Two small business owners at a Romford shopping centre featured in the final of Strictly Come Dancing.
Jason Rutland, owner of Comic Box, and Sri Rangan, owner of Pearl of the Orient - both in Romford Shopping Hall - appeared in the BBC One show on Saturday (December 14).
Watched by more than eight million people, Saturday night's conclusion of the series saw comedian Chris McCausland win the glitterball trophy, alongside dance partner Dianne Buswell.
The Strictly finale also featured opinions on the series from members of the public across the country - with some clips filmed in Romford Shopping Hall last week.
Interviewees commented on their favourite judges, standout dances and best celebrity moments.
Comic Box owner Jason said that his favourite judge was Shirley Ballas, while Pearl of the Orient owner Sri instead favoured Anton Du Beke.
In his clip, Jason said: "It's (Strictly) kind of changed a little bit more this year, and I like that."
Romford Shopping Hall manager Michelle Petty said it was "absolutely brilliant" that the BBC show's producers wanted to talk to the shop owners.
It was never guaranteed that any of their footage would make the cut, and the film crew spoke to around 15 different business owners last Monday (December 9), Michelle said.
READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing viewers in tears over Chris McCausland
She told the Recorder: "Although the clips were short, we are still chuffed we made the final cut.
"It will hopefully remind people to continue to shop locally.
"Chris was a deserving winner with his outstanding enthusiasm each and every week."
Chris McCausland was Strictly's first blind contestant and beat JLS singer JB Gill, actress Sarah Hadland and former Love Islander Tasha Ghouri to be named the series 22 winner.
Head to BBC iPlayer to watch the Strictly Come Dancing final back, with the public's highlights starting from 2 hours and 29 minutes in.
Share