Pete Wicks has opened up about the negative comments he received during Strictly last year after he surprised himself by making it all the way to the semi-final.

The former TOWIE star, 36, confessed some of the comments and messages online were ‘horrendous’ and ‘heartbreaking’ and he found them ‘harder to take’.

Speaking candidly in an interview with The Times, he admitted: ‘Some of the messages I got were beautiful, but the horrendous things were heartbreaking.

‘I’ve learnt you shouldn’t take too much interest in the good stuff or listen to the bad stuff, but normally I’m in control of the narrative. This was me at my most vulnerable I’ve been on television, so the negative stuff was harder to take.’

Pete made it all the way to the semi-final with his professional partner Jowita Przystał, yet the star joked he still can’t dance and has no rhythm.

The star admitted that while the world of the ballroom, glitter and jazz hands was so far out of his comfort zone, his friends and management wanted him to do it and it ended up being the best thing he has ever done.

Pete Wicks has confessed ‘horrendous’ comments during Strictly were ‘heartbreaking’ as he admitted the show left him at his ‘most vulnerable’

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He admitted: ‘This was me at my most vulnerable I’ve been on television, so the negative stuff was harder to take’

He added: ‘I absolutely still can’t dance. I’ve never even danced at a wedding or in a bar. I’ve two left feet and no rhythm whatsoever. I can’t even clap to a beat. But I do like learning, and being taught by someone who’s a world-class expert in what they do was absolutely priceless.’

Pete also explained that while he doesn’t feel like a changed person following the show, he does feel like it allowed the public to see a different side to him.

It comes after Pete sparked rumours he had spent Christmas with Maura Higgins, after the new couple posted snaps in what seemed like the same pub on December 25.

The former Love Islander, 34, and podcaster were beaming as they loaded luggage into a car together last week, preparing to head off on a festive getaway.

And Maura later shared a slew of pictures to her Instagram stories, include one of her view from the plane window, before revealing she had checked into the luxurious Glasson Lakehouse, Spa & Golf Club.

As the reality star celebrated with her family, fans questioned whether she’d taken her beau back to meet the parents – and now, The Sun has reported that the duo jetted off together for a romantic break.

She shared a picture of the inside of her gorgeous suite, which featured a standalone copper bathtub and a cream chaise lounge and retails for roughly £600 per night.

According to the hotel’s website, the opulent suite also boasts a flat-screen TV and a balcony.

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Pete made it all the way to the semi-final with his professional partner Jowita Przystał, yet the star joked he still can’t dance and has no rhythm

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He added: ‘I absolutely still can’t dance. I’ve never even danced at a wedding or in a bar. I’ve two left feet and no rhythm whatsoever. I can’t even clap to a beat’

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It comes after Pete sparked rumours he had spent Christmas with Maura Higgins, after the new couple posted snaps in what seemed like the same pub on December 25 (pictured in May)

The brunette beauty looked delighted to be reunited with her loved ones for the festivities as she posed a selfie with a younger family member.

Later, Maura headed to the pub and both she and Pete posted pictures of their drinks to their Instagram stories.

Maura opted for a glass of red wine while the Strictly star made the most of being in Ireland and went for a pint of Guinness.

The pub looked incredibly cosy and boasted a huge wooden fireplace decorated with Christmas stockings, a pine garland and sparkling fairy lights.

And the relaxation continued on Boxing Day as Maura shared a snap from a huge double bed in the room as they watched The Grinch.

‘Afternoon movie in bed,’ she penned in her caption, with the photo giving fans a glimpse into the stunning room, which featured a big crystal chandellier.

MailOnline contacted representatives for Pete and Maura for comment.