IT was the fairytale ending they had hoped – and, more importantly, trained – for.

More than 100 hours of practice and rehearsals came together on the big day as the Daily Echo’s very own Strictly couple Mel Adams and Gordon Simpson tied the knot – and in some style.

When they began preparations for their big day little did they know that their celebration with family and friends would be televised to the nation after the couple signed up to learn their “first dance” from Strictly Come Dancing star Natalie Lowe.

For weeks the couple have spent every spare moment in training, in between the small matter of organising their winter wedding.

All the hard work paid off on the night as, dressed in their Strictly best, Mel and Gordon took to the dance floor at the Montagu Arms in Beaulieu where they held their reception.

Sparkling in a diamante-encrusted blush-coloured dress, Mel struck her opening pose with her new husband, who had swapped his kilt for a stylish open-necked white shirt and undone bow tie.

What followed was a flawless dancing display combining classic waltz steps to A Moment Like This by Leona Lewis before the pace was cranked up with a stunning cha-cha-cha to Barry White’s My First, My Last, My Everything.

The routine moved some guests to tears, left others speechless and had them all shouting for more – it was the perfect 10.

Last night their very own “show dance” was screened on BBC2 spin-off show It Takes Two, which has been documenting the couple’s progress.

Speaking about their performance Mel, 30, from Southampton, said: “It was, from start to finish, the most amazing day ever – my fairytale dream come true.

“Gordon did me proud on the dance floor. All the training was totally worth it.

“The reaction of everyone there was just incredible, they really made it the special day that it was.”

The couple were also given a surprise of their own as after the dazzling performance they were presented with a two-week cruise courtesy of P&O, who had provided training facilities for the couple.

Natalie, who was also a guest at the wedding, said: “I was emotional, proud and honoured to be there. It was the perfect day.

“My favourite part of the ceremony was when they went down the aisle hand in hand as husband and wife.

“Just watching it back is so overwhelming. I didn’t get to be on Strictly this year, and for me it was the most rewarding and emotional and fulfilling job I have ever been in.”