AN emotional Kym Marsh has thanked her dance partner, who is now a ‘friend for life’ after being eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing.

Kym, who lives in Warrington, became the tenth celebrity to be voted off the dance competition on Saturday night.

And last night, Monday, the former Hear’say singer appeared on BBC Two’s Strictly - It Takes Two with her Italian professional partner Graziano Di Prima to talk about her time on the show.

Talking about Graziano, an emotional Kym told host Rylan Clark: “Honestly I really have genuinely met a very unique person.

“You are a very, very special man and I will never ever forget what you have done for me on this journey.

“It has been incredible.”

Fighting back tears, Graziano responded: “I have been waiting for a really good season on Strictly for four years and it sounds really crazy but I know we rehearse a lot but I have had the best time and it is because of her.

“If I think back, it has been the most amazing journey ever because I have found a friend for life.

“And finally my brain is clean because I said you know what, I had the best season ever.”

On Friday night, Kym performed a Cha Cha to Fame after she missed last week's show following a positive Covid test.

Her eighties-inspired routine landed her at the bottom of the leaderboard with a score of 34 out of 40.

The TV presenter and actor found herself in the dance-off against fellow contestant Molly Rainford and her Strictly pro partner Carlos Gu – who were saved.

Kym also took to Instagram to reflect on her journey.

She said: “Thank you so much to everyone who supported us throughout this competition!

“We had such a great time!

“I will never forget this moment in my life.

“I have made a friend for life in @grazianodiprima but I have to say a huge thank you to my family.

“My husband, my son, my daughter, their partners, my parents, my siblings, I could not have got through this without them!

“I love you my beautiful family!

“Graziano you are now an honorary Marsh!

“We love you.

“Thank you for the fun, the laughter and thank you for showing me that I am stronger than I think! Love you.”