Johannes Radebe appeared emotional as he told Strictly Come Dancing partner Montell Douglas she “did us proud” and that he’d never been paired with “somebody like you”.
It comes after the duo became the latest to be eliminated from the BBC competition, with their exit sparking a furious “fix” row.
Former Olympian and Gladiators star Douglas, 38, found herself in the dreaded dance-off four times despite frequently appearing on the high end of the leaderboard and impressing judges each week.
For a third week running, many fans complained about Pete Wicks once again avoiding being in the bottom two despite frequently coming in last place on the scoring board.
On Monday, Douglas and professional dancer Radebe, 37, appeared on the show’s spin-off show, It Takes Two, following their departure.
Douglas explained how much she had valued the experience of taking part in the beloved show.
Johannes Radebe and Montell Douglas found themselves in the dance-off four times
BBC
“I have had the best time. I have grown in myself, as everyone knows my confidence has skyrocketed,” she told host Fleur East.
“I have just enjoyed the experience immensely.”
“You have had so much support online from the viewers,” East pointed out, sharing: “Some of the comments include, ‘What on earth is going on?’
“This was the best rumba of the series. And I hope you know what a positive influence you are for young girls. I pray there are more women like you for my daughter to see.’”
Johannes Radebe and Montell Douglas left BBC Strictly last weekend
BBC
“You don’t expect comments like that when you enter a celebrity dance competition,” the athlete confessed, touched.
She went on to state: “That is so empowering and powerful.”
“Montell really surprised me in the most beautiful way,” Radebe admitted.
The South African dancer went on: “The way she tackled it, Fleur, every time I walked into rehearsals I was like, ‘this woman is not real.’ She is unreal.
“Strictly is very lucky to have had her, and I mean that.”
Reflecting on their final week, for which they performed a Rumba, the choreographer added: “I thought that was the best we’ve ever danced,” before turning to Douglas and stating: “I thought it was the best you’ve ever danced.”
Johannes Radebe was full of praise for Montell Douglas
BBC
“We left on a very good high,” he continued, beaming: “And I’m so proud of you, babe. I can’t stop watching it.”
East then showed a reel of the pair’s highlights from the series, leaving Douglas tearful.
Radebe also seemed moved as he commented: “She truly is my winner, Fleur.
“There is nothing like her. This is not my first rodeo, darling. I have had a go at it, but I have never had somebody like you and I mean that.”
“So go forth knowing that you us proud, you really did,” he encouraged an emotional Douglas.
