The only partner Pernice didn’t click with was presenter Laura Whitmore. But there were extenuating circumstances: he’d just ended his engagement to Whitmore’s friend – and his previous partner – Foote. Awkward. He went on to date another Strictly celebrity, Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts, and recently announced his split from Love Island’s Maura Higgins.

But, far from that lothario image, this season of Strictly has shown Pernice’s caring side as he patiently and thoughtfully adapts his teaching to our first ever deaf contestant. In fact, we’ve watched the pair learn from each other: Pernice has built up his sign language as Ayling-Ellis conquers ballroom. He’s also come to understand her range as an actress, moving from sweeter dances to more dramatic ones, and the pair have a warm, jokey chemistry off the floor: she calls him a “lizard” in rehearsal.

It’s a bond that’s actually strengthened by Ayling-Ellis not being able to hear the music, since she’s more attuned to Pernice’s body. We rarely see that sensitive lead and follow on Strictly, since, under time pressure, the pros generally just teach a set routine and mutter instructions. Pernice and Ayling-Ellis don’t have that luxury – she can’t hear him when her head is turned away in hold – but they’ve found a beautiful mode of communication that honours the spirit of ballroom: two moving as one.

Pernice was like an adorable proud parent on Saturday, tearing up as he watched all four judges lift their 10 paddles. He later wrote on his Instagram that it was one of the most rewarding moments of his career, and that it was all down to his partner.

Of course, there’s still a long way to go this season. But if these two do lift that glitterball trophy, it will be richly deserved for both the trailblazing Ayling-Ellis and for Pernice – in his case, a triumph six years in the making.