Magical - Mollie and AJ's Strictly Story

Part 42 - On this night of a thousand stars

That was the most amazing night! I am still buzzing – I look at you, smiling from ear to ear, beaming away in the bathroom mirror. It's my hotel room this time. But he's here too. He's barely left my side all night and I have loved sharing it all with him.

Today has felt like we've come full circle back to the first show of the competition – all of us ready to perform as a group, relishing the Strictly experience and supporting each other. So much love for everybody in this gang. It hurts to say goodbye to such an amazing experience. But I wouldn't change any of it for the world. Even the low points. Without the darkness, the brightness wouldn't seem so radiant.

Of course, there was more teasing backstage. When we were walking back to the studio for the very last time, Brendan and Anton started shouting and chanting, "Love birds coming through, love birds coming through, kiss, kiss, kiss, kiss!" So I gave into their chants. And kissed Anton! Put that in your pipe and smoke it, DuBeke! Everyone's face was a picture. So glad I caught that moment on video.

Man, the atmosphere in the studio – it was like being back at Blackpool. That electricity in the air. Excitement that is almost tangible. They play pop songs for everyone to sing along to, it warms the crowd up, but this was really the first time I had got to enjoy that – every other week I have been backstage, nerves growing. It was such a blast – Simon and I were belting out 'Build me up Buttercup' when AJ snuck up behind me and joined in. His singing is terrible, but I still loved our little mini-duet. Finally, we have something that I do better than AJ. He really can't sing. At all.

The finalists were outstanding – I would not have been up to their standard...well, maybe if I had an extra six weeks to prepare. It doesn't matter now. What mattered more was being able to hold onto the man I love, feel his arms around me, and share the evening. He seemed so proud of me, even though I didn't get him to the final. He kept lifting me up so I could be seen if we were at the back of the group – like I was his own glitterball trophy, like he wants to show me off to the world. I love it when he lifts me – it's such a reflection of the trust we have in each other.

The highlight of the evening for me was the group dance. AJ was featured a lot in the parts of the routine where I wasn't dancing. He gives so much when he dances. I was watching on one of the monitors and he is truly captivating. Watching him go all out, full blast...it made me realise how much he reigned it in when we danced together so as not to outshine me. He could eclipse me – or anyone else – if he wanted to. I couldn't take my eyes off him. Then suddenly it was my turn to dance – I was starting with a solo Charleston section. Eat that swivel, Craig! Then into the 'wings' lift and the leap of faith. It was sublime. I knew I shone. AJ makes me sparkle.

And that was it...my last dance at Strictly.

Nothing left but to announce the winner. I was so pleased for all the finalists, any of them would have been a worthy winner in my eyes. The public chose Joe and Katya. As we would have no matter who had won, we all rushed on to congratulate them. AJ lifted Katya up (Neil lifted Joe – how strong is he?) and we all celebrated as if we had each individually won the whole competition. The last 'last dance' of Strictly 2017. As soon as he had placed Katya down on the dance floor, AJ was back at my side. We shared a smile. Strictly might be over, but we weren't. We were just beginning.

And what can I say about the wrap party? It's like Blackpool – what happens at the wrap party stays at the wrap party. My lips are sealed.

So that's it. All done and dusted. The end of Strictly 2017. But it isn't the end of us.