Strictly Come Dancing’s Giovanni Pernice has said working with Debbie McGee has been “one of the most beautiful experiences of my life”.

The professional dancer paid tribute to his Strictly partner after the programme’s live tour ended.

He tweeted: “Ends today, after almost 5 months, one of the most beautiful experiences of my life.

“@thedebbiemcgee you have been a joy to work with! Laugh and joke every day this is what I will miss most of all. But I’m not worried because we see each other very soon. Until next time D.E.B.B.i.E.”

Pernice, 27, and McGee, 59, were a popular act on the latest series of the BBC One show and they continued their partnership for the Strictly live tour, which kicked off on January 19 and ended at London’s O2 Arena on February 11.

During their stint on the show, they often topped the leaderboard and they made it through to the live final, losing out to actor Joe McFadden and his partner Katya Jones.

Fans of the Strictly dancer rushed to comment to his message to McGee, with one writing: “I’m really gonna miss you two dancing together! You’ve been on an incredible journey that’s been a pleasure to watch.”

Another said: “Lovely words for a very special partnership, one of the best ever on Strictly. You’ve both been amazing.”