STRICTLY’S Amy Dowden was left in tears as JJ Chalmers made an emotional speech about her Crohn’s battle as they exited the show tonight.
The couple were voted off in tonight’s Results show after finding themselves in the dance off against Jamie Laing and his partner Karen Hauer.
When asked by host Tess Daly about his time on the show JJ said: “I’m unbelievably proud.
“I never thought I would make it this far, I’ve gotten half decent maybe at something which I had no clue about to begin with and I’ve enjoyed every second of it, it has just been an absolute blast.
“It’s just a privilege to be in this long. I mean this competition is insane! To be counted among that cast at this stage in particular means the world to me. It’s meant everything.
“It’s been an unbelievable challenge, well outside my comfort zone but I’ve had this one to just keep me in it and I can’t quite express what she means to me.”
His voice growing thick with emotion, JJ referred to Amy’s battle with Crohn’s disease as he said: “She’s lived through so much in her own right in fairness and I know that any day she can wake up and she could be hospitalised essentially so she lives fearing she’ll let people down.
“But the way you’ve built me up, you could never let me down.”
Amy grew tearful, and when asked if she had any words for JJ, she said: “Aww JJ it has been an absolute honour to be your partner and most importantly friend, throughout your Strictly experience.
“He is, and everybody would agree, one of the world’s most truest gentlemen.”
She grew increasingly emotional as she continued: “I honestly believe from working with JJ over the last few months I’ve become a better person and I’ve learned so much.
“The way he faces challenges with such strength and determination, you have helped me for the rest of my life on how to face my own personal challenges.
“And honestly I’m so proud of every single step you’ve performed on this floor, I just had the best time.
“I didn’t think I could possibly fall in love with Strictly any more and this year my heart is just beaming full of Strictly and that’s down to absolutely everybody and I love you all.”
Strictly fans were in floods of tears at their emotional speeches to each other, with one writing on Twitter: “Big love for @JJChalmersRM, what a man. Gracious to the end. Must admit the end speeches reduced me to tears.”
Another added: “omg your speech then on @bbcstrictly had me in floods of tears. Such a beautiful person. @JJChalmersRM you did yourself, your family and the nation proud.
A third tweeted: “Absolute tears at JJ and Amy’s speeches there.”
