Strictly Come Dancing fans rejoice as Kelvin Fletcher wins the Glitterball trophy

STRICTLY Come Dancing fans rejoiced this evening as Kelvin Fletcher won the Glitterball trophy.

The former Emmerdale actor – who was the favourite to win the show alongside his pro Oti Mabuse – beat off competition from Emma Barton and Karim Zeroual.

The 35-year-old broke down in tears as Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced he had won.

Looking utterly shocked, he said: “I’m absolutely speechless, I did not expect that, it’s been such a privilege to be here.”

The show kicked off with children’s TV presenter Karim Zeroual and his partner Amy Dowden scoring a full 40 points for their upbeat and colourful quickstep.

Next up were Emma  Barton and Anton Du Beke, who repeated their Charleston to Thoroughly Modern Millie from musicals week, chosen for them by the judges.

They  were awarded 39 points for the routine, with a nine coming from Revel Horwood, their second attempt at the routine failing to get the 10 from him.

Former Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher and his partner Oti Mabuse were the third to perform their judges’ pick routine, a rumba to Ain’t No Sunshine.

The judges scored them 39 points, with Craig again being the only one to give a nine rather than a 10.