Giovanni Pernice has credited Rose Ayling-Ellis for "bringing his spark back" after they won Strictly Come Dancing over the weekend.
The professional dancer and the EastEnders actress won the BBC One Latin and ballroom show on Saturday night, thrilling viewers at home and promoting inclusivity after Rose became the first deaf person to compete on the show.
Giovanni says his whole life changed after meeting Rose as he had to adapt his way of teaching.
Speaking on BBC Breakfast, he said: "Every week has been a challenge for us but it's been phenomenal. I knew I had to up my way of teaching but I wasn't worried, I was more excited, I wanted something to bring the spark back in me.
"Then Rose came along and I had to change my way of teaching. The first dance we had to do was the jive and it was a difficult one because we were separated a lot, so a lot of counting. Then we did the foxtrot and that's when I realised she can dance."
He added: "I think it's been a fantastic journey from the beginning, we put out there a big, big, statement. It's nice to win the show but I think we managed to build a statement that is important to Rose and the deaf community. We proved everything is possible."
Giovanni is "beyond proud" to have danced with Rose, as he described it is a "privilege" to work with the actress.
He said: "I'm beyond proud to be part of this journey with Rose I always say from day one it's been my privilege to help Rose with this journey. When she came to the show she was really focused to send a message out there."
Rose was also pleased to promote deaf representation on the BBC One show.
"I think it's so lovely because I didn't have that growing up. I didn't have anyone to look up to," she said.
"But it's important to inspire people to think about what they're doing and to change their perception so when a deaf person comes for a job interview they don't have to panic or freak out.
"It's about making it accessible. I'm very excited and looking forward to seeing what happens next and to carry on."
