‘I didn’t think I was going to make it last week!’: Strictly Come Dancing champion Hamza Yassin thanks his partner for being his ‘rock’ as the pair celebrate Glitter Ball triumph
Strictly Come Dancing champion Hamza Yassin has revealed he didn’t think he “would make it past week one” and thanked his partner for being his “rock”.
The wildlife cinematographer, 32, and his professional dance partner Jowita Przystal, 32, won season 20 of Strictly after battling stiff competition in Saturday night’s finale.
And now the children’s television presenter-turned-Glitterball Trophy holder has spoken of his excitement after beating Fleur East, Helen Skelton and Molly Rainford.
Master! Strictly Come Dancing champion Hamza Yassin has revealed he doesn’t think he would “make it past week one” and thanked his partner Jowita Przystal for being his “rock”.
Hamza said: “I’m absolutely over the moon, I can’t believe it. I didn’t think I would make it past week one let alone make it to the finals and lift the glitter ball.
“This would not have been possible without Jowita, she has been my absolute rock throughout this entire experience and I would not have wanted this journey with anyone else and I will be eternally grateful for that.
“I can’t put into words what this means to us and I’m so grateful to everyone who voted, the long hours of training and hard work paid off.
“Everyone deserved to win tonight, the performances were outstanding and it was such a brilliant final to cap the most amazing experience.”
Cheers: The wildlife cameraman, 32, and his professional dance partner Jowita Przystal, 32, won the 20th series of Strictly after fending off stiff competition in Saturday night’s final
Professional dancer Jowita, 28, who made history as the first Strictly Pro in her freshman year, thanked fans for their votes and expressed pride in Hamza’s hard work.
“Thank you to everyone who voted for us,” said Jowita.
“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’d be lifting the glitterball in my freshman year as a Strictly Pro!
“We are so grateful for all the support and love we have received, it has been an amazing journey and I loved every minute of it.”
It comes after it was revealed Hamza was set to become the BBC’s next David Attenborough.
Yassin’s popularity with Strictly fans has led to the broadcaster launching plans for him to host his own wildlife documentary series.
They gave it their all: For their last dance of the evening, Hamza and Jowita performed their couple’s choice of Tanz to Jerusalema – a remix by Master KG with Burna Boy and Nomcebo Zikode
A source close to the star told the Chron: “Some of the BBC’s bosses knew few of the show’s loyal viewers would know who he was when Hamza was revealed in the Strictly series, but they did just knew he was going to end the series the most popular of all contestants.
“Getting him on the show was key to their endgame, which makes him another David Attenborough. Strictly has recently turned into a machine that highlights talent the BBC wants to make stars of.
“And they are absolutely thrilled that it has paid off. Work is already in progress for various programmes.’
Irreplaceable: A source said: “Getting him on the show was key to her endgame that makes him another David Attenborough (pictured in 2022). Strictly has recently turned into a machine that highlights talent the BBC wants to make stars of.