Strictly Come Dancing 2021 finalist John Whaite has released an emotional statement after the ‘mighty special’ series came to a spectacular end on Saturday.
The former Great British Bake Off star and Johannes Radebe made history as the first male same-sex couple to ever compete on the show.
Although Rose Ayling-Ellis and her partner Giovanni Pernice won the series, the LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall praised John and Johannes for bringing visibility to same-sex couples.
Now, John has reflected on his time on the programme, and posted a heartfelt message on Instagram.
‘When the glitter has faded and the spotlights have dimmed, I hope you all cherish something mighty special from this that will live on in your hearts,’ he wrote.
‘I’m so proud to have been part of such a diverse, groundbreaking series of Strictly. What started life as an entertainment show has this year provided solace for so many outcasts.’
John added: ‘Whoever you may be, I pray you always have the heart to be kind, to be understanding and to love. It really is as simple as that.’
It comes after a Stonewall spokesperson told Metro.co.uk: ‘We were delighted to see John and Johannes wow the nation with their fantastic performances in yesterday’s wonderfully diverse final.