Stacey Dooley never thought she'd win 'Strictly Come Dancing'.
Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton
The 31-year-old television presenter and her professional dance partner Kevin Clifton triumphed on the BBC One latin and ballroom show over the weekend but she admits she never believed she could take first place because of her lower scores.
She said: "I wasn't really entertaining the thought of winning. I didn't think it was possible. It just shows that people at home are enjoying what we're trying to do. You have to put the extra hours in if you're not up to scratch with everyone else."
Whilst Kevin added to The Sun newspaper: "We didn't think we had a chance. After a slightly tough year I've had such a good time. I've loved Strictly. Stace has been a joy from day one."
And when the duo triumphed on the show, Stacey was full of praise for Kevin for his work in teaching her to dance from scratch.
She said: "Kev, listen. You know how highly I think of you. I think you're the biggest gem. It's absolutely no kind of coincidence that he's been in the final as many times as he has. You're patient, talented, your choreography is second to none. I've had the most incredible time. And you know what, it's daunting doing something you haven't done before. You feel silly, you feel like a bit of an idiot. But Kevin walks you through. And you so deserve this."
Whilst Kevin added: "Thank you so much. Not just for being so amazing and dancing so well and getting this, but just for being the most wonderful person to work with, to spend every day in training with. You've worked so hard, and always with a massive smile on your face. You're just so lovely, and I think the absolute world of you, thank you so much."