Reigning Strictly Come Dancing champions Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal have revealed they had a backstage ritual, not picked up on by cameras, as they prepared to land in the dance-off every single week, something that never actually happened.
On their way to winning the final in December, Hamza and Jowita never landed in the bottom two, a record only matched by fellow finalists Helen Skelton and Gorka Marquez. However, as they reunited for an appearance on The One Show on Tuesday night, just as Strictly tour rehearsals get going, Hamza shared that he and pro partner Jowita did mentally prepare to be in the dance-off every week, with a ritual they would do every single week before the results were announced.
Wildlife camerman and CBBC star Hamza explained: "Every week we had this thing where I hold her thumb and I lean in and say to her 'thank you very much, it's been a great journey, I'm ready for the dance off and here we go.'" Jowita revealed that, in response to that, she had a ritual of her own, which was to tell Hamza: "It's not over yet."
READ MORE: Helen Skelton makes Gorka gesture before Strictly 'partner swap'
Jowita made Strictly history with her and Hamza's win, becoming the first female pro on the BBC show to win the Glitterball trophy in her first series with a celeb partner. And the 28-year-old has opened up on the fact she was optimistic about her and Hamza's chances from the get-go, saying: ""I knew straight away. I felt in bones that he would be great," she said. "I was already picturing it. I was driven by him. He was my drive."
Hamza and Jowita will soon tour the country in the Strictly live tour, alongside many other couples, including Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu, Will Mellor and Nancy Xu and Tyler West and Dianne Buswell, with finalist Helen having a 'partner swap to dance with Kai Widdrington.
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