Strictly Come Dancing star Hamza Yassin has gushed about his professional dance partner Jowita Przystal ahead of their stint on the show’s nationwide tour.
The 32-year-old is fresh off the back of a roaring Strictly success in the 2022 series, which saw him raise the Glitterball trophy alongside Jowita.
However, Hamza has reportedly been left 'brokenhearted' by Jowita after it was revealed she is dating fellow Strictly pro Giovanni Pernice, who it appears Hamza unfollowed on social media.
The pair gave their first television interview since news of Jowita’s romance with her Italian co-star on BBC One’s The One Show on Tuesday evening.
As they reflected on their success, Jowita and Hamza gushed about one another on the sofa.
Hamza said: “I didn’t think I could dance. You were fantastic about just bringing everything out, knowing my weaknesses and my strengths. I still can’t fathom that we won it.”
Jowita recalled the instant connection they first felt when they met ahead of the show’s autumn role.
She said: “This is not about me. This is all about Hamza. Meeting him for the first time, I knew straight away.
“I could feel that in my bones. I was already picturing what we could do on the show – he didn’t know that.
“Because we got together so well from the first moment, I knew he would trust me. I was so driven by him and everything he brings on the table. He was my drive.”
It appears Hamza could have fallen for his professional dancing partner whilst the pair spent hours in rehearsals.
Hamza was described as being ‘besotted’ with his 28-year-old dancing partner as they competed on the BBC show.
However, Jowita has been secretly dating professional dancer and 2021 winner Giovanni Pernice as the loved-up couple were pictured kissing backstage.
While the Strictly couple's romance is hotting up, it is said to have left Jowita's wildlife photographer partner Hamza saddened as he reportedly wanted to see if their friendship could be something more.
A source told The Sun: “Hamza and Jowita became very close and at times were quite touchy-feely. People would often see them sneak off together.
“But while Jowita thinks the world of him, she held back from anything romantic and kept him slightly at arm’s length.”
The insider added that when it became clear that she was involved with Giovanni, the reason for her keeping her distance became clear.
