Fans of the BBC One dance contest watched the pair make it all the way to the semi-final of the hit dance show last year

Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystal(Image: WireImage)

Jowita Przystałsays she will ‘never forget’ a moment she shared with Pete Wicks during their time on Strictly Come Dancing – and it wasn’t on the dancefloor.

Fans of the BBC One dance contest watched the pair make it all the way to the semi-final of the hit dance show last year, before they missed out on a place in the final.

They departed the hit dance show during wek 12 after landing in the dance-off for the first time in the penultimate week of the competition alongside eventual finalists Tasha Ghouri and Aljaz Skorjanec.

But Pete and Jowita weren’t apart for too long as the following week they returned to the Strictly ballroom for the final of Strictly’s 20th-anniversary series as the class of 2024 returned for one last colourful and joyous group number, in which they were able to recreate some of their highlights from the previous 12 weeks.

Despite their success in the competition, there was a blow for fans as it was confirmed that Pete wouldn’t be part of the Strictly Come Dancing Live 2025 tour, with Jowita joining her co-stars as part of the ensemble line-up.

But away from dancing, Pete and Jowita have remained firm pals and are quick to show each other support publicly. Last week, Jowita, who is set to return to Strictly later this year, revealed she is going to be taking part in the 2025 AJ Bell Great Manchester Run.

Jowita and Pete during Strictly 2024(Image: PA)

The event takes place on May 18 and will see more than 100,000 spectators will line the streets to support the runners, each running for their own special cause, and millions more will watch the action live on the BBC.

Sharing a video on Instagram, the 30-year-old shared a video in which she could be seen getting ready for her next raining run and said: “Run alert! Just a month to go until I run my first 10k ever – @great_run. And I’m doing it for my beloved @dogstrust.”

Jowita went on to share: “I’ve always been an animal lover—probably something I got from my dad. Especially when it comes to dogs. I had my rescue dog, Frodo, with me and my parents for 21 years. We found him when he was just one year old, so I basically grew up with him. Losing him was incredibly hard for me and my family.

“Last year, I had the pleasure of visiting @dogstrust_basildon, and it was one of the most beautiful, yet emotional, days of my life. I met some fantastic dogs, but also an amazing team who care for them every day and fight for their better lives. Those women are true superheroes.

“Their love and dedication to those dogs is incredible. Since that day, I’ve felt like part of the family. I know it’s not much, but I want to do what I can to help, to raise awareness, and – like @p_wicks01 says – be a voice for the voiceless.

Pete has showed Jowita his support(Image: Jowita Przystal Instagram)

“That’s why I’m running the 10K Great Manchester Run for Dogs Trust. It’s my small way of giving back to a cause so close to my heart. Please if you would like to join me in supporting my wonderful little friends, the link is in my bio. And now back to training #ajbell #greatmanchesterrun #dogstrust.”

Pete, a Dog’s Trust ambassador who opened the doors to the Basildon centre for he own TV show, Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake, earlier this year, has since showed his support.

Sharing Jowita’s post to his Instagram Story, the podcast host wrote: “So my little dancing gnome is now running… She’s raising money for a charity very close to my heart @dogstrust. If you can… please help and donate.”

Jowita then reshared Pete’s show of support to her own Instagram Story and added: “I’ll never forget that day when you took me to @dogstrust_basildon. Your love for dogs inspires me and many people.”