Strictly Come Dancing pro Nikita Kuzmin has shared a sweet tribute to his dance partner Ellie Simmonds after their elimination.
Kuzmin and the Paralympic swimmer were voted out last night (November 6) in a dance off against singer Molly Rainford and pro Carlos Gu.
After leaving the show, Kuzmin took to Instagram to reflect on his time with Simmonds in a heartfelt post.
Related: Matt Goss and Nadiya Bychkova discuss Strictly elimination
"Our Strictly journey came to an end. Earlier than we wanted, but boy I've loved every single moment with you," Kuzmin wrote, sharing several pictures of him and Simmonds during their Strictly stint together.
He added: "You're the most beautiful, pure, sincere, genuine, loving human. I may have taught you dancing but you taught me so much about compassion, sincerity, love and so much about about life."
What to Read Next
Kuzmin and Simmonds may have exited the show, but they forged a friendship that will continue, with the dancer describing his training with the gold medalist as "one of the most special times" in his career.
Related: Strictly star Helen Skelton compares show experience to "being in Disneyland"
"This has been without a doubt one of my most special times in my life. You've inspired me as a choreographer as well as inspiring me in life. I am beyond grateful for every single second that I got to spent with you," Kuzmin wrote.
"Not sure what I'll do without you talking to me non stop for a whole day," he then joked.
Plenty of their co-stars shared love in the comments section, including head judge Shirley Ballas, who wrote: "@nikita__kuzmin so proud of you and the joy you bought to @elliesimmonds you both danced so beautiful and showed the world dance is for everyone."
Strictly Come Dancing airs on Saturdays and Sundays on BBC One, while spin-off show Strictly: It Takes Two airs on weeknights on BBC Two. Both shows also stream on BBC iPlayer.
Interested in talking about Strictly Come Dancing? Visit our dedicated sub-forum
![Strictly Come Dancing - Motsi & Anton's Strictly The Best [DVD] [2021]](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1636376452-51-wTB4ZAL._SL500_.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:* "Strictly Come Dancing - Motsi & Anton's Strictly The Best [DVD] [2021]")
![Strictly Come Dancing: Shirley and Craig's Perfect 10 [DVD]](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1602857040-51TXVDJudnL.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:* "Strictly Come Dancing: Shirley and Craig's Perfect 10 [DVD]")
Reporter, Digital Spy
Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy.
Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).
