Judi Love had just one day to learn her 'Strictly Come Dancing' Halloween dance.
Judi Love and Graziano Di Prima
The 'Loose Women' panellist and her pro partner Graziano Di Prima were forced to miss a live show nearly two weeks ago after she tested positive for coronavirus, and she was still feeling some of the effects of COVID-19 last week ahead of Saturday's (30.10.21) show.
Graziano said: "Mentally, she was stronger than before.
"Physically, she was obviously affected. Plus, we had 10 days we are not rehearsing, she was sick. We had one day before the show.
"But mentally she was so focused. When she came for the day of rehearsal on Friday, she was focused. She knew she was struggling, but you went there."
Judi added: "It was like, dance for two minutes, sit down, catch your breath, dance for two minutes.
"He was so patient and I can't believe he taught me that in such a short space of time."
But 41-year-old comedian Judi admitted she was "determined" to compete on last Saturday's show, when she and Graziano danced the Cha Cha.
She said: "I felt like there was a lot of nerves but I was so determined to get back on that dancefloor, no matter what, with my partner … I just wanted to get back out there and share the experience with Graziano again - it’s a partnership."
Graziano added: "Judi has been the highlight of my journey on 'Strictly'. I found a friend.
"She understood every part of my character. Because we connected since the first second, I know this person here, if I have got a problem, if I need someone to talk to – she’s the one."
Judi and Graziano lost out to Olympian Adam Peaty and his pro partner Katya Jones in the dreaded dance-off.
'Strictly - It Takes Two' continues every weeknight at 6:30pm on BBC Two and 'Strictly Come Dancing' airs on Saturday and Sunday nights on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.