BANGOR University graduate Hamza Yassin and his professional partner Jowita Przystal have been named the winners of Strictly Come Dancing 2022.

Wildlife cameraman Yassin and Przystal lifted the glitterball trophy after beating the other celebrity couples Fleur East and Vito Coppola, Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu, and Helen Skelton and Gorka Marquez in a public vote during the live show on Saturday (December 17). 

Taking to twitter following the win, Yassin posted: "Let me start by thanking my dance partner Jowita. You are an angel disguised as a human being, a ray of sunshine! Thank you for your trust and guidance throughout this incredible journey. You shone a light for me that got me through some tough weeks and you have been by my side every step of the way. You will go on to do great things in your life.

"It was my pleasure to be your student.

"I will forever be greatful for how you have changed my life. From the bottom of my heart thank you very much. Pigeon-toed Hamza. X #Strickly #best #teacher #hamzita."

North Wales Chronicle: Hamza Yassin with Professor Julia Jones before receiving the Honorary Degree.Hamza Yassin with Professor Julia Jones before receiving the Honorary Degree. (Image: Bangor University)

Yassin graduated with a degree in Zoology with Conservation from Bangor University in 2011, and later received an Honorary Master of Science degree.

Bangor University tweeted: "Congratulations to Bangor University graduate @HamzaYassin3 and his partner Jowita Przystał, who have been crowned the 2022 champions of Strictly Come Dancing."

During the last show of the series, all couples had to perform a routine chosen by the judges, their own favourite dance and finally a show dance.

After the three advisory scores were given by the judges, East and Coppola were top of the leaderboard with 119 points, with Skelton and Marquez coming second on 116 points.

Rainford and Gu received a total of 115 points, and Yassin and Przystal came bottom on 113 points.

But the public vote ultimately decided who lifted the coveted glitterball trophy for 2022.

Yassin faced a tough final with Przystal as they were criticised for mistakes in their second dance, Let’s Face The Music And Dance by Irving Berlin.

He was tearful as head judge Shirley Ballas said: “Well it was the first time…I saw a little panic, it went wrong… What I applaud is you were able to hit that high lift in the end.”

But he recovered in his final dance of couple’s choice to Jerusalema Remix by Master KG featuring Burna Boy and Nomcebo Zikode, and received a standing ovation from Ballas.

Anton Du Beke said: “I get really emotional watching you dance because it’s like the clouds part when you come onto the floor and the sun comes out. You bring a smile to everyone’s face.”

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Yassin also earned his first perfect score on his last dance of the competition.

His performance of the judges’ pick routine, a salsa to Ecuador by Sash! featuring Rodriguez, also won him praise and standing ovations from Ballas and Motsi Mabuse.

Ballas said: “Your lifts went higher, your turns were spot on… I thought you were fantastic.”

Yassin made an emotional speech after being named winner. 

"Surround yourself with people whose eyes light up when they see you. The top of a mountain is always the bottom of another. 

"Slow is best."