EastEnders star Bobby Brazier says he feels "excited and grateful" for the opportunity to take part in Strictly.
The actor and model has reached the semi-final of the Saturday night show and has impressed judges with his routines.
He said he had always wanted to experience Strictly "to the fullest extent - for the longest time - and go on that journey."
He told BBC Essex the show had brought him "immense joy and deep distress".
"To get to the final and as far as you possibly can - that box would be ticked," he said.
His professional dance partner Dianne Buswell said she knew she wanted to work with Brazier, adding: "When I saw him he had so much joy naturally".
"When the music played, he just wanted to dance and I saw so much passion and he maybe wasn't the best dancer in the group, but what I did see was so much talent - and I knew that with a little bit of coaching he would be brilliant and I have been proven to be right," she said.
"We are so close and to be pipped at the post now, would be really disheartening."
The 20-year-old received a standing ovation for his Couple's Choice routine, danced to the song This Woman's Work.
He dedicated it to his mother Jade Goody, the reality TV star who died in 2009 after being diagnosed with cervical cancer.
Judges and audiences have been impressed with Bobby's performances, despite the fact that he does not come from a dance background.
"We have all had and continue to have tough times in our life, that's just the nature of life here on earth but you're always living in a blessing and there is always something to ground you," he said.
"If something has to be done, there is no other option, then I just do it. I'm scared of being embarrassed - I think it is more embarrassing to not try your best.
"It's also fun to try your best and give the dance what is deserves and take on the song and choreography.
