In a sizzling moment that’s set the internet ablaze and sent Strictly Come Dancing fans into meltdown, Pete Wicks and his professional dance partner Jowita Przystał have officially confirmed their romance with a series of passionate on-stage kisses during a raunchy performance at London’s iconic O2 Arena.

The 36-year-old TOWIE star and reality TV favourite, who captivated the nation with his emotional journey on Strictly in 2024, shocked the crowd on Friday night when he and Jowita locked lips not once, not twice, but three times during a steamy routine that was originally saved for the show’s grand final — a final they narrowly missed out on.

The electrifying display, performed as part of a special live episode of Pete’s Staying Relevant podcast alongside co-host and close pal Sam Thompson, has been dubbed the ultimate ‘hard launch’ by ecstatic fans. Clips of the moment exploded across TikTok, Instagram, and X within minutes, racking up millions of views and sparking endless commentary about the couple’s undeniable chemistry.

An insider close to the pair told Daily Mail exclusively: ‘Pete and Jowita are now an item — they’ve been dating for a few weeks. The kisses were very much part of the choreography, but let’s just say the passion felt very real. It was the perfect way to confirm what everyone had been whispering about for months.’

The routine, set to the sultry strains of KALEO’s ‘Way Down We Go,’ was dripping with intensity. Pete, dressed in sharp black, and Jowita, in a glittering number that hugged every curve, moved with the precision and fire that made them one of Strictly’s most talked-about pairings. As the music swelled, they pulled each other close for the first lingering kiss — lips meeting in a slow, deliberate embrace that drew gasps from the 20,000-strong audience. Two more followed in quick succession: one deep and lingering, the other playful yet charged, ending with Jowita’s arms wrapped around Pete’s neck as the lights dimmed.

The O2 erupted. Cheers, screams, and wolf whistles filled the air as fans captured every second on their phones. TikTok user @soph98ire, who filmed the moment, posted: ‘Pete Wicks and Jowita just HARD LAUNCHED their relationship on stage at the O2! Three kisses! I’m screaming.’ The clip went viral, with comments flooding in: ‘This is the confirmation we needed!’ ‘Strictly curse? More like Strictly blessing!’ and ‘Pete finally found his perfect partner on and off the dancefloor.’

For months, rumours had swirled about Pete and Jowita’s off-screen connection. Their chemistry during Strictly training sessions was palpable — lingering glances, playful banter, and a closeness that went beyond professional. Viewers noted how Pete opened up about his vulnerabilities with Jowita in a way he hadn’t with previous partners, and how she supported him through the show’s emotional highs and lows. When they narrowly missed the final, fans were gutted — but many suspected the real story was just beginning.

Pete, known for his cheeky TOWIE persona and string of high-profile romances, had kept things coy. In interviews during and after Strictly, he praised Jowita’s professionalism and warmth, calling her ‘incredible’ and ‘the best teacher.’ Jowita, the Polish ballroom pro who’s been a Strictly favourite since 2022, spoke warmly of Pete’s dedication and heart. But neither addressed the speculation head-on — until that unforgettable night at the O2.

The event itself was a triumph for Pete. The live podcast show, packed with celebrity guests and audience interaction, was a sell-out sensation. Bringing Jowita on for the special dance routine was meant to be a nostalgic nod to their time on the show — but it became so much more. Sam Thompson, ever the wingman, hyped the performance beforehand, joking about ‘what happens when Pete hits the dancefloor again.’ Little did anyone know it would end in fireworks.

Post-performance, Pete took to Instagram to share a carousel of snaps: him and Jowita mid-kiss, laughing backstage, and a simple caption that said it all: ‘Some things are worth the wait.’ Jowita reposted with heart emojis and a single red rose — subtle, yet telling.

Fans have been quick to celebrate. ‘Hard launch of the year,’ one wrote. ‘From dance partners to real-life couple — this is what dreams are made of.’ Another added: ‘Pete deserves this happiness after everything. Jowita is an angel.’ The Strictly community, often vocal about ‘the curse’ (where partnerships lead to romance), has flipped the narrative: this time, it’s a win.

Of course, not everyone was surprised. Body language experts and eagle-eyed viewers had spotted clues for weeks: Pete liking Jowita’s posts faster than anyone else’s, the pair spotted at the same events, and Jowita’s photo dumps including subtle snaps with Pete. One Instagram post from Jowita earlier in the year featured Pete in the background, captioned ‘training hard’ — fans now see it as foreshadowing.

Pete’s personal life has been under the microscope since Strictly. The reality star has been open about his journey — from TOWIE drama to fatherhood discussions, pet adoptions, and mental health. Finding love with Jowita feels like a natural next chapter. ‘She’s incredible,’ he told friends. ‘We just clicked — on the dancefloor and off it.’

Jowita, for her part, has been glowing. The 31-year-old pro, known for her technical brilliance and warmth, has found in Pete a partner who matches her energy. Sources say the couple are ‘serious’ and enjoying keeping things relatively private after the public launch. ‘They want to enjoy it without pressure,’ an insider added. ‘But that O2 moment? They couldn’t resist sharing the spark.’

The kiss has also sparked light-hearted debate. Pete later appeared on This Morning to ‘set the record straight,’ insisting the kisses were ‘all part of the choreography.’ But his grin and the chemistry on screen told a different story. ‘It was intense,’ he admitted with a laugh. ‘But we had fun.’

As Strictly fever continues — with the main show still running and tours on the horizon — Pete and Jowita’s story adds extra magic. Will they dance together again? Perhaps on a future tour or special. For now, fans are content basking in the glow of their hard-launched romance.

From rumoured glances to full-on passion on one of London’s biggest stages, Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystał have given us the Strictly love story we didn’t know we needed. And if that O2 kiss is anything to go by, this partnership is just getting started.