In a fairy-tale twist that has sent fans of British reality TV and dance into meltdown, former The Only Way Is Essex star Pete Wicks has proposed to his Strictly Come Dancing professional partner Jowita Przystal, and she said yes! The couple, whose chemistry first captivated audiences during the 2024 series of the BBC show, have now taken their whirlwind romance to the next level. In an exclusive joint statement released on January 14, 2026, Pete and Jowita confirmed the engagement and revealed their wedding date: the couple will tie the knot on September 12, 2026, in a romantic ceremony set against the stunning backdrop of the English countryside.

The announcement came with a series of breathtaking photos shared across their Instagram accounts: Pete on one knee under a blooming willow tree, Jowita beaming with tears in her eyes as she accepts the sparkling diamond ring, and intimate shots of the pair embracing, looking happier than ever. “She said yes!” Pete captioned one post, while Jowita simply wrote, “Forever starts now 💍❤️.” The news has dominated headlines, with fans flooding social media with congratulations and calling it one of the most heartwarming Strictly love stories in recent memory.

From Dance Floor Sparks to Real-Life Romance

Pete Wicks, 37, and Jowita Przystal, 32, first crossed paths when they were paired for Strictly Come Dancing 2024. Pete, known for his cheeky TOWIE persona, his podcast Staying Relevant with Sam Thompson, and past high-profile relationships (including with Megan McKenna and Maura Higgins), entered the ballroom as a celebrity contestant. Jowita, a Polish-born professional dancer who joined the show in 2021, brought her signature grace, precision, and infectious energy.

Their partnership was electric from day one. Viewers quickly noticed the undeniable chemistry—intense eye contact during routines, lingering touches, and genuine laughter behind the scenes. They made it to the semi-finals before being eliminated in a tense dance-off against Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec. Despite the early exit, Pete repeatedly credited Jowita for believing in him from the start. “This experience wouldn’t have been anything without Jowita,” he posted after their final show. “She believed in me since the first day and never stopped.”

Rumours of a romance swirled almost immediately after the series wrapped. Pete was single following his split from Maura Higgins in early 2025, and Jowita’s warm, supportive presence seemed to fill a void. However, both initially played it cool, insisting their bond was purely platonic—a deep friendship forged through months of intense training.

The turning point came in September 2025. During a sold-out live episode of Staying Relevant at London’s O2 Arena, Jowita surprised Pete by joining him on stage for a special dance routine—the one they never got to perform in the Strictly final. The performance was steamy: passionate lifts, close holds, and, most shockingly, three full-on kisses that left the audience roaring. Social media exploded. “Pete and Jowita just confirmed everything we suspected!” one fan tweeted. Sources close to the pair told outlets like the Daily Mail and Heat that they had been dating quietly for weeks, keeping things low-key to nurture something real away from the spotlight.

In the months that followed, the couple shared subtle but telling glimpses: cosy rehearsal selfies, birthday tributes (Pete called her his “pocket rocket” in an August 2025 post), and loved-up snaps that erased any doubt. Jowita later admitted on Instagram that Pete had “made my dream come true,” while Pete described her as “one of the most amazing people I’ve ever met.”

The Proposal: A Moment of Pure Magic

The proposal took place in early January 2026, during a private getaway in the Cotswolds. Pete chose a picturesque willow tree—the same spot where they had shared one of their first quiet dates away from prying eyes. “It felt right,” a source close to the couple revealed. “Pete wanted something intimate, romantic, and meaningful—no big cameras, no drama. Just them.”

He got down on one knee with a custom-designed ring: a solitaire diamond set in platinum, with subtle engraving inside reading “From the dance floor to forever.” Jowita, overwhelmed, said yes instantly. “It was perfect,” she later shared in their statement. “Pete knows me so well—he made it about us, not the showbiz side.”

The couple kept the news under wraps for a few days to savour the moment privately before going public. When they did announce it, the response was overwhelming. Fellow Strictly alumni flooded them with messages: Dianne Buswell called it “the most beautiful thing,” while former pro Giovanni Pernice joked, “Finally! The chemistry was too strong to ignore.” Even Sam Thompson posted a heartfelt video: “My best mate is getting married—couldn’t be happier for you both.”

Wedding Plans: September 12, 2026

The wedding is set for September 12, 2026, exactly two years after their Strictly journey began in earnest. The date holds special significance: it marks the start of the new series where their paths first converged professionally.

Details are still emerging, but insiders say the ceremony will be “elegant yet intimate,” with around 150 guests. The venue is a charming countryside estate in the Cotswolds—lush gardens, fairy lights, and a barn reception to capture their love for simple, heartfelt moments. Jowita, drawing on her Polish heritage, wants traditional elements like a symbolic bread and salt blessing, while Pete is pushing for a relaxed, fun vibe with live music and dancing (naturally).

The couple plans a destination honeymoon—possibly Italy or Greece—to unwind after the whirlwind of engagement buzz. “We’ve waited for this,” Pete said in their statement. “Now we get to build a life together, away from the headlines when we want to be.”

A Love Story That Defied the Odds

Pete and Jowita’s journey is a reminder that sometimes the best romances start in the most unexpected places. From the glitz of the ballroom to quiet countryside proposals, their story has captivated the nation. Pete, once known for his playboy image, has found stability and depth with Jowita. She, in turn, has found a partner who matches her passion and supports her dreams.

As one fan summed it up on social media: “Strictly didn’t just give us great dances—it gave us a real-life love story. Pete and Jowita forever!”

Congratulations are pouring in, and the countdown to September 12, 2026, has officially begun. In a world of fleeting celebrity romances, this one feels built to last.