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amberjazmyn · 10 days ago

Text

not here to tell you🫶💔

pairing : platonic f1 grid x fem!leclerc reader

summary : madelyne leclerc, younger sister of f1 driver charles leclerc has made it to the strictly come dancing final. a former ballerina growing up, there was high expectations for her, a sweet moment ensues between one of the judges after her couple's choice dance that was dedicated to her beloved father.

warnings : sad, mentions of herve leclerc and jules bianchi, mentions of abuse at an undisclosed ballet company, older brother x charles, dodgy french translations, strictly come dancing and winning strictly come dancing

a/n : i have written this a couple of times now but had a dream about this version last night so i knew i needed to curate it!

𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐰𝐨 | 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭

it was friday evening and the night before the final of strictly come dancing 2024. alongside madelyne leclerc and her partner kai widdrington, all of the remaining couples were on the 'it takes two show' to talk with the hosts, fleur east and janette manrara. talking about all things about their strictly journeys, their three dances for tomorrow night's finale and many more.

in her skin-tight maxi dress, heels and his button-down shirt, jeans and polished shoes, madelyne and kai sat in their it takes two interview with fleur east about their strictly journey. madelyne was downright excited as was kai. however, he was a lot more emotional about the whole thing than he thought he would be. especially considering this time last year he wasn't able to compete for the glitterball. and that was due to his celebrity partner getting eliminated early on in the season. this meant that this was his first year going up for the glitterball trophy in the strictly come dancing final since 2021.

fleur had introduced their vt package for their strictly come dancing journey. and, in all honesty for the two of them, it felt so bizarre to be watching all of that content. from the last twelve weeks of their thirteen-week journey on the show together. they watched in complete awe and content as it all suddenly finished too quickly. it had now returned back to the duo and fleur on camera.

fleur smiled, "awe, that was amazing to watch, wasn't it? congratulations, you're in the final!" she cheered as madelyne and kai chuckle as they hold hands, one leg crossed over the other

"how are you feeling after watching that?" he asks as kai immediately turns to madelyne who giggles, responding

"umm, emotional, i feel exhausted *laughter*, i look like a mess. i'm sweating, i've recently just had to go and strap up my foot because it's still inflamed from the week before *giggles*. but, truthfully, i feel so grateful and it feels amazing to be in the final and have that video to watch back of everything we've done. it does however feel crazy because when we truly try to think about it, it doesn't feel like we've done a lot. but, then you show us that video and we really have done a lot and, truly, it's been the best adventure i could have ever gone on. especially when i see just how far the both of us have come since the beginning. i mean, it's completely overwhelming but, i'm sure we can pull it together for our three dances tomorrow night!" madelyne's french accent seeps through as she giggles, her smile bigger than it ever had before as kai nods his head in agreement

"let's go right ahead and talk about your three dances for tomorrow night then. you are doing the quickstep which was a very successful dance and it was also your first ever perfect score. as well as the earliest in strictly come dancing history *cheers*, yes, well done! and it's a dance that is very loved by everyone. and, madelyne, i just want to bring up something that you said to janette last night and it was that you were going to be more sassier for tomorrow's performance. and, may i ask, how is that even possible because you were already so sassy and in character during the original dance *laughter*?" fleur pauses as madelyne giggles as she shakes her head

"we first watched the dance back, kai and myself with my brother charles and his formula 1 teammate, carlos i think the night before kai and i spoke with janette *giggles*. and both charles and carlos agreed that whilst this was one of kai and i's best dances, i just needed to be a little bit more sassier and have a slight bit more attitude in the beginning and of course, i agreed. even though i'm the only one in the family with dance experience since everyone knows i was a prima ballerina until i was eighteen but, i understood the point they were both making. so, it's a tip i am willing to improve on if it means it gets kai and me closer to potentially winning. so, that's what i'll be doing tomorrow night *laughter*," madelyne responds as fleur nods her head, not needing to question it again

"now, madelyne, were you ever scared or unsure about joining this show, strictly and potentially reliving that trauma you went through when you were a ballerina?" fleur asks softly as madelyne laughs, falling into kai who laughs as well

"as much as i hate to admit it, i was terrified. even though i said from the start that i was conscious that what i went through as a ballerina isn't the same as what ballroom dancers go through, i still have dance as a whole associated with the trauma i went through as a ballerina even though no dance style is, obviously, the same..."

"...but because i was put through hell whilst being a ballerina whilst also going through the loss of my dad during what ended up being my last year of being a prima ballerina, i was scared that if i went into any dance class ever again, not even ballet, that i was going to be treated horribly again. and, that was something i was not ready to put myself through again so when we came to week four, that spiral started again when i got too in my head and started to have those panic attacks. and i actually think it stemmed from having such a fantasti week the week before with the grease-inspired quickstep and then our viennese waltz that led us to being in the bottom two. whilst that situation had nothing remotely to do what happened to me as a prima ballerina, i associated the emotions i felt after that viennese waltz as the same emotions i had whilst i was a ballerina and being abused..."

"...and that really scared me more than i think i've ever admitted especially since at face value, i didn't seem scared or as though i was rocked by the sudden change. but, i was scared and completely thrown off. in saying that though, i don't even think our viennese was our worst dance either *kai and fleur shake their heads*. it was just simply that something wasn't correctly done and conveyed in the foundations of the dance and, this isn't said to throw kai under the bus and say it was his fault because it wasn't. he choreographed a beautiful viennese it just so happened that somewhere between the final rehearsal and the live iteration of the dance, something went wrong and we had to dance it again. but, blessed be god, we danced it better and we were saved for another week--"

"--and it never happened again!" fleur stepped in as madelyne nodded her head, agreeing

"yes, absolutely right! after week four, it never happened again but it was something that really threw me off in a way that hadn't happened before since being a ballerina. and, truthfully, it genuinely upset me but i never showed or told anyone that because i never cried or talked about it in future vt's. until a couple of weeks ago but that's a different story *giggles* but, now that we are here in the final, i don't feel the same fear that i felt in week four and then the following week leading up to week five. and since then, i haven't felt scared to go out and perform any of our dances but most importantly, i'm not scared about our three dances tomorrow night. like, genuinely, i feel the most confident i've felt since starting and i'm just truly excited to show everyone the connection that kai and i have built but also sustained throughout this whole competition. so, i...i just cannot wait for tomorrow night," madelyne finished as kai nods his head in agreement as fleur smiles sweetly before asking another question

"kai, speaking of the vienesse, that's not the dance that the judges picked for you guys to do again. even though it was your lowest scoring, they chose for you guys to do your couple's choice again. can you explain why they chose that instead of the dance that you'd think they'd want you to do again and try for a higher score?" fleur questions as kai responds with a smile, madelyne also smiling with a small laugh

"i know right? when madelyne and i found that out, we were kind of confused and ready to throw some *laughter*, nah, not really. but, it was, because, as you said, our vienesse is our lowest scoring so, we would have thought that they'd choose that one so we could give it another shot and try to get it at a higher score. but, i do think ultimately the reason why they didn't choose the vienesse but our couple's choice instead was they felt as though they didn't get the full story of the couple's choice. whereas, they felt as though they saw so much of the vienesse that they felt like we should just leave it behind and have that stay at it's original score..."

"...because, i guess, it's a reminder not just to rylee and myself but to everyone that it's okay to have one dance or two that just aren't really up to perfection on this show and that not everything has to have a perfect score. and, another reason i think they chose the couple's choice was because, i guess, it touched not just the judges and the audience but it also touched the entire country and countries surrounding, it touched an entire country in a time where it's only been four years out of a global pandemic that was scary and so life-changing,"

"and, right in front of us, we're watching a young adult, a beautiful young woman, open up about the fact that growing up, as a prima ballerina, it wasn't all glitz and glamour. it was more screams and torture for her as well as her personal world being turned upside down, her family suffering an agonizing tragedy..."

"...something that, only recently she has opened up about, having only being talked and mentioned about by her older brother charles. and, getting the honour to be the person madelyne opened up to and hearing her side of the "inspiration" of our couple's choice was so heartbreaking but it was so life-fufilling. and it's also something an outsider would have never of guessed that was how she dealt with that grief since it was never talked about until now. and, in all honesty, we are so excited to do our couple's choice again since it really does give madelyne the time and the healing to really once again become vulnerable and open up. and to talk about those things that maybe she never thought she would have to open up about to the public," kai responds as madelyne nods her head in agreement, speaking up

"yeah, i absolutely agree with everything kai just said. especially in regards to why the judges didn't pick week four's dance. it wasn't just something kai and i wanted to leave at the low score that it originally was but, it was the judges that wanted to leave it there too. because, they did say that they either wanted to see the vienesse again or our couple's choice and they said ultimately, that out of both dances, our couple's choice was a lot more meaningful. and they said it showcased a lot more than our vienesse did and that was why the judges decided to have kai and i perform that dance again as one of our three final dances," madelyne responds as fleur nods her head with a smile as does kai

"just before we get around to the showdance because that is so much fun to watch since i already did get to watch a cheeky little bit of it earlier, it's gorgeous you two. let's talk a little bit more about your couple's choice, in regards to the dance, it is quite an emotional dance, isn't it madelyne?" fleur asks as madelyne and kai both nod their heads

"yes, it is very emotional, fleur. i mean, we performed it for the first time two weeks ago and it was for sure one of our favourites, if not our number one favourite. and it's our number one because it was just so emotional and it felt so freeing for me that i'm just so glad i get the pleasure to dance it again. but, getting to see my whole family in the audience this time and not just my eldest brother lorenzo. so, getting to have charles, arthur and a few of their F1 teammates basically, the whole F1 family in the audience watching it will for sure be the icing on the cake for me. because, even though it is about the loss of me and my brother's father, i'm also having a little surprise dedication. so, i'm just glad that i have the whole F1 crew here tomorrow night to watch it live," madelyne pauses before continuing after another small prompt by fleur, kai sitting quietly listening intently

"so, now that you have been rehearsing it again alongside the quickstep and showdance, you did mention to janette that it is the more emotional dance out of all the dances you two have done. so, can you explain a little bit more what it's been like in rehearsals since it is a dance that is more recent other than the showdance?" fleur prompts as madelyne giggles, kai lovingly letting the monegasque take the reigns of the interview at this point

"oh, like i said a couple of weeks ago when we first danced it, i absolutely love it. it was already so emotional and kai's choreography, again, is just so beautiful and it's so clear in his intentions for this dance as well. but, for tomorrow night, we have made it even more emotional and, it's actually the most vulnerable i've ever been in any of the dances. even when we first performed it two weeks ago, i was a lot more reserved and i guess, frightened of being emotional on camera. but, not this week, this week i've never been so confident in showing my true emotions and it's the most emotional kai has gotten as well during this entire competition. and, like we said two weeks ago, once again, it is a really gorgeous dance that just honours what my family has lost and it pays tribute to them beautifully. and, yeah, we're just glad we get the honour to dance it again but with the other two dances. and i also can't wait for the rest of my family to see it for the first time and for lorenzo to see it a second time but reworked and a lot better," madelyne smiles with a head nod as fleur smiles sweetly as does kai who comforts his partner

"hoo, i'll make sure to have the entire audience decked out with boxes of kleenex before your couple's choice love--"

"--for a second time," kai sassily jumps in as madelyne giggles, smacking him playfully as fleur chuckles before continuing

"i know it's been an emotional and exhausting week for you guys and you're tired and i don't want to make it worse. however, we do have an amazing little clip of your family and friends who want to say a few words to you since we're running out of time and can't talk about the showdance..." fleur announces as madelyne's eyes widen and she slides down her seat on the couch, before coming back up and hiding behind kai as he comforts her

"...growing up with madelyne as a younger sister was truly a dream come true. ever since i could remember, she was always the most delicate and sensitive one. always very nice and sweet but also very shy. but, there was a side of her only few close to her got to see and it was always a party because she only acted in that specific outgoing way when she was around those she knew very well, better than her family at home..."

"...when we were younger and my brothers and i were interested in go-karting and being so competitive, madelyne was the opposite. she was very girly, loved wearing pink all the time and loved the gentleness and the elegance of ballet and ballerinas. when she was two, she started ballet classes and she loved it. i could see it in her eyes every day, even as a little boy, i knew that ballet would be something that madelyne would love for the rest of her life. except, the day it no longer was the love of her life..."

"...i started first noticing it when she was around seven or eight, she'd come home absolutely exhausted but this time, without a smile on her face and as though she had been crying the whole drive home. every single time i tried to mention it to our parents but they kept on reassuring me that madelyne was fine and that it had just been an exhausting day at the ballet school..."

"...little did i know just how exhausting it was for madelyne until she started coming home from ballet classes not just in tears but also with bruises every possible place that was visible..."

"...but, even through those traumatic times of abuse that she went through, madelyne refused to let it show on her face and she kept on smiling. reminding me that she was okay and that being a ballerina wasn't everything to her and that one day soon, when she was ready, she would leave and it wouldn't hurt anymore..." charles leclerc sniffled, tears already building in his eyes and this was only the beginning of his interview

"...but that day wouldn't come until the year our dad died..." the video fades into black as charles' head bows down and the tears that welled in his eyes streamed his cheeks

"...i don't think it really took any of us in the family that long to realise that madelyne was a beautifully talented ballerina..." pascale, mother to lorenzo, charles, madelyne and arthur spoke as she smiled lovingly

"...although a naturally shy girl, that never stopped her from being a lovely and happy girl that made friends growing up. one of my fondest memories of madelyne was actually the day after a ballet class, another one that had her coming home littered in bruises and tears but, it was a different type of tears when she was eighteen. they were tears of relief when she told us at the dinner table, less than a month after losing her father, that she would be quitting ballet and this upcoming showcase would be her last one. i'll never be able to forget the looks of relief that broke over the faces of the three boys. charles especially, i could tell it broke his heart countless times when madelyne kept on delaying her final day with the company until losing her father. in saying that now, seeing her now and seeing her finally love dance again, in another realm of ballroom and latin, is something i'd never thought i'd get the chance to say..." pascale's smile didn't once leave her face as she spoke those words

"getting to watch my little girl every single weekend, smiling and having the time of her life alongside kai has been truly healing for her but i also think for her brothers as well. they watched for so long as ballet abused and hurt her that they were at first scared that strictly would do the same thing to her. however, watching this journey has been life-changing because ballroom and latin dancing hasn't abused and hurt my little girl, it's actually lifted her up, caressed her tear-ridden face, held her tightly and told her that she is safe here and it's going to keep her safe and that it'll never put her through the horrors she went through as a ballerina. and i think that's what's been shown week and week out with each of madelyne and kai's dances..."

"...seeing my only daughter finally smile again whilst dancing is magical and i can only say thank you to strictly so many times before it sounds insane *giggles*. but, i'll keep on saying it until my voice runs dry because they made my little girl smile and feel safe again doing the thing she once loved the most..." pascale's video faded out as her smile was the last thing seen

photos of madelyne from when she was a kid and throughout the years were then shown whilst the voiceovers played over the top. then, a video message from her fiancé showed up. making madelyne and kai who were watching this get extremely excited.

"watching my fiancée every weekend on strictly come dancing has got to for sure be the best thing i've seen in the entire world. i mean, i've already seen her dance before but, this is the first time i've really seen my fiancée have that joy and sparkle in her eyes as she's dancing. she never had that with ballet, not since she started when she was two until maybe six. all of that light was then taken away from her so, to see her finally understand that dance isn't supposed to hurt or make you cry and fully love it has been an emotional experience for sure for me. before madelyne joined strictly, i never imagined or thought of the possibility that she'd want to do this show since she could barely even walk past a dance studio without it being traumatic for her but, here we are. i don't think she saw herself as being able to fall in love with dance again after what being a prima ballerina put her through. it's just...it's been lifechanging to see the love of my life finally have the understanding that she's allowed to love dancing again and that dance should have never made her fall out of love with it in the first place. being a dancer is never meant to be traumatic not at all and i'm glad it no longer is for her," pierre sniffles with a small giggle as he got emotional

alongside videos of madelyne and kai dancing, were video messages from madelyne's two other brothers, lorenzo and arthur and family members. but, the ones that really caught the girl off-guard were from her brohters' F1 teammates.

"watching madelyne on strictly in-between races has truly been a proud moment for us all. but especially getting to watch it during race week when we're all starting to get a bit stressed and grouchy, getting to watch madelyne has been a lifesaver. but, now that we get to come and watch the final this weekend, actually seeing two of their best dances plus their showdance is for sure going to be a night that'll be unforgettable and memorable for years to come," carlos spoke up first as the other drivers all agreed as madelyne's heart melted as she watched on

"watching my sister on that dance floor every weekend has brought nothing but joy into my family's life after all the trauma and loss we've gone through. getting to watch madelyne have the realisation that dance isn't traumatic or meant to hurt has truly been emotional and such a healing experience not just for her but for the whole family. because it's all i've wanted, all i've ever wanted is for my sister to understand that dance is something that brings joy and laughter and magic. dance shouldn't bring tears, abuse and trauma and it shouldn't be something that she falls out of love with because she's scared that what she went through as a prima ballerina is going to happen to her at any dance studio she goes past. and watching her discover this with kai week by week has truly been the thing out of my dreams and it's really been a healer for the family..."

"...and it's something i'm glad she commited herself to since i do know just how much it scared her to even think about dancing again let alone the action of dancing. so, it's been an honour to see the girl she once was peak through every so often throughout this journey because i've missed that part of my sister. the part of her that was so cruely taken away from her when she was just a little girl that loved to dance..."

"...all she ever wanted to do was dance then it got taken away from her but now, we've slowly been seeing that little girl that once was, come back to us and i can't thank strictly come dancing more than i already have throughout the last 13 weeks that madelyne's been in this competition..." charles finishes emotionally as madelyne smiles at his words

max spoke next, "anytime any of us turn on the television and watch madelyne and kai dance, i can't help but just feel so proud of her. sure, she used to be the sister of the boy i'd kart alongside growing up but, she was more than that. she was just a little girl that wanted to share her talent of dance but had it stripped from her when it started to hurt her, forcing her to become scared of what she thought she'd spend her entire life loving. watching her every week is a blessing and it's truly been a moment in time for us. whilst we may not truly understand the strength of dancers as formula one drivers, that doesn't take away the pride we feel for her when we watch her and kai light up that dance floor every weekend. we love you dearly madelyne and we cannot wait to see you grab that mirrorball this weekend!" max blows a kiss to the camera as madelyne smiles, kai hugs her as daniel speaks up in another video

"watching madelyne fall back in love with dance and accomplishing everything she's accomplished these last twelve weeks is mental. people tend to forget that ballroom and ballet are completely different but think different because they are both forms of dance. now, in saying that, i can barely tell you what the terminology is of a turn or lift is in dancing but, even i can tell that ballet is nowhere near the same as latin ballroom and madelyne shouldn't be judged just because of her previous dance experience. because of what she went through as a prima ballerina, madelyne tried everything she could to physically force her body out of the way it would act when she was a ballerina because of how much trauma she went through that even seeing the smallest thing to do with ballet, it would trigger her. even if it was her own body, her own feet turned out or pointed, she'd break down into tears because it would take her back to when she'd be a ballerina and being hurt. so, that's why it's very emotional seeing her dance every week because she's no longer trying to physically force her body to change when it naturally falls back into it's comfortable dance position. and because she isn't fearful or hurting when she's dancing, she's genuinely happy and seeing that joy reflect in her eyes as they sparkle has been nothing short of a blessing. i just want to wish the both of them, as all of us drivers want to, the best of luck for the final tomorrow night. and, we just hope that we'll be watching the both of them lift the glitterball trophy live when we come to watch it in the strictly studios," daniel smiles as the F1 grid lads smile and nod their heads, madelyne and kai moved by all the messages

after alexandra, charles' girlfriend sent a message on behalf of all the wives and girlfriends, the rest of madelyne's family and friends revealed what their favourite dances were. carlos (F1) said he enjoyed her and kai's movie-week quickstep, charles (F1) said he adored her and kai's couples choice, max and daniel (F1) said they were for sure going to love their couple's choice. whilst the others all agreed that the american smooth and argentine tango was exquisite whilst the wags and pierre (not gasly), madelyne's fiancé said they enjoyed the paso doble.

however, it only got emotional when charles, along with arthur and lorenzo, mentioned how proud their dad herve and godfather jules bianchi would have been of madelyne. and how they would have absolutely loved to watch their special girl dance and win strictly come dancing.

"...i also have no doubt in my mind that our beautiful dad herve and godfather jules would have absolutely loved to watch their special girl finally fall back in love with dance again. they died without seeing their little madelyne know what it's like to find joy and love in dance again but i'm also sure they've been looking down and watching, cheering her along every single week..." charles smiles tearfully as he looks over at lorenzo and arthur who smile back

"...they're definitely wishing they held on a little longer and wishing they were still here to watch you madelyne. i just know they would have loved it, seeing that joy in your face again watching you fall in love with dance all over again. you are a superstar and, like the judges say every week, you could totally get away with changing jobs and join the strictly professionals. it's absolutely blindly obvious at this point as to who the winner is, we love you, madelyne!" arthur blows a kiss to the camera with a teary smile as the other two do the same thing

a video from movie week showing madelyne and kai's first ten was then accompained by a video from pierre, madelyne's finacé, "when maddy and kai got their first fourty back in week three, with their movie-week quickstep, that was a standout moment. a moment in which i think it clicked in madelyne's head that she could potentially really fall back in love with dance again and that it was okay. it was okay that she wasn't scared of being hurt from it again and that she was allowed to be happy that she was finally feeling safe enough to dance again. seeing her fully involve herself in the world that once abused and traumatised her has been nothing short of a miracle which i'm certain i'm not the first or last person to say that *giggles* but it has been. but it's been a journey that's given us this miracle and i'm forever grateful that i got to witness it, although from afar," pierre explains with the sweetest smile on his face as the F1 drivers appeared back up on the VT

"if madelyne was to win, it would be completely life-changing, not just for her but, i think for every abused and traumatised dancer who sees themselves in madelyne. and also for every other young person across the country or even the world. she was always looked at with fear-glazed eyes and as though you couldn't speak to her without the shadow of her traumatised life as a ballerina. those kids that used to find her trauma funny, look who's laughing now? that girl you used to relentlessly tease because of the things she was exposed to way before she was ready to, she's now on TV with her name being recanted out for everyone to hear and watch her. she's more than just the girl that was hurt by a company that promised to take care of her!" lando spoke as the drivers agreed with him as madelyne found herself going red in the face as she watched

"to watch her have the same ups and downs on this show that had her being abused and shouted at as a ballerina and watching her pick herself up and continue with such grace and confidence is truly a switch that is truly unbelievable. but, it was all of that grace and confidence that got her all the way into the final and it's incredible. i mean, all the hard work she and kai went through is paying off in the best way possible. i mean, i just absolutely adore that girl and, truly, i am so glad i got snatch her up for myself and put a ring on it before any other guy could *laughter*," pierre ends off the individual messages but, for the very last one, everyone had come together to give madelyne and kai a group message

"you are amazing, madelyne and kai! we know you can win so, go out there tomorrow night and win it for us!" daniel calls out before everyone else joins him for the final message:

yelling, "we love you madelyne and kai! you can do this! come on, bring it home to monaco!" the group yelled as madelyne and kai chuckled

one last clip of madelyne and kai laughing and hugging was shown before the vt was completely finished. the camera coverage returning back to fleur, madelyne and kai on the couch.

fleur awes as does madelyne as she giggles, revealing to everyone that she hadn't cried but, kai had and he laughed. a look of shock and concern quickly covers madelyne's face when she actually took the time to pay attention to kai. pulling him for a hug, kai chuckled and accepted the hug, fleur gives a sweet, touched look to the camera as she gave the duo a moment to breathe and so kai could compose himself.

a small pout on his face, madelyne then offers him a tissue from the bedazzled tissue box that fleur had handed her, "awe, kai, madelyne that was so sweet. now, i need to ask you both though, i know the competition has meant the most to you and you haven't really mentioned winning but, how would you feel if you two did end up lifting that glitterball at the end of tomorrow's show?" fleur questions as madelyne chuckles, comforting kai as she tilts her head to the side slightly

"umm...honestly, of course, it would feel amazing to win and because, obviously, kai deserves it so much. but, i...i don't know honestly! it's a weird question for me to answer because i've truthfully never thought about winning this show. like, genuinely, i only wanted to do it because if my dad and godfather would never be able to see me dance again, i wouldn't want that same thing happening to my mum and brothers. and, also that, like my whole family mentioned, that it's okay that i've fallen in love with dance again and that it isn't meant to cause pain and that it's not scary anymore," madelyne shrugged as fleur's shoulders slumped and she pouted as did kai as madelyne chuckled

"aw, love," fleur whispered as madelyne explained herself further

"i would love to lift that glitterball, fleur, don't get me wrong, of course i would, because, like i just said, kai truly deserves it. and, it would mean so much to him as well as myself if we did win it. but, i think just being on this show full stop and getting partnered up with kai and dancing with him every week and just getting to laugh with him. i mean, all of this stuff, getting to dance again after so many years of being scared of it and laughing with him for the last thirteen weeks and to remember how joyful dancing is has been even better if not the same as the feeling of winning that trophy is like. like, getting to feel myself falling in love with dance again and knowing i no longer have to be fearful of it with kai right by my side reminding me that it's safe has been life-changing. so, in all honesty, whether or not kai and i win, it won't change a single thing to this journey. i won't feel too sad because having someone like kai show me the joys of dancing all over again has been a win and a dream i never thought was possible," madelyne smiles as she squeezes kai's hand tightly as he had been trying to compose himself the whole time, wiping away his tears as he nodded his head in agreement as fleur nods her head as well

"i know you're emotional kai but, even with all the support and the love from not just your friends and family but also from the public, what would it mean to you, kai? what would it mean for you to lift that glitterball tomorrow night?" fleur asks as kai tearfully giggles, tilting his head similarly to madelyne before responding

"honestly, it would mean the entire world to me. it would mean that madelyne's family were absolutely right in trusting me with their special girl. it would mean that *sniffle* everything i did was all worth it," kai whispers as he started to cry again, madelyne pulling him in for a hug as fleur cooed, her shoulders relaxing again as she gave the duo a moment

"that was so sweet of you to say, kai," fleur smiles as kai nods his head, calming himself down so he can continue

"it sounds so dramatic but, i truly mean it because that's what it does mean for me. i mean, it's not the fact that we made it this far but the fact i managed to peel back the layers of what was once a terrified and traumatised former prima ballerina and make her re-fall in love with dance again as the reason why we're still here. and, i think that's what the public have seen as well and that's why we're just grateful why we're still here," kai finishes as he wipes away the rest of his tears, madelyne nods her head and fleur smiles

"we're also grateful that you two are still here! they have been amazing everybody, so sorry we couldn't find out more about the showdance but, that just means it'll be a surprise for tomorrow! well, listen, best of luck for tomorrow and get some rest because we've got a big night tomorrow. everyone, please, give it up for the amazing madelyne and kai! now we go over to janette who is with the other celebrity/pro dancers," fleur finishes as madelyne and kai applaud and giggle as they then leave

🩰

it was the final of strictly come dancing 2024 and madelyne was just about shitting herself. all three finalists had three dances they were dancing as part of their last ever chance at winning the glitterball for 2024. the dances that madelyne and kai were going to be doing is their grease-inspired quickstep, which the couple chose and was the dance that gave them their first and earliest ever perfect score. their showdance that was a new, never before seen dance made purely for the final as well as their couple's choice which was chosen by the judges to see again.

videos of madelyne walking on the strictly stage in a gorgeouos red halter-neck one-piece playsuit were then shown. her blonde hair was in a slicked-back high ponytail, glittery pumps worn to tie the whole outfit all together. several videos showed madelyne reaching up towards the glitterball, the biggest smile ever on her face as she stared at it in complete awe. she couldn't believe that she was a finalist in strictly come dancing 2024.

speaking in the vt for the final time, madelyne smiled, "getting to the final of strictly is just incredible. like, since the beginning, i don't recall ever thinking i'd get this far even though i wanted to for the little girl that was taken advantage of simply because she loved ballet. and, it was never because i doubted myself per se or kai but, because i genuinely didn't think that the public would be able to find me likeable. or, really, have any other personality to me other than the fact that my older brother is charles leclerc, F1 ferrari driver. however, being able to say i'm in the strictly final is truly something i'm always going to be grateful and quite proud of," madelyne smiles as she nods her head

kai laughed hysterically as they rehearsed for their quickstep. however, the reason why kai was laughing wasn't for the reason you'd think it would be over. madelyne had just been surprised by her fiancé pierre, who had just come home from his military deployment. so, the reason why kai was laughing was that madelyne was trying to teach her older brother lorenzo her and kai's grease-inspired quickstep. however, lorenzo just couldn't get it nor wrap his head around how fast it was and why it was so hard! he never remembered any of madelyne's old ballet routines being that quick or that difficult. even though the quickstep is quite notoriously very quick and hard and so much more different to ballet. however, it seemed as if madelyne was doing it seamlessly and perfectly, even with lorenzo not quite getting the steps. which is what made kai laugh even more which ended up with lorenzo and madelyne laughing as well as everyone else who was watching them.

and this time, it was lorenzo apologising to madelyne, not madelyne apologising to someone else, "je suis vraiment désolé maddy, c'était de la merde" lorenzo chuckled as the song finished, madelyne cackling, her head flying back as she calmed down before responding i'm so sorry maddy, that was crap

"c'est bien enzo mais tu dois admettre que c'était hilarant" madelyne giggled as she placed her hands on the top of her head to open up her airways so she could let oxygen through to breathe properly it's okay enzo but you have to admit, it was hilarious

however, like always, with all of the laughter between the two, they also had time to knuckle down and be serious during their rehearsal time. they didn't want to mess up, not at the final of all places. they couldn't afford to since they had bascially been labelled as "perfect" since the beginning. with the exception, of course, of their vienesse waltz, there was no way in hell they were going to fuck it up now when it really mattered. after more videos of kai and madelyne rehearsing their quickstep were shown, so was a voiceover of madelyne talking about this dance again. talking about how excited she was in having the opportunity to dance it again in the final.

"the dance kai and i chose as our couple's favourite dance is our movie week grease inspired quickstep. this quickstep to, 'you're the one that i want' is by far the quickest quickstep that has ever been choreographed by a professional on this show before. and it just happened to be choreographed by kai for the two of us and it was very stressful when he first pitched it to me. but, honestly, it has genuinely become one of our favourites," madelyne smiled as she giggled in the background

"we just hope that we can recreate how it felt when it was seen for the first time all over again. because, dancing it the first time was probably, at the time, the highlight for me and kai on the show. so, i just hope we're able to replicate that feeling one more time on that stage," madelyne smiles as the vt ends

as the vt ends, madelyne and kai get into their positions and smile at the crowd hyping them up. even though it was mostly their family that could be heard. they then waited for the musical cue so kai could call out his dramatic "maddy?" and the dance could begin.

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hitting their final pose, madelyne and kai started laughing in joy. incredibly proud that they were able to, once again, replicate what this dance was like for the first time all those weeks ago. but better. running over to tess for the judges' comments, the poor host was flabbergasted at how amazing their first dance of the evening was. it was clear that they were wanting to do nothing else but win tonight, madelyne and kai.

"...what an amazing quickstep and what a joy to see it again, shirley?" tess comments before gesturing over to shirley who just looked shocked

"i am truly flabbergasted at how amazing that was you two! it was as if we were seeing this for the first time all over again! i mean, madelyne, you were sassy, you were confident, you were happy. and in all honesty, you'd be an amazing sandy in the west end's version of grease. i mean, you absolutely slayed this dance and i need to say it again. because, it truly blows my mind at how easy it is for you to not just follow but also keep in time with kai! you are not falling behind at all my darling! this characterisation was perfection. i cannot wait to see your showdance and the judges choice!" shirley winks as madelyne and kai smile, attempting to catch their breath and thanking the head judge

craig shakes his head with the largest smile on his face, "i know i said this when we first saw this dance but, i have to say it again. that is the quickest quickstep my eyes have ever watched and i feel dizzy but in the best way possible *laughter*. for this to be your first dance of the evening and knowing the next two that are coming, i'm flowing with excitement. i was so glad that this was the dance you picked to do again because i have loved this dance since the start and it was a blast watching it all over again! well done and thank you for your wonderful and flawless execution of a quickstep two separate times!" craig cheers as do the audience as madelyne and kai chuckle, looking over to motsi

"i mean, i am shocked! that was so much fun and so entertaining to watch! like, i can only feel happy and energetic whilst watching that dance! watching you really sink your teeth into that character again was just fantastic, madelyne! as shirley said, you would be a firecracker of a sandy on the west end production of grease cause you can sing, you can dance...that's basically everything needed in a musical along with acting *laughter* and boom, you're a star! and like the other two judges before me have said, i cannot wait to see your two other dances, congratulations!" motsi smiles, giggling as madelyne chuckles as well as she blows the judge a kiss as they look over at anton

"when we first saw this dance in week three, we all knew how beside myself i was so, i remembered to take in a deep breath before saying my comment *laughter*. so, madelyne and kai, all i have to say is, that was brilliant and i am so thankful that you chose to perform this dance again. because, not only is it one of your favourites, it's one of my favourites too. you were sensational madelyne, your legs, your smile and your extensions were glorious, as was your characterisation! i am immensely proud of you and i'm looking forward to your next two dances, well done," anton winks as madelyne smiled, thanking him as does kai

tess smiled as she turned back to madelyne and kai, "amazing comments, not that that isn't new, madelyne and kai. however, due to time constraints, we won't have time to talk about them so, over to you claudia so we can get the judges' scores and these two can get ready for their showdance!" tess winks as madelyne and kai grab hands and run over to the strictly box to get their first round of judges' scores.

"...the judges' scores are in... craig revel horwood..."

"...10!"

"motsi mabuse..."

"...10!"

"shirley ballas..."

"...10!"

"anton du beke..."

"...10!" anton smiled as the box filled up with cheers and applause for yet another perfect score for madelyne and kai

"congratulations, madelyne and kai, yet another pefect score! wish we could speak more but, since you've got to get ready for your showdance, we have to let you go!" claudia laughs as madelyne and kai nod their heads, just as astounded as everyone else as they left to then get ready for their showdance

in the vt for madelyne and kai's showdance, it was explained that this year, the showdance would be danced in between the couple's favourite and judges' pick. because the majority of the finalists had their couples' choice/most emotional dances as the judges' pick dance and they decided to show them last.

in the video, small clips of madelyne and kai rehearsing the showdance were shown and it was beautiful. they were showdancing to emeli sande's shine. and, just like the first vt, many giggles and silly little mistakes were shown in this vt as well.

the amount of fun that madelyne and kai were having whilst rehearsing their showdance was so much. it was joyus and filled with pure happiness for those watching.

in giggles, madelyne attempted to explain her and kai's showdance, "for...for our showdance *giggles* kai and i are dancing to emeli sande's song shine. the song is beautiful and the choreo--stop it kai!" madelyne squealed as kai scared his celebrity partner as laughter erupted through the dance studio

"can you believe that i still have to deal with this big child?!" madelyne squeals, her monegasque accent popping out as kai hangs off of madelyne's shoulders as he giggles childishly whilst his partner is trying to stay serious

"you love me, leclerc!" kai tries to win his partner over but, this time, it wasn't working, a death stare being fed back to the professional

"do i, widdrington?" madelyne responded back with a blank face as the cameraman teased the professional who looked truly devastated

"wow, that hurt!" kai sighed as madelyne burst out into laughter, hugging the professional

"i'm only joking! of course, i love you kai!" madelyne giggled as kai's face went from being sad and hurt to happy again as the two of them started laughing

more clips of the two rehearsing were then shown. then a voiceover of madelyne screaming in rehearsals was then shown as laughter followed afterwards.

"--let's hope and pray that the dance gods don't let us mess up this showdance because jesus christ we need this to work!" madelyne is then heard saying with giggles as the vt finally wrapped up

madelyne and kai were in their positions for their showdance. only hoping that nothing that could go wrong in the dance was going to go wrong.

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and, nothing went wrong. the showdance was perfectly executed as madelyne and kai celebrated. hugging each other in the pure joy that two dances out of three were done to perfection. running over to tess for the judges' comments for a second time, the poor host was again flabbergasted at how amazing that dance just was. and how it seemed as though madelyne and kai were just soaring with their dances this final. as mentioned before, it was very clear that they were wanting to win tonight.

"what a stunning showdance, shirley?" tess comments before gesturing over to shirley who now really had no clue what to say anymore

"i thought your first dance had me flabbergasted but no, this one just accelerated it! this was a gorgeous showdance, madelyne and kai. your connection was amazing, you were smiling, you were trusting with one another and the way you two were just having pure fun was just amazing to see. it was like i was watching two best friends just having the time of their lives together! i really loved it, truly i did. madelyne, your extensions, your legs, and your hands were all spectacular and the lifts, wow! you two just blow me away every single week, congratulations!" shirley winks as madelyne and kai smile, thanking the head judge

craig smiled brightly, "this showdance was marvellous darling! your lifts were exceptional, your extensions were gorgeous, and, oh my god, your smile and pure joy with kai was heartwarming to watch. and i am so glad we got to see it because your smile just lit up the entire stage and it was timeless. and, it's also a moment that i am genuinely never going to forget when this year's show finishes and i hope it's a moment you never forget either. i am so proud of you madelyne and i cannot wait for your judges' pick," craig smiles as he applauds madelyne and kai who thank him, before looking at motsi for her comment

"i'm completely stumped for words! that was so much fun and just radiated pure happiness! like, all i can feel from both of your dances so far is just joy and energy! like, i wanted to get up on the stage and dance with you two! your connection is so strong and your technique is flawless. well done you two, you are on a roll tonight for the final!" motsi winked as madelyne felt herself blush as she felt kai hug her tighter as they then turned to anton

"what else can i say madelyne? the other judges have said everything! this dance was per-fec-tion! it had everything that a showdance should have in it and you danced it beautifully! your lifts were effortless, i mean, everything in this dance was perfect from top to bottom, left to right, and side to side. well done darling, you were sensational!" anton winks as madelyne smiles, thanking him again as kai does as well

tess smiles as she turns back to madelyne and kai, "amazing comments, yet again you two. however, like last time, we don't have enough time sadly to talk about them. so, go over to claudia with the judges' scores!" tess smiles as madelyne and kai grab hands and run over to the box to get their second round of judges' scores

"...the judges' scores are in...craig revel horwood..."

"...10!"

"motsi mabuse..."

"...10!"

"shirley ballas..."

"...10!"

"anton du beke..."

"...10!" anton smiled as the contestants and box all jumped up in cheers and applause for another one of madelyne and kai's perfect scores

"congratulations, madelyne and kai, another perfect score! literally record-breaking this, i've at this point lost count of how many 40s these two have gotten throughout this competiton," claudia laughs as madelyne and kai nod their heads, just as astounded as the first time

once again, the couple were ushered out to get changed into their outfits for the third and final dance, their judges' pick. which was their couple's choice from two weeks ago in which madelyne dedicated to her deceased dad. all the other contestants had since performed their third and final dance leaving just madelyne and kai to perform their last dance.

and out of nowhere, the show had suddenly gotten way too emotional from all the other couple's choices/judges' picks. however, it seemed as if madelyne and kai were about to just make everyone even more emotional with their judges' picks. so, in anticipation of how her brother and F1 family were going to react, especially charles, lorenzo and arthur (and the other drivers), madelyne and kai watched their final ever vt package before their final dance on strictly come dancing for 2024.

in this final vt, no one was laughing or messing around because they didn't want to risk fucking up this beautiful and meaningful couple's choice. performed two weeks ago, it was a dance that was actually very emotional and important to madelyne but important to kai as well. for the reason being that he was absolutely honoured to get to be the person showing the entire country this new and vulnerable side to madelyne that wasn't even shown two weeks ago when the dance was first performed. a side of madelyne that no one had ever seen, not even in the few seconds of a strictly vt package before a dance. just like two weeks ago, this couple's choice was showing the country the losses that madelyne went through at eighteen when she lost her dad to cancer. as well as the loss of her brother charles' godfather jules bianchi back in 2015 after the japanese grand prix 2014. opening up about many things, one of them that didn't make the cut was the effect of how painful ballet was for her since it was included during the it takes two feature.

all she wanted for this final dance was to pay tribute to her beautiful father herve and godfather jules. she was dancing to "pink skies" by zach bryan which reminded her of her dad . so, for madelyne, this was an important song that she was dancing to as well as an important last dance for her time in this competition. only hoping it was enough to get her that glitterball.

"...this last dance, which is a dance that the judges' have picked, is the most emotional and the most open i have ever been with anyone. we did this dance two weeks ago and, whilst it would usually terrify me to be so open and honest with anyone let alone an entire country and wider europe, i stupidly chickened out two weeks ago when i originally should have been honest and opened up. opened up about the importance and the significance this dance has for me. i have waited way too long to do this and if i am to wait any longer, i'll never do it. so, what better way to be vulnerable than getting a second chance to do the very dance that was supposed to be me at my most vulnerable. but with the dancer and person that i have trusted my whole life with for the last thirteen weeks?" madelyne speaks in a voiceover over her doing a dance move from the contemporary couple's choice dance in rehearsals

"in 2014, i was at my first F1 race since i was ten due to my ballet school getting stricter than ever before and it was at this F1 race that my brother charles' godfather jules bianchi would drive for the last ever time. without realising it at first, that race would be the last time i'd ever get to speak to jules. and the last conversation i had with him was him begging me to just quit ballet because he could tell how much pain it was putting me through, even at the young age of sixteen. it was at that race, the last time i'd ever see jules, that i promised him that when i returned back to monaco that i'd quit ballet. but then he got into a fatal accident during the race and would later die months later in 2015 and he'd never know that i lied to him and didn't quit ballet until two years later in 2017 after the loss of my father..."

"...and the only reason why i left ballet after the death of my dad was because i didn't think there was anything worse than him no longer watching me dance ever again. even though he knew how much pain and trauma ballet put me through, he knew somewhere inside of me there was that little two-year-old that was so excited to finally start ballet that it didn't matter that i was being treated in that way that that was why i stayed for so long. and it wasn't until after losing dad that i realised just how awful and messed up my thought process was for thinking that..." madelyne paused as she took in a shaky breath so she wouldn't cry straight away

"...i definitely supressed a lot of those emotions in regards to the trauma and fear that being a ballerina put me through that i just thought if i ignored it, it would just go away. but it never went away. it got so bad that at one point, i refused to see any of my ballet friends because even just thinking about them would have me spiralling. whilst they understood why i couldn't see them, i know it killed them inside because they missed me because it killed me in the same way. not seeing my friends from ballet was hell on earth but it was what saved my life at the end of the day..." madelyne's voice faltered before she gained control back and continued

"...and whilst it's mentioned a lot how my trauma affected me, i don't want it to be forgotten at how it affected my family, my brother's most especially. they also went through hell watching me suffer because of the one thing i loved more than anything else in the world. they had to watch me almost die because of the way i was beat down by my ballet company as they overworked and underfed me weeks at a time, sending me home as though nothing was wrong and as though they weren't going to get caught..."

"...the saddest thing about the entire situation is, i was just a little girl that loved to dance and wanted to make it my job. i had dreams as a girl of being a prima ballerina professionally and for as long as my body allowed me to. however that never got to happen and it never will. and it breaks my heart to think that i kept myself in that dangerous environment up until the day my dad took his last dying breath. that was when it clicked in my head that my dad had been right all along, i wasn't in love with ballet this entire time, i was scared of it because it was painful and that was why i promised myself i'd never dance again for as long as i lived. and then, six years later, i broke that promise..."

"...breaking it because i also knew that if i never tried dance again that i wouldn't ever know real happiness because dad knew that even though ballet did hurt and cause pain, not all dance was like that..." madelyne sniffled as she covered her face before she gave up trying to be in control, finally starting to cry as the clip ended

a different video of her then started to play where she wasn't crying.

"...getting to perform this dance a second time, especially two weeks after originally dancing it with the rest of my brother's F1 grid there to watch it live just feels absolutely unreal. i mean, i've been so secretive about my couple's choice dance to the rest of the family. i even went as far as forcing them to not find the video of last week's performance on youtube and to not watch it so they would be completely surprised for saturday. but also because i know. how much of an emotional moment it's going to be for them and i want it to be the same surprise for them as it was for lorenzo when he first saw it two weeks ago when he came to watch it. i also know how healing it'll be for them, especially charles and arthur so, i wanted to make sure it stayed pure for them, hence why i didn't tell them. and also why i forced them to skip that performance from two weeks ago. lorenzo and mum are genuinely the only ones who know this dance and its ins and outs and, it made them cry their eyes out when they saw it live. so, if i got them to cry, it's for sure going to get charles, arthur and maybe a couple of the other drivers. and, hopefully my fiancé to shed a tear or two as well and, honestly, that's my goal," madelyne chuckled cheekily in a less emotional clip before more clips of the couple's choice rehearsals were shown as was lorenzo and pascale's initial reactions of the dance

"for my couple's choice on saturday, my last ever dance on strictly come dancing, i will be dedicating it to my dad herve but also to jules bianchi. they will never get to physically witness this moment in person of me finally finding dance healing instead of hurting but i do know that they're watching from above somewhere. you two will never be forgotten and neither will your love and support, you are so loved!" madelyne finishes off the vt with a heartfelt dedication to her dad herve and godfather jules bianchi

as soon as kai and madelyne finished the dance, she basically took a breath in before starting to cry as she ran over to her three brothers. charles, as everyong (secretly) bet on, had started crying from the moment the vt started playing. arthur started crying the moment the song started and lorenzo not long after. so, when it came to who to hug first, madelyne quickly had to decide, ultimately hugging her older brother and mum first.

pulling away to then move to hug charles and arthur, then moving to the other drivers, starting with daniel and max as she then hugged carlos, esteban, pierrie (gasly) and lando and the girlfriends.

after hugging one more person, her fiancé pierre. with kisses to everyone else again, madelyne ran back over to kai and tess. kai grabbed a tight hold of her hand and squeezed as they got prepared for a final lot of judges' comments.

"that was a gorgeous dance, you two but, before i start crying, which could get very ugly, we'll move straight on to our judges, shirley?" tess chuckles as she swiftly brings finger under her eye as shirley smiles sweetly

"oh, madelyne, whilst this is our second time seeing this dance, this is what we've been wating for! all we've wanted after so many amazingly precise and perfectly choreographed dances, even seeing this dance two weeks ago, was your vulnerability. and i am so glad you were finally able to show us after being intimidated by it two weeks ago because watching this exact dance tonight in comparison to those two weeks ago was so much better. it was so much better because we were able to really understand the song choice behind the dance and the meaning of it for you. which in turn made this weeks version of it a million miles better and that much more gutwrenching when it was paired with that emotional videotape at the beginning to then be followed by it's beautiful dance. thank you for sharing this dance with us for a second time. clearly, there was a reason why we chose it as the judges' pick *giggles*. and i am sure kai's just as thankful for you opening up to him so you two could get this dance to the pure perfection that it was just then. you were utterly stunnning and if this dance isn't what gets you two that glitterball, well i'll be damned! perfection, you two, perfection!" shirley smiles with a cheeky wink as madelyne tearfully giggles, her tears drying as kai consoles her as he sweetly smiles over at shirley before craig spoke up

"i have no idea what to say because that was just exquisite, i mean, there was absolutely nothing wrong with it. i mean, all these other dances tonight, they've been so many mistakes. tiny little things that should have been fixed weeks ago when it's the final. but, every single dance that we've seen from you two, madelyne and kai, have been perfection! and watching this one again with the new vulnerability and backstory just broke my heart and that doesn't happen because i'm almost always heartless *laughter*. but watching you open yourself up to all of us and to be so trusting of us to keep it safe just made my heart grow a couple of sizes only to have it be broken!" craig huffed as madelyne giggled, kai was smiling as tess gestured to motsi who was slightly more emotional than shirley and craig

"this dance was gorgeous, madelyne! watching you dance it a second time with the added context was beautiful and it was gut-wrenching but it was beautiful and it was filled with hope. i don't have any words because not only did the others take mine away but, seeing you dance like that and get so vulnerable just took everything i could think about away from me. i mean, this is all we ever want to see a contestant do, we want them to open up to and be vulnerable and feel safe to do so. but, the fact it has taken you this long, until the final, for you to become this vulnerable honestly breaks my heart because it feels like we should and could have given you this opportunity way earlier, not just two weeks ago when you first gave us this masterpiece. but, i am just utterly grateful to see this dance a second time now and have the honour to experience it for the first time, knowing what it means to you and why you were dancing it. just like shirley said, if this dance doesn't get you this goddamn glitterball, i'm going to throw my shoe and then eat it, and i'm not even joking in the slightest!" motsi ends her comment as everyone giggles, anton then collects himself as he had also gotten emotional before starting his comment

"wow, i mean, that really made me emotional and took me out. and it's all i've ever wanted to see from you, madelyne and i'm so glad we finally got to see it. watching you in that vt share all those things that you've possibly never told anyone let alone an entire country was the bravest thing i've ever seen you do in these thirteen weeks that we've gotten to know you. the way you both had so much control yet sensitivity to the topic and the song was breathtaking. i am so proud of you madelyne and i know that your dad, herve as well as jules, are as well! i'm just so sorry that they're not here to tell you in person!" anton's voice breaks as he calms himself down and madelyne smiles sweetly, making the decision to quickly run over and give him a hug in gratitude for his kind words

tess smiled as she thanked the judges wordlessly for their comments as she explained that once again, she couldn't have madelyne and kai talk about their thoughts on the comments. ushering them over to claudia and the showbox, where they were able to.

claudia smiled as she spoke up, "what an incredibly emotional dance, half of our studio is still recovering *laughter* and frankly so am i! but, before we get to our judges' scores, madelyne, you mentioned in your vt that whilst dedicating this dance to your father herve, you also dedicated it to your older brother charles' godfather jules bianchi, why was that?" claudia questions as madelyne smiles as she nods her head

"the reason why i also dedicated this dance to jules was because just like my own dad, jules will never get the chance to see me love dance again. like mentioned in the VT, my last moments with him before he'd pass on, he begged me to quit ballet because he knew that it wasn't healthy anymore and i promised him until he died and then i broke it because he wouldn't have ever known that i lied to him. and, it wasn't until the death of my dad that i finally realised why jules had begged me to quit and i did. and charles dedicates his entire racing career to our dad and jules so, i thought it was only right i dedicate my new dance career to them as well," madelyne smiled sweetly as emotional gasps and cheers filled the arena at the girl's statement

claudia's eyes widening with joy at hearing madelyne say that she'd continue dancing and make it into a career. the camera then zoomed down to the audience and close to her brothers, their eyes all welling up with tears.

"oh, madelyne, that is so very kind and sweet of you. now that we are still all recovering here after hearing that, don't lie *laughter*, let's get these judges' scores shall we?" claudia chuckles as do madelyne and kai as they hold hands tightly and wait as patiently as they can

"...the judges' scores are in... craig revel horwood..."

"...10!"

"motsi mabuse..."

"...10!"

"shirley ballas..."

"...10!"

"anton du beke..."

"...10!" anton smiled as the showbox filled with cheers and applause for another perfect score for madelyne and kai

"what an amazing score you two, all three of your dances tonight have been perfect scores! which, if you guys were counting, gives madelyne and kai a goddamn world record. because, like i said earlier tonight, i have lost count of how many perfect scores they have recieved *laughter*. in all seriousness though, congratulations you two, that dance was perfection and possibly one of the best final dances we've ever seen, if not the best!" claudia spoke in utter shock as madelyne and kai just nodded their heads

the both them in shock and still emotional from the dance because, phew, forget about it if you didn't get emotional during that dance!

🩰

after waiting for what felt like years, it had finally come to the moment that was the be-all or end-all for the remaining three contestants left. madelyne and kai stood closest to the right of the stage right where her family sat, the other two couples on their left side, which she felt good about because it meant that she was right in the eye-line of her family. and, if she needed them, she could focus her eyes and concentration on them if she could just bring herself to do it and it would make her feel better. it all just seemed absolutely terrifying for madelyne. sure, she had gone through twleve weeks, not including tonight, of strictly come dancing results but, it was still the first time she was on a competition show like this let alone in general. holding kai's hand in a double lock with her own, she couldn't bear looking up to face anyone. not even her family like she thought she'd be able to do. comforting her as best as he could, kai only wished that he could do all he could to make madelyne feel less scared, especially since she had just spent all these weeks so closed off and basically hidden away from everyone to all of a sudden opening herself up. sharing her whole life with the world in a matter of moments during the final, he only wished he could have switched places with the young girl. however, he couldn't take her fear away or her nausea but what he could do was comfort her and take care of her like he's done the last thirteen weeks. they painstakingly waited for the final results and to who the hell was lifting this goddamn strictly glitterball trophy!

and finally, it was time to find out the winner of strictly come dancing 2024, "madelyne & kai, sarah & vito and chris & dianne, the votes have been counted and independently verified. and now we can reveal the strictly come dancing champions are..."

"...madelyne and kai!!" tess and claudia announce as screams are unleashed from the stage and audience

and poor madelyne just doesn't react at all. kai is shaking her to let her know that it was them that had won which finally proceeds to set off the sweetest reaction from the young girl. she latches onto kai and doesn't let him go as they both start crying.

"also, massive congratulations to our wonderful runners-up, sarah & vito and chris & dianne, come on over here darlings," tess says, hollering the other two couples over so madelyne and kai could accept their trophy

"madelyne and kai, you are our winners, how does it feel?" tess questions as madelyne basically shuts down and starts laughing as kai watches on fondly with a sweet smile as he tries to calm himself down

"ummm....*laughter* it feels pretty cool?" madelyne shyly chuckles, her voice up an octave with her accent poking through as she then tries to rack her brain for something better than just pretty cool

gesturing to kai, tess smiles, "it feels amazing, i mean, i just got to say the biggest thank you to this sweet, loving, talented young lady that made my whole life's work come true. i mean, i've only been a pro on this show for a little less than some of the other pros after but, i've been waiting for a moment like this for my whole life. and, now it's finally happened and it...it's all thanks to this lovely young lady right next to me! you are extraordinary, madelyne! i mean, what a human being you are, right? you are something else and, i just love you, i really do so, i just gotta also say the biggest thank you to your lovely fiancé pierre for letting me steal you and ultimately trusting me in taking care of her *laughter*. she is so understanding, so funny and she's just the best team player so, big up on you putting a ring on it pierre before someone else could *laughter*..." kai trailed off before he could get anymore emotional as madelyne giggled softly before racking her brain with anything else to say

with some encouragement from claudia, madelyne finally found the words to say to explain how much kai and the entire experience meant to her, "...i...i just want to say, you are so incredible, kai and you always pushed me to be the person i always wanted myself to be. and, you always had the utmost belief in me than i sometimes had in myself! you already know what an amazing teacher you are but, i just feel like i haven't expressed to you enough what a great friend you are because this entire journey *laughter* it was always you that was there for me when my friends and family weren't able to be. and, i just can't thank you enough for what you've done these last thirteen weeks of this season in my life like, you're so amazing and i am so grateful i was gifted as having you as my pro and as a best friend. we've gone through so much together and i just want you to know and remember that no matter what happens, no matter where we go in life after this and when we next see each other after this, i hope you never forget that you'll always have a piece of my heart, kai. and you'll never ever be forgotten as the person who truly gave me back my love and home that is dance and i can't thank you enough for that because it means more than you could ever know," madelyne sobbed at the end as kai tearfully chuckled as he swiped madelyne up in a hug as he quietly thanked her in the hug

the studio audience, judges, hosts and fellow contestants then showered the winners in applause and cheers.

"congratulations..."

"...we did it!"

"yes, you did it! the glitterball trophy is yours! your strictly come dancing champions 2024...you can lift it up!" after some hesitations as to who was going to pick it up, madelyne just went for it and lifted up the trophy whilst kai hugged from behind as sparkles flew and cheers were heard from probably a couple of countries let alone the next couple of counties over because of how loud everyone in the studio was

madelyne and kai celebrated as claudia and tess finished up the show, closing it out for one final time for the year before the christmas special. after once again, congratulating kai and madelyne as the 2024 strictly champions, sade's smooth operator played in the background. it played as the winning couple danced together for one last final time as the other contestants stormed the stage. however, it truly couldn't have been a winning moment if the two winners weren't lifted up in the air. so, the contestants parted ways to let the leclerc and F1 families through to have the honour in lifting up the winners.

then, when the show finally went off the air, charles, arthur and lorenzo, who had been the three holding up madelyne, let their sister to the floor. only for her to be picked right back up again by her fiancé as they celebrated together. the contestants and family then go wild as the engaged couple kissed which made the couple giggle. then, people started to post on their social media about madelyne and kai's amazing win after strictly's instagram post. madelyne then posted her own, posting one last weekly strictly come dancing update before announcing in that very same post that she and kai had indeed won the show!

liked by bbcstrictly, charles_leclerc, arthur_leclerc, lorenzot, maxverstappen1, pierrelaurant, nadiyabychkova, amy_dowden, diannebuswell and 99k others

madelyne_leclerc photo one & two : me and kai hardcore rehearsing for the final of strictly come dancing.

photo three : me and pierre recreating our old soft launch photos after his surprise homecoming from the military.

photo four : this is what i call my serious dancer face.

photo five : kai and i in action doing what we do best.

photo six : the photo we took with the glitterball before it was announced that it was ours!

yes, kai and i are the 2024 strictly come dancing champions! i am beyond happy that a girl that was a former abused ballerina could even win a show like strictly. in time i'll post a more sentimental caption with more sentimental photos but this is all my emotions are allowing me to post right now before i burst out into tears again. i have loved every second of this experience and i am beyond grateful i was able to do it with kai. and i truly think i could live with being a latin & ballroom dancer for the rest of my life 💃

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bbcstrictly still crying over this monumental win, not going to lie

madelyne_leclerc bbcstrictly so am i guys, so am i!

charles_leclerc watching myself cry my eyes out and scream in excitement and joy that whole evening will for sure become a meme at some point if it hasn't already

madelyne_leclerc charles_leclerc you are such a sweetheart charlie! i love you

charles_leclerc madelyne_leclerc i love you too sweet girl!

arthur_leclerc charles wasn't the only one crying the whole time, jesus! that's my entire river of tears gone for the rest of this year and maybe the next two!

madelyne_leclerc arthur_leclerc you say that now, thurthur...

arthur_leclerc madelyne_leclerc ssh, come on now mads, don't call me out!

lorenzot that moment your name was called out as the winner and seeing your reaction will always make me awe and make my heart go all warm and fuzzy

madelyne_leclerc lorenzot i hope they post a gif of my reaction and then a gif of how you guys in the audience reacted!

lorenzot madelyne_leclerc oh my gosh, they totally should!

pierrelaurant oh i am so proud of you mi bebe! watching you win that glitterball was truly everything i could have ever dreamt of!

madelyne_leclerc pierrelaurant i love you, mi amour!

maxverstappen1 you are a beautiful dancer mads, makes my heart happy seeing you come alive again

madelyne_leclerc maxverstappen1 aw that's so sweet maxie! thank you so much, it was truly a joy and i'm glad you got to be a part of it

maxverstappen1 madelyne_leclerc but in all seriousness, mads, like arthur, i think all of my tears have been cried for the next few years! when you dedicated the couples' choice to herve and jules will always make me cry!

madelyne_leclerc maxverstappen1 it was something i was always going to do, maxie!

nadiyabychkova i love you so much, madelyne! and i'll miss you every week. you and kai so deserved that win! i was sobbing the whole time!

madelyne_leclerc nadiyabychkova i love you too nadiya, and i'll miss you more! and i saw you sobbing and i was wanting to run and give you a hug so badly but i couldn't get to you!

amy_dowden omg watching you lift that glitterball was the most wholesome thing ever! i love you mads!

madelyne_leclerc amy_dowden i love you too amy! i'll miss seeing you every week omg!

diannebuswell oh my gawd, watching you dance your couples' choice dance again was so emotional and then watching you win was too much for me! i'm so proud of you madelyne! i miss you already!!

madelyne_leclerc diannebuswell i miss you too dianne! and i agree, rewatching that vt package before the dance was rough holy crap, shocked i didn't cry until the very end of the dance!

fin

although this is once again another one-shot that has been reimagined for charles and the grid, i'm still very proud of it! if there is any errors like incorrect names, do let me know and i'll correct it lol. i'm finishing this quite late and on a work night so, i need to go to bed lol. i also just realised this is probs gonna be my last published fic of 2024 before the new year, holy fuck that's wack as fuck! so, happy almost new year my lovelies! 2024 has been a flash in time but it's been a wacky year for sure with so many ups and downs so i'm excited for 2025!

#formula one #angst #fluff #charles leclerc #max verstappen #lando norris #carlos sainz jr #esteban ocon #strictly come dancing x f1 crossover

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