Strictly Come Dancing‘s Dr Punam Krishan has made a return to Morning Live following her heartfelt farewell from the BBC dance floor.
The esteemed GP, aged 41, resumed her medical segments on the programme last Friday (1 November), receiving a heartwarming reception from presenters Gethin Jones and Rav Wilding, who dedicated a montage to her dazzling Strictly journey.
Reflecting on the emotional tribute, Dr Punam expressed: “Why did you need to that? That was really emotional to watch that back. I’ve still not processed all of it.”
Grateful for the experience, she revealed close connections made on set: “I’m really grateful. I’d say the person I bonded with the most was Sarah Hadland. She’s just unbelievable. she works so hard and I just adore that girl.”
She also shared fondness for comedian Chris McCausland, mentioning: “I love Chris McCausland. We’d just sit there and put the worlds to right. I will be back watching from the sofa this weekend which I’ve been doing the last 20 years.”, reports the Express.
Dr Punam’s stint on Strictly ended during Halloween week when she and partner Gorka Marquez found themselves out-danced in the elimination round by Shayne Ward and his partner Nancy Xu.
Taking to social media after her departure, Dr Punam penned an evocative message regarding her exit, sharing: “She came. She slayed. However all good things must come to an end and I love that these are my exit shots. I gave it everything I had. I tried my best.”
The Strictly Come Dancing star said: “I came here with zero dance or performance experience. Worlds away from my NHS GP work and mum life, I lived out a long held dream of being on the most fabulous dance floor on telly.”
“I did it. From getting that call to now, it’s been the most exhilarating adventure ever. Stepping out of your comfort zone, especially as an adult who is set in their ways is scary but what I learnt was that it’s also exciting, it’s invigorating and it teaches you more about yourself than you ever knew before.”
“Your potential truly is on the other side of that safe zone…I feel I’ve only just entered that door of potential for me.” She added: “I’m gutted that my journey ends here but greater than that is the pride I feel in myself for trying something new, something as crazy as dancing live in front of millions of people every week!”.
“Every week a new challenge, new dance, new look and new characterisation – none of which came naturally to me. However with the help of my wonderful partner @gorka_marquez I found new confidence to give it all a go.”
“Whilst this is a dance competition, I discovered more than dance. There’s been so much personal growth and I believe that’s what it’s all about in the end. However tonight I’m not going to lie, I feel very sad. I’ve loved this experience and have had so much fun.”
“You all have made me feel so loved, you’ve showed up for me and Gorka every week and supported us – THANK YOU. It’s such a warm feeling and I feel very lucky, especially as a huge part of this journey has been allowing myself to feel that love.”
“I have made some incredible friends and am taking away nothing but positives with me. I will head back home to my babies and clinic life with a newfound confidence and spring in my step, as I dance my way through to the next chapter.”
“A new chapter where saying yes to new things will no longer be met with trepidation but with courage and excitement. Thank you for being a part of that. There’s so much more I have to say and I will but for now, I’m going to take a beat and let the feelings flow.”
Morning Live airs weekdays on BBC One at 9.30am and Strictly Come Dancing airs Saturdays and Sundays on BBC One