Strictly Come Dancing’s Kelvin Fletcher and Oti Mabuse break down in tears as they win the Glitterball trophy
STRICTLY Come Dancing’s Kelvin Fletcher and his pro partner Oti Mabuse broke down in tears as they won the show and lifted the Glitterball trophy tonight.
The former Emmerdale actor , 35, – who was the favourite to win the show – beat off competition from Emma Barton and Karim Zeroual.
Kelvin joined the show last minute as the replacement for injured Jamie Laing just days before it was due to begin.
Looking utterly shocked, he said: “I’m absolutely speechless, I did not expect that, it’s been such a privilege to be here.”
Those watching at home were delighted by the win and took to Twitter to comment on it.
One person wrote: “WINNERS @kelvin_fletcher and @OtiMabuse massive congratulations. you two absolutely smashed it every week. So happy for you both. #TheBest #Strictly #StrictlyFinal.”
Another tweeted: “Fantastic for Kelvin, who was a reserve for this series, to win the show! Well deserved and a great partnership with Oti… #Strictly #SCD.”
While someone else added: “Yaaaaassssss, I am so happy right now, @kelvin_fletcher you were a-ma-zing from Week 1 and @OtiMabuse you are a true queen. So deserving of that Glitterball #Strictly.”
Speaking after his win, Kelvin said: “I think this show represents everything that is amazing with this country, I think the people personify what is great and it’s just been an absolute privilege.”
He added, to Oti: “Thank you for the most amazing experience of my life. Thank you to Emma and Karim, Anton and Amy, and all the pros and all the celebs, the judges, everybody at home who has supported me, I feel so proud to be part of this, so thank you.”
Oti, through tears, said: “I’ve been on this show for five years and I have never ever met any celeb who gives his heart, his soul…
“If something is not working we stay in training and rehearse, not because he wanted to win but because he genuinely, genuinely loves dancing, and for me that is the best gift and the best ending to my year, so thank you.
The final leaderboard saw Karim at the top with a combined 119 points from the judges, with Kelvin in second place with 118 and Emma in third with 116.
Host Claudia Winkleman had reminded viewers earlier in the episode that the judges’ scores were for guidance only, as only the public vote counted in the final.
The show kicked off with Karim and Amy dancing their judges’ pick routine, a quickstep to Mr Pinstripe Suit, for which they were awarded 40 points.
Emma and Anton were next with their Charleston to Thoroughly Modern Millie from musicals week, for which the judges gave them 39.
Kelvin and Oti were the third to dance on the night, and they were given 39 points from the judges when they repeated their rumba to Ain’t No Sunshine.
The couples then each performed their showdances, routines “without rules”.
Karim and Amy performed a contemporary routine to A Million Dreams from The Greatest Showman, which left the children’s TV presenter in tears on leaving the dancefloor, before they were given 39 points.
Emma and Anton opted for classic Hollywood glamour for their showdance to Irving Berlin’s Let Yourself Go, which was largely praised by the judges but which also received the lowest single score of the night, an eight from Craig Revel Horwood, giving them an overall mark of 38.
Kelvin and Oti won a full 40 points for their energetic dance to Shout by the Isley Brothers, described by Bruno Tonioli as a “tour de force”.
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For their final number, a previous dance picked by them, Karim and Amy performed their jive to You Can’t Stop The Beat from Hairspray and earned a standing ovation and another 40 points.
In their final dance, Emma and Anton performed the Viennese waltz to the musical song Send In The Clowns, and they were given 39 points from the judges.
Kelvin and Oti closed the show with their choice of dance, their first week samba to La Vida Es Un Carnaval by Celia Cruz.
The panel gave them 39 points for the routine.
US pop star Taylor Swift was the special musical guest for the grand final, and she performed her song Lover.
The previous star contestants from the series, including James Cracknell, Anneka Rice, Catherine Tyldesley, Chris Ramsey and Will Bayley, returned for one final dance along with the professionals.