Strictly champion Hamza Yassin thanks partner for being his ‘rock’ as pair celebrate triumph

Strictly Come Dancing champion Hamza Yassin has revealed that he didn’t think he would ‘make it past week one’ and thanked his partner for being his ‘rock’.

The 32-year-old wildlife cameraman and his professional dance partner Jowita Przystal, 32, triumphed the 20th series of Strictly after fighting off stiff competition in the finale on Saturday night.

And now the children’s TV presenter-turned Glitterball Trophy-holder has spoken of his excitement after beating Fleur East, Helen Skelton and Molly Rainford.

Champions! Strictly Come Dancing champion Hamza Yassin has revealed that he didn’t think he would ‘make it past week one’ and thanked his partner Jowita Przystal for being his ‘rock’

Hamza said: ‘I am absolutely over the moon, I can’t believe it. I didn’t believe I would make it past week one, let alone make it to the final and lift that Glitterball.

‘This wouldn’t have been possible without Jowita, she have been my absolute rock through this entire experience and I wouldn’t have wanted this journey with anyone else, and for that I will be eternally grateful.

‘I can’t put into words what this means to us and I’m so thankful for everyone who has voted, it’s made the long hours of training and hard work worthwhile.

‘Everyone deserved to win tonight, the performances were outstanding, and it was such a brilliant final which topped off the most amazing experience.’

Celebrations: The 32-year-old wildlife cameraman and his professional dance partner Jowita Przystal, 32, triumphed the 20th series of Strictly after fighting off stiff competition in the finale on Saturday night

Professional dancer Jowita, 28, who made history as the first Strictly pro to win on their first year, thanked the fans for their votes and spoke of her pride for Hamza’s hard work.

‘Thank you SO much to everyone who has voted for us,’ Jowita said.

‘I am so proud of Hamza, the sheer amount of hard work, determination and courage he has shown over the past 13 weeks has been incredible.

‘I never thought I would be lifting the Glitterball on my first year as a Strictly Pro!

‘We are so grateful for all the support and love we’ve received, it’s been an amazing journey, and I’ve loved every minute of it.’

It comes after it was revealed that Hamza was tipped to become the BBC’s next David Attenborough.

Yassin’s popularity with Strictly fans has meant that the broadcaster has started plans for him to front his own wildlife documentary series.

Giving it their all: For their final dance of the night, Hamza and Jowita performed their couple’s choice dance of to Jerusalema – Remix by Master KG featuring Burna Boy and Nomcebo Zikode

A source close to the star told the Daily Mail: ‘Some of the bosses at the BBC knew that when Hamza was revealed in the Strictly line up, few of the show’s loyal viewers would know who he was but they just knew he would end the series the most loved of all of the contestants.

‘Getting him on the show was key to their end game, which is making him into another David Attenborough. Strictly has recently turned into a machine which elevates talent the BBC want to make into stars.

‘And they are absolutely thrilled that this has paid off. There are already works in the pipeline for various programmes.’

Irreplaceable: A source said: ‘Getting him on the show was key to their end game, which is making him into another David Attenborough (pictured in 2022). Strictly has recently turned into a machine which elevates talent the BBC want to make into stars’