Laura Whitmore blogged her Strictly journey for GLAMOUR and now, as a final goodbye, she talks about the epic final, the even more epic after-party and how she really feels about Len's departure...
It's hard to believe it's been four months since we all stepped into the training rooms in Roehampton for our first group rehearsal. Four months of what felt like a real rollercoaster. Ups, downs, loop the loops… and even a bit of vomiting.
Having worked as a presenter on live telly, living it from a different perspective has been quite the eye-opener; the emotions, the physical exhaustion, the injuries but the most important thing... the friendships.
On Saturday we were all reunited as Ore, Lou and Danny took to the floor for the final. Three beautiful people inside and out (I don't know if it's the Christmas spirit but I’m not going to apologise that I was a blubbering mess of festive cheer).
Everyone has worked so hard. So each finalist was a deserved winner. Danny’s Samba is one of the best dances I’ve ever seen. Lou is the only person I’ve seen that makes the Cha Cha look easy! And Ore well.. that Jive... those kicks!
Ore and the gorgeous Jo were crowned winners and I couldn't have been happier if it was myself (ha well maybe a little).
I do feel slightly better that when I left the show it was after a dance off with Ore so if you're going to be knocked out, it may as well be by the winner. The night I left the show when we were hugging on that much loved dancefloor, I whispered, ‘you better win!'
Ore is one of the kindest, hardworking people I know. A brilliant friend who I will cherish for a very, very long time.
And if the night wasn't emotional enough, we had to say goodbye to Len. I've grown up watching Len. He holds such presence in any room he walks in to. And Strictly without Len is like a cup of tea without the tea bag! I think Len would appreciate that. As he says he is a cup of tea in a world of skinny lattes. Thankfully I'm a cup of tea kinda gal! No doubt he’ll be popping back on our screens again.
And then after the show was the after-party…
Anastacia sang, Ed Gangnamed styled and I didn't leave that dancefloor all night!
I've always loved dancing and now realise how much I need to keep it up and have it in my life.
Keep dancing... always.
Lx
