Kilchoan Community Centre almost lost its roof last night when Hamza Yassin brought the Strictly Glitterball home to Scotland.
A mighty roar went up when Claudia Winkleman announced that the 32-year-old wildlife photographer, who has lived in the tiny village for almost 13 years, had shimmied and lifted his way to victory in the marathon final. It was touch and go after a disappointing showdance and Lynn Chantey from Kilchoan said: “I’ve never known Strictly to be so stressful. I haven’t slept since the quarter finals.”
Eighty adults and children gathered in the tiny village on the Ardnamurchan peninsula to watch the live final - and chant Strictly’s Coming Home when he won. Hamza’s neighbour Gayle Richardson was in tears in the front row. She opened a bottle of champagne and said: “They are happy tears.”
Amanda Gane, who Hamza calls his “Scottish mum” said: “I’m shaking. I thought that the public would vote for him. Then his last dance was so good that sealed it.”
Rosie Curtis was leading the chanting of Strictly’s Coming Home. She said: “The fairytale has come true. It’s just amazing, what a man. This means everything to us.”
Chris Gale, who Hamza calls his Scottish dad, had a Glitterball flag printed and unfurled it when the results were announced. But it was by no means certain that Hamza would lift the trophy. It was tense in the hall as everyone in the village, including a five-month-old baby, watched the show.
Hamza and his partner Jowita Przystal opened the show with a spectacular salsa, scoring 39 from the judges. Their showdance dazzled his supporters in his home village, with everyone on their feet to cheer a spectacular lift at the end.
Head judge Shirley Ballas spotted errors and Hamza looked scared for the first time. But the couple pulled it back with an outstanding couple’s choice, scoring a perfect 40 from the judges.
It was anxious in the village hall as mobile phones flashed up with the voting screen. Most voted multiple times - one voted 50 times.
Now Kilchoan is looking forward to welcoming the first Scottish Strictly champion since Joe McFadden in 2017 back home.
Helen Sonachan said: “He so deserves it. What he really wants to do is his wildlife.
"I think he will come back here and head off to Lunga and the Treshnish Islands and film the puffins. That’s what he really loves.”
Rod Wyness who owns the Puffin Cafe said: “Everything hinges on what he does next. If he brings more celebrities to go for a wander it will really put us on the map.
“As a business owner I think that would be great - although I suspect the retirees in the village think something else. But especially at a time like this, when everything is recovering, it will give us a boost.”
Lynn Chantey is “ecstatic” that Hamza has won - but is still recovering from the nervous exhaustion of the live vote. She said: “I’m going to smack that lad when I see him.
“Next year I hope I don’t know anyone who’s on the show. But it has been amazing. Totally worth it.
“Now I want to be the next one he throws over his head when he does the salsa.”
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - sign up to our daily newsletter here.
