Strictly star Gemma Atkinson has paid tribute to her “perfect” dance partner Aljaz Skorjanec after Saturday night’s final.

The actress got to the Strictly Come Dancing final four alongside Alexandra Burke and Debbie McGee but was beaten to the top title by Joe McFadden.

She posted a note on Instagram that “happiness is… finding the perfect dance partner”, adding “and that I did!”

Sending her congratulations to “amazing” McFadden and his dance partner Katya Jones, she wrote:  “What an incredible night we had.”

Skorjanec had been “so patient and so kind and so funny every single day”, she said, adding: “I cannot thank you enough for keeping my chin up and supporting me through this, not just as my colleague, but as my friend.

“Fun memories that will last a lifetime.”

Atkinson, who is looking forward to joining the Strictly Come Dancing tour, joked to fans: “Remember… Put your hands up, it’s more fun!!!!”