BBC's Strictly fans have been left elated and disappointed in equal measure after Hamza and Jowita lifted the Glitterball trophy for 2022. BBC wildlife cameraman, Hamza Yassin and his professional partner Jowita Przystal came out on top due to the public vote as they competed against, TV presenter Helen Skelton and Gorka Marquez, Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu and Fleur East and Vito Coppola.
Overwhelmed by his win, Hamza was full of praise for his professional partner, saying she was an 'angel disguised as a human being.' "Thank you to everyone out there voting for us. This is the best thing that's ever happened to me," said Hamza. He went on to share a piece of advice a choreographer had shared with him.
It came after Helen Skelton also prompted a huge reaction to her final dance, as her dad sobbed in the crowd, but ultimately lost out on the top prize. And it seems fans of the show were both celebrating and heart-broken for the runners up in equal measure as they reacted to the show.
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Many praised Hamza for his transformation over the series, starting off as someone with no dancing experience. One said: "I’ve loved every second of Hamza’s Strictly journey! He is a star and has brought so much joy to our screens every single week! A worthy winner and my favourite from day one." While another fan added: "What an unbelievably talented and humble man. Hamza and Jowita pushed boundaries in Strictly and showed us all that anything is possible. What a final!!"
And podcaster and columnit Bobby Seagull added: "The world would be a better place if we were all a little more Hamza. We salute #Strictly champs Hamza & Jowita. Rarely have we seen a dancer with such natural rhythm, joy & humility. BBC: make David Attenborough & Hamza team up. Hamza is the future of nature broadcasting"
Another twitter user said: "Hamza was a nailed on winner from day one. But the stand out dance of last few series was the Cabaret dance by Helen. #Strictly". Follow our recap from the night here.
Despite the praise, others were left disappointed on behalf of the other finalists who weren't crowned champion - with many pointing out that Helen also left the series a winner in her own way as she joined the show despite her husband leaving her just weeks after she gave birth to their fourth child. One fan said: "I’m sorry but Helen and Gorka were absolutely robbed. They brought their A game tonight and they absolutely deserved to win. Gutted for them."
While another added: "Fleur won the finale Hamza won the season Helen won the hearts." And one said: "Although she didn’t win the glitterball, Helen definitely won. Strictly has helped her in so many ways, she’s gained so much support, confidence & love. she won in such a special way that will stay with her for life. I for one am so proud of her& the journey she went on #strictly.
One fan said: "Helen chose the absolute best dance for her final performance - this was her MOMENT in the show. she’s more than proven herself on this journey - what a woman #Strictly"
Journalist Dan Walker also pointed out that Helen has other reasons to hold her head up high. He tweeted: "Well done Hamza… Helen didn’t win but she has won. She danced through a whirlwind, never mentioned it and remained dignified throughout. Her mum, dad and kids must be so proud of her. Well done @HelenSkelton & @gorkamarquez1"
And another fan summed up what we were all thinking: "Congratulations Hamza and Jowita. Helen, Fleur and Molly - you are all amazing dancers, thank you for a fab-u-lous series."
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