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It’s been a dizzying few months for Strictly come dance‘s class of 2024 and now we are in semi-final week, with five couples hoping not to fall at the final hurdle.
Some viewers were shocked to see Pete Wicks voted straight into the semi-final last week – but the Towie star faced cruel trolling over the result.
Meanwhile, the semi-finalists are preparing for a double dance this weekend as they each perform two routines in their bid to reach the grand final and lift the Glitterball Trophy. But who is in danger of being eliminated?
In strictly related news, there has been disturbing news. accusations about Gregg WallaceIt’s time on the show as accusations about the MasterChef host’s inappropriate behavior continue to come in.
These were the biggest stories on and off the dance floor this week.
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Pete Wicks abused in the semi-final
Pete Wicks’ success on the dance floor has been one of this year’s Strictly’s biggest surprises, but when he was voted into the semi-final last week, caused cruel trolling.
Some viewers were unhappy that Montell Douglas had gone home after confronting Tasha Ghouri at the dance while Wicks was safe, leading to some unacceptable comments directed at him online.
Wicks told It Takes Two: “You can’t please everyone, and I’m not here to please everyone. I’m here to try to learn something. I’m just a guy who’s trying something and If I heard all the negative things, I wouldn’t I would get out of bed in the morning.”
Read more on HuffPost: Pete Wicks denounces ‘abuse’ of Strictly Come Dancing viewers
Double dances
This week it’s double the work for the semi-final, as the pressure increases with each couple taking on two different routines in their bid to reach the final.
Fans will get to see comedian Chris McCausland finally perform the Charleston, as well as get more serious with a Viennese waltz.
Bookmakers’ favorite Sarah Hadland is set to tango and jive in a grueling night of performances, with plenty of other dance styles spread across the rest of the cast.
Read more in Digital Spy: Strictly Come Dancing confirms songs and dances for 2024 semi-final
Kai Widdrington sets Guinness world record
Professional dancer Kai Widdrington may not have had a famous partner this year, but he has been keeping busy in other ways by setting a new Guinness World Record.
Widdrington took on the traditional It Takes Two professional challenge, which this year involved completing as many Cha Cha time steps as possible in 30 seconds, with the dancer beating Neil Jones on the pole.
He said: “It feels good. Maybe I’ll retire early because I feel like there’s nothing better than that.”
Read more in Digital Spy: Strictly’s Kai Widdrington sets new Guinness World Record
Gregg Wallace accusations reach Strictly
The headlines have been dominated this week by accusations about MasterChef star Gregg Wallace apparently behaving in a sexually inappropriate manner with dozens of women he has worked with.
Many of the accusations focused on MasterChef, Inside the Factory and Eat Well For Less, but the sun has reported that the BBC received complaints about Wallace’s behavior when he took part in Strictly 2014, and the TV star continued to deny the allegations.
Wallace is accused of making sexual comments and apparently telling his dance partner Aliona Vilani that he didn’t wear underwear during his time as a Strictly contestant.
Read more in Digital Spy: BBC responds to complaints Gregg Wallace received strictly 10 years ago
Who is in the dance danger zone?
Pete Wicks might have defied expectations by reaching the semi-final, but bookies believe his time could finally end this weekend.
Wicks is the big favorite to be eliminated before the final, while JB Gill could join him in the dance and Sarah Hadland looks a sure bet to compete for the Glitterball Trophy alongside partner Vito Coppola next weekend.
These are the latest probabilities according to BetMGM:
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Pete highlights – 11/25
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JB Gill – 8/15
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Tasha Ghouri – 8/1
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Chris McCausland – 18/1
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Sara Hadland – 1/20
Strictly Come Dancing continues at 6.30pm on BBC One on Saturday.