Gorka Marquez has posted an emotional tribute to his Strictly Come Dancing partner after getting over the bitter blow of losing the final enough to post a lovely message to Helen Skelton.
Gorka has competed in the Strictly final three times now and three times he has lost out, and every viewer on Saturday night could see the disappointment etched in Gorka's face.
Helen and Gorka pushed Hamza and Jowita all the way for the glitterball trophy and when she and Gorka notched up a 40/40 for her final Mein Herr Cabaret couple's choice dance - complete with a gesture for her ex Richie Myler - many thought she'd done it and won it.
Read More: Helen Skelton sends message to her ex with final dance
Gorka Marquez, in particular, had looked absolutely broken, with a stony expression of pure dejection on Saturday night's final as he watched Hamza and Jowita lift the trophy live on air. Gorka has now been in three Strictly finals and lost all three.
Tonight, just before Helen Skelton posted on her Instagram, Gorka made a post about Helen, in which he said: "Oh where to start. It has been an incredible journey. I feel so grateful I got not only to dance with you Helen Skelton but also to be by your side and see your transformation from day one.
"Thank you for all the memories, laughs, coffees, toast, parent chats and car journeys.
"Like I said yesterday in the show you're a special person who lights up a room when you walk in and I am so proud you got to smile and shine again.
"I've loved every single moment dancing with you and I am so proud of us until the last dance. You're a star!
"Big congratulations to the BBC Strictly Champions Jowita Przystal and Hamza Yassin, you guys have been amazing the whole series and deserve it.
"Congrats to the other couples in the final it has been a pleasure to share the floor with you guys.
"Thank you to everyone that works in the show from production, dance team, cameras, wardrobe, hair and makeup, you guys are legends and I am so grateful to be part of the best show in telly.
"And to all of you guys! The biggest THANK YOU, because without you we wouldn't be here and your lovely messages of support mean the world.
"Strictly 23 let's go!! In the meantime, keep dancing."
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