The Latin dance coach has been bowled over by the BBC competition’s contestant, as she consistently wowed the panel with her impressive lifts and kicks. 

Tonight saw Shirley, 57, confess that the sublime beauty of Debbie McGee, 59, and her professional partner Giovanni Pernice’s spectacular showdance to The Vaults' One Day I'll Fly Away was overwhelming. 

Pausing to take the moment in, she shared: “It made me quite emotional actually Debbie, the show dance just shows your growth and how far you’ve come since the beginning.

“What I love about you since the start of the season is that you dared to dream, and look at you here in this final, your dreams have truly come true."

Showing her love for the blonde star, Shirley continued: “I’m sure everybody outside would love to just put you in that little box and take you home with them.”

Meanwhile, fellow judge Craig Revel Horwood couldn’t resist commenting on the pair’s choice to dance classical ballet in front of professional ballerina Darcey Bussell, 48.

“That was quite dangerous to do classical ballet darling when we have old Darcey Bustop here,” he said with a cheeky smile, as Giovanni, 27, piped in to say: “Brave, it was brave.”

Darcey shook her head at the notion however, praising the TV personality for her posture and control. 

“You are so perfectly petite,” she gushed. “Like this magical sparkle for Givoanni to partner, it really is so endearing. I mean the control, the quality of every unfolding leg. 

“It really is extraordinary work very very beautiful.”

Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One in 2018.