” The professional is shown instructing Pete to use his heel for a move, but he uses his toes instead. He then worries: “The steps are confusing. It’s like building a house, isn’t it?

I’m going to have to lay foundations otherwise the house is going to crumble on Saturday night.”

Fans of the couple flooded social media to share their fear that the couple are doomed and could even be eliminated. One fan on X wrote: “Oh dear Pete looks terrible in rehearsals.”

Another typed: “Hmmm I just said that lol.” Another wrote: “Chris by far looking the best from what we’ve seen. Think Montell and Sarah will be great as well.” And a further fan typed: “Pete’s American Smooth isn’t looking good at all…”

Before the 2024 season began, Pete explained why her was taking part in the show. He told the Stay Relevant podcast: “It’s the last thing I think anyone would ever think I would do.

I’ve never thought about doing it. I’ve never really watched Strictly. You do like a taster day where I had to see how I got on for an hour with one of the pros.”

He added: “And I am going to be honest with you, I went because I was semi-forced by my management and Sam and anyone else obsessed with Strictly. And I did the taster and I f***ing loved it. I genuinely loved it.”