ELLIE Leach was crowned this year’s Strictly Come Dancing winner during tonight’s grand final.
The Coronation Street star, 22, beat actor Bobby Brazier and West End star Layton Williams to claim the top spot after three long months of training – making her the youngest ever.
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Coronation Street star Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola have won Strictly Come Dancing 2023.
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They defeated Dianne Buswell and Bobby Brazier for the Glitter Ball trophy
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Nikita Kuzmin and famous partner Layton Williams won the first perfect score in the final
Ellie told presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly after her name was announced: “I actually honestly can’t believe this.”
Turning to her professional partner Vito Coppola, who was in tears, she said: “For once you cry more than me, this is for you.”
He replied: “I mean this is like the icing on the cake, all the bruises and blisters, you’ve been so amazing, you’re Strictly.
“You represent Strictly. You are a diamond, you shine.”
Bobby and his partner Dianne Buswell wowed the audience with the La La Land Medley for their Show Dance, as well as Maxwell’s This Woman’s Work – their couple’s choice.
They also danced a samba to Candi Staton’s Young Hearts Run Free as part of the judges’ selection.
Ellie and Vito Coppola decided on the Jennifer Lopez Megamix in the Show Dance category, and the second time they tried American Smooth to Ain’t That A Kick In The Head by Robbie Williams.
They also performed 2WEI’s Paso Doble to Insomnia – the judges’ choice – but not without Vito kissing Ellie on the cheek.
Layton and Nikita Kuzmin dazzled the dance floor with the Argentinian tango to Tattoo by Loreen – their favorite dance.
They continued to impress fans with Ne-Yo’s Friend Like Me for their Show Dance, as well as Gregory Porter’s Quickstep to Puttin’ On The Ritz – which was the judges’ choice.
Although everyone received great feedback, only one couple could lift the glitter ball trophy.
As always, judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke gave their marks, helping viewers choose the winner.
Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daily hosted, with Tess staying near the dance floor to talk to the couples after each dance and Claudia looking after the couples in the gallery.
Professional dancer Amy Dowden even made an epic return to the show – after finishing chemotherapy for breast cancer.
Mr. Nasty himself, Craig Revel Horwood, broke down in tears as he criticized Ellie and Vito.
Bobby’s last dance was in tribute to his late mother, Big Brother star Jade Goody.
After the announcement of the winner, some fans strongly condemned the scoring of the judges and demanded a change of the show.
Annabel Croft was kicked out last week, with Nigel Harman, Angela Scanlon, Angela Rippon, Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Adam Thomas, Zara McDermott, Eddie Kadi, Jody Cundy, Nikita Kanda and Les Dennis hanging up their dancing shoes in previous weeks.
However, this series was not without a lot of drama.
Amanda Abbington has broken her silence, today, after it was revealed she will be ‘abandoning’ tonight’s final.
The BBC has confirmed that the Sherlock actress will not return for the show’s swan song, amid speculation that she is falling out with her dance partner Giovanni Pernice.
Amanda took to her Instagram profile where she shared a photo of the three final couples, writing: “Good luck tonight to these six beautiful people.”
The BBC revealed Amanda would not be returning tonight in a statement earlier this week.
A spokesperson for the show told OK!: “Amanda has decided to withdraw from the competition, so she will not be returning to the final.”
Nigel Harman has also withdrawn from competition in this series after picking up an injury, but will be in attendance tonight.
A representative said: “Nigel Harman will return to the final of Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday 16 December, he will be featured on the show alongside the other 2,023 cast members.
“He had to leave the competition early due to an injury, so he will not be competing in the final.”
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Ellie and Vito stunned the judges with their Paso Doble
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Dianne and Bobby moved viewers to tears on Saturday night with a tribute to his late mother Jade GoodyCredit: PA
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Ellie and Vito looked delighted as they lifted the glittering ball trophyCredit: BBC
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