Helen Skelton has revealed that this year's Strictly professionals wanted her and Gorka Marquez to win the show before they were pipped to the post by Hamza Yassin and Jowita Pryzstal.
The Blue Peter star, 39, spoke out after fans noticed Gorka, 32, looking very glum as Hamza was announced as this year's victor.
Fans accused Gorka of being furious when the results were declared with Helen now admitting both she and the pro dancer were as 'gutted' as they seemed.
Helen also revealed the mood backstage was hopeful for a win for Gorka, who has been with the BBC show since 2016.
Joined on her Radio 5 show by Gorka, the mum-of-three said: "Every pro on the show was desperate for him [Gorka] to win and that says everything abut him.
"He's my hero of the week," Helen added.
The TV presenter then held up her hands and said she and Gorka were 'gutted' not to be lifting the trophy themselves
"Obviously we're delighted for Hamza because he put in some amazing dances through the season but you and I, our reaction, you could tell how gutted we were."
Asked about his stunned reaction, Gorka replied: "I wasn't fuming but I wanted Helen to finish the season with the cherry on top.
"But I was very happy for Hamza and Jowita- they've been amazing."
The dancer continued: "Whoever won it was amazing because the three couples have been incredible, but we care and we love our job."
Praising her partner, Helen said: "Gorka has had all my stress, all my nerves. Week one I hid on the fire escape saying I didn't want to do it and now we got two standing ovations - that's our trophy mate.
"We shed tears, we said all the gushy stuff, but it's 100% genuine - I'm proud of you."
Gorka concluded: "We left the show with a bang and with an incredible reaction from the audience - that will stay with us forever."
The Spaniard told fans "life moves on" after his fiancée Gemma Atkinson admitted she was "gutted" by the result, in a video on her InstaStory shared on Saturday.
Wildlife cameraman Hamza and Jowita broke down in tears when they were announced as the winners, but Gorka looked less than impressed when the camera panned to him.
In a video shared by Gemma, as the pair walked to their hotel room, an exhausted Gorka said: "Let's go bed," with the former Hollyoaks actress telling fans: "We are - I am gutted, I am gutted.
Gorka, added: "What can I say?" with Gemma replying "What can you say?"
"Life moves on," mused Gorka as his fiancee reassured him: "You were both bloody fab."
Gemma then produced a sparkly crown, which the wardrobe department had made for their daughter Mia, three, with her partner pointing out: "That's my trophy".
The actress agreed saying: "Who needs a Glitterball trophy when you have got a crown?"
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