Strictly Come Dancing star AJ Odudu has said Kai Widdrington's teaching has been 'life-changing'.
The TV presenter, 33, came joint top of the leaderboard on Saturday night during the BBC One show's semi-final.
AJ and professional partner Kai scored 79 out of a possible 80 after performing two routines.
The dancing couple's quickstep to Sing, Sing, Sing by Benny Goodman was awarded the top mark of 40.
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They then performed a rumba to Show Me Heaven by Maria McKee – and received a score of 39 out of a possible 40.
They joined Rose Ayling-Ellis and her professional partner, Giovanni Pernice, at the top of the leaderboard.
Speaking about her time on the show, AJ says she feels "completely liberated" after being able to show more vulnerable sides of her personality and be her "unapologetic self" while on Strictly.
She also addressed the romance rumours between the two and feels it is “lovely” that people are so invested in their relationship.
"I do definitely feel empowered by the show, I’m completely liberated," AJ said.
"There are so many little things as well in television that I think subconsciously I’ve not even realised about myself, even the confidence to go on TV in front of millions of people without a face of make-up on, that’s been quite a thing.
"Showing different sides of my personality, being my complete unapologetic self, has been quite liberating because, I guess, it’s not something that I do naturally, like go on TV and cry, I’m always usually bubbly and bouncy.
"So, just to show myself, and be accepted for me being myself, has been really amazing."
AJ added: "Then, obviously, Kai teaching me how to use my body and express my emotions through dance has been literally life-changing."
Throughout the series, there has been speculation as to whether AJ and Kair's relationship went beyond the dancefloor due to their steamy routines.
AJ already addressed the relationship rumours last month - but they're still not being drawn into the gossip.
"I think it’s so lovely that everyone is so invested in our relationship," AJ has now said.
"I think this goes to show how we are clearly getting on really well. But, obviously, we just really want everyone to focus on what we’re doing on the dancefloor."
Kai, 26, agreed and feels if it looks like more than friendship while they perform, then they are doing their job correctly because that is "how the dance is supposed to be".
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