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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Jessica Sansome

BBC Strictly Come Dancing's John Whaite 'cried every day' after dance show ended

John Whaite has opened up about how he felt once Strictly Come Dancing ended.

The former Bake Off winner wowed viewers as he partnered Johannes Radebe in the BBC One dance contest last year.

The pair were the show's first-ever all-male couple.

John and Johannes were regularly receiving high scores from the judges and the public helped them get all the way to the final.

READ MORE: Rose Ayling-Ellis sparks reaction as fans spot BBC Strictly 'bromance' in partner 'replacement'

They faced Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice in December's final where the EastEnders actress and Italian dancer were crowned winners.

But after spending months in a sparkly Strictly bubble, John says he had a shock when returning to normal life.

On Tuesday's Steph’s Packed Lunch, the 32-year-old said he headed on a much-needed break with partner Paul after the 14-week long series.

"I went to Scotland after Strictly to live in a little cabin and get away from it all and I cried every day I was that depressed," John said on the Channel 4 show.

John was speaking while on Steph's Packed Lunch (Channel 4)

"It was the wrong thing to do, from Strictly to the Scottish Highlands it was a bit much, a bit polarising."

Steph reasoned: "Oh but it's gorgeous there, great to like [get away from everything]."

John replied: "But I wasn't ready. I loved it and I'd go again but after Strictly it was too much of a crash."

Steph then joked: "Maybe you just needed a glitter cannon in the corner to perk you up."

A week after the Strictly final, John took to Instagram with a snap of himself tucked up in bed with a glass of fizz.

"Unwinding in the Scottish highlands with my fluffy beasts," he said. "Thank god I let the chest hair grow back, because it’s cold up here.

"What a sparkling whirlwind that was, and I’ll be forever grateful that I got to be a part of it. But bugger me I’m knackered and ready for a break."

The break hasn't lasted too long, however, as John is already back dancing.

The TV chef has reunited with Johannes and several of his Strictly co-stars from the show's live tour.

The Strictly juggernaut is visiting arenas across the country - including Manchester's AO Arena this weekend.

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