BANGOR University have congratulated a former student on their Strictly Come Dancing 2022 win. 

Wildlife cameraman Hamza Yassin and his professional partner Jowita Przystal lifted the glitterball trophy after beating the other celebrity couples Fleur East and Vito Coppola, Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu, and Helen Skelton and Gorka Marquez in a public vote during the live show on Saturday (December 17).

Yassin graduated with a degree in Zoology with Conservation from Bangor University in 2011, and later received an Honorary Master of Science degree.

A spokesperson for Bangor University said: “We are delighted at the success of Bangor alumnus and honorary degree recipient Hamza Yassin in the hugely popular Strictly Come Dancing.

"Hamza has shown us all his incredible dancing skills and his lovely personality has captured hearts across the UK. We wish him every success in the forthcoming Strictly tour, and expect to see more of him on television, as he’s proved such a hit with viewers.

"We look forward to celebrating his achievement on his next visit to Bangor.” 

Taking to twitter following the win, Yassin posted: "Let me start by thanking my dance partner Jowita. You are an angel disguised as a human being, a ray of sunshine! Thank you for your trust and guidance throughout this incredible journey. You shone a light for me that got me through some tough weeks and you have been by my side every step of the way. You will go on to do great things in your life.

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"It was my pleasure to be your student.

"I will forever be greatful [sic] for how you have changed my life. From the bottom of my heart thank you very much. Pigeon-toed Hamza. X #Strickly #best #teacher #hamzita."

During the last show of the series, all couples had to perform a routine chosen by the judges, their own favourite dance and finally a show dance.

After the three advisory scores were given by the judges, East and Coppola were top of the leaderboard with 119 points, with Skelton and Marquez coming second on 116 points.

Rainford and Gu received a total of 115 points, and Yassin and Przystal came bottom on 113 points.

But the public vote ultimately decided who lifted the coveted glitterball trophy for 2022.

Yassin made an emotional speech after being named winner.

"Surround yourself with people whose eyes light up when they see you. The top of a mountain is always the bottom of another.

"Slow is best."

The final of Strictly Come Dancing 2022 was watched by an average of 9.2 million viewers, according to overnight ratings.

The Saturday show had a ratings peak of 9.7 million viewers.

The figure is down on the average of 11 million people who watched the 2021 final when soap star Rose Ayling-Ellis made history as the first deaf winner.

Last year’s series peaked with 12.3 million watching Ayling-Ellis become the champion along with her dance partner Giovanni Pernice.