PETE Wicks has shared an emotional post about his former Strictly dance pro Jowita Przystal on her birthday.

The Essex lad, 36, shared a string of photographs of him and Jowita together, starting with their time on the Strictly dancefloor.

As Jowita celebrated her birthday today, Pete took time to reflect on the friendship they built on the show, ahead of her starting this year’s series.

Sharing the post on Instagram, then again on his Stories set to song Way Down We Go by Kaleo, he heaped praised on Jowita and their bond.

“It was never about dancing…it was about the person,” he wrote. “Happy birthday @jowitaprzystal – I am so blessed and grateful to have you in my life. My pocket rocket 🖤”

Jowita sweetly responded: “Thank you 🤍🥹”

Vicky Pattison, Pete’s close mate and participant in this year’s series, he wrote: “God I love you’s two! Happy birthday @jowitaprzystal! You queen 😍”

While Giovanna Fletcher posted a string of heart emojis.

But such a heartfelt message sparked speculation from fans – particularly after Pete revealed he was “in love” with a mystery woman he is yet to reveal.

Speaking on his podcast, Staying Relevant, with Sam Thompson two weeks ago, Pete found himself caught out when strapped to a lie detector test and asked if he was in love.

Pete – who has previously been in relationships with Megan McKenna, Maura Higgins and Chloe Sims – tried to deny it, but was caught out by the lie detector.

The response resulted in a dramatic scream of delight by Sam, who screamed: “Ahhh I knew it! And that’s all we’re going to say.”

Pete replied: “How could you do that to me?”

The former Made In Chelsea star said: “I don’t know, it just came to my head.

“It’s a f***ing lie. Pete’s in love with somebody. Find her! Find her!”

When Sam said he ‘thinks he knows who it is’, Pete insisted: “You know exactly who it is, I literally told you the f***ing story, she’s not replied.”

So when Pete shared such a loving message, fans jumped on it with gusto.

“I reeeeeaaalllyyt hope that this is the woman you’re in love with!! 😍,” wrote one.

“Beautiful partnership ❤️ happy birthday Jowita 🧁,” said another.

“Is this a love story hiding in plain [sight]? I really hope so. Never seen 2 more suited humans🥰” wrote a third.

While a fourth said: “The love story we are all hoping for 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🖤”