Strictly Come Dancing 2023 winner revealed in tense final after stars shed tears on emotional night

ELLIE Leach has been crowned this year’s Strictly Come Dancing’s winner during tonight’s grand finale.

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.

Ellie told hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly after her name was announced: “I actually genuinely cannot believe this.”

Turning to her professional partner Vito Coppola, who was in tears, she said: “For once you’re crying more than me, this is for you.”

He responded: “I mean this is like the cherry on the cake, all the bruises and blisters, you have been so amazing, you are Strictly.

“You represent Strictly. You are the diamond, you are shining.”

Bobby, and his partner Dianne Buswell, wowed viewers with a La La Land Medley for their Show Dance, as well as This Woman’s Work by Maxwell – their Couple’s Choice.

They also danced the Samba to Young Hearts Run Free by Candi Staton as part of the Judges’ Pick.

Ellie and Vito Coppola opted for a Jennifer Lopez Megamix in the Show Dance category, and took a second shot at the American Smooth to Ain’t That A Kick In The Head by Robbie Williams.

They also performed the Paso Doble to Insomnia by 2WEI – the Judges’ Pick – but not without Vito giving Ellie a kiss on the cheek.

Layton and Nikita Kuzmin dazzled the dancefloor with the Argentine Tango to Tattoo by Loreen – their Favourite Dance.

They went on to impress fans with Friend Like Me by Ne-Yo for their Show Dance, as well as the Quickstep to Puttin’ On The Ritz by Gregory Porter – which was the Judges’ Pick.

While they all received excellent feedback, only one couple could lift the glitterball trophy.

As always, judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke gave their scores, helping viewers to choose their winner.

Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daily hosted, with Tess staying close to the dance floor to speak to the couples following each dance and Claudia looking after the pairs in the gallery.

Pro damcer Amy Dowden even made an epic return to the show – after finishing chemotherapy treatment for her breast cancer.

And Mr Nasty himself, Craig Revel Horwood broke down in tears while critiquing Ellie and Vito.

Bobby’s final dance was in tribute tribute to his late mum, the Big Brother star Jade Goody.

After the winners were announced, some fans slammed the judges’ scoring and demanded a change to the show.

Annabel Croft was voted off 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.

This series hasn’t come without its fair share of drama, though.

Amanda Abbington broken her silence, today, after it was revealed she would be ‘snubbing’ tonight’s final.

The BBC had confirmed the Sherlock actress would not return for the show’s swansong, amid speculation she is feuding with her dance partner Giovanni Pernice.

Amanda took to her Instagram account where she shared a snap of the three final couples, writing: “Good luck tonight to these six beautiful humans.”

The BBC revealed Amanda would not be returning tonight in a statement earlier this week.

: “Amanda decided to withdraw from the competition, therefore she will not be returning for the final.”

Nigel Harman also withdrew from the competition this series after sustaining an injury, but he will be attending this evening.

A rep said: “Nigel Harman will be returning for the final of Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday 16th December, he will be featured in the show alongside other 2023 cast members.

“He had to leave the competition early due to sustaining an injury, therefore will not be performing in the final.”