Jump directly to the content

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.

 Kevlin and Oti looked very shocked as they won they show
20
Kevlin and Oti looked very shocked as they won they show

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.”

 Oti also broke down in tears over their win
20
Oti also broke down in tears over their win
 Kelvin and Oti raised the Glitterball trophy after their win
20
Kelvin and Oti raised the Glitterball trophy after their win
 The pair broke down in tears when their names were announced
20
The pair broke down in tears when their names were announced

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.

 Kelvin and Oti celebrated their win
20
Kelvin and Oti celebrated their winCredit: BBC
 The pair embraced following their success
20
The pair embraced following their success
 Kelvin cheered as he celebrated with his cast mates
20
Kelvin cheered as he celebrated with his cast mates
 Kelvin was a replacement on the show after Jamie Laing was injured
20
Kelvin was a replacement on the show after Jamie Laing was injured
 Kelvin continually delighted viewers with his dance routines
20
Kelvin continually delighted viewers with his dance routines
 Sensational... Kelvin and Oti
20
Sensational... Kelvin and OtiCredit: WARNING: Use of this image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' Digital Picture

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.

 Kelvin's dad also broke down in tears
20
Kelvin's dad also broke down in tears
 Kelvin Fletcher, Emma Barton and Karim Zeroual competed for the Glitterball trophy
20
Kelvin Fletcher, Emma Barton and Karim Zeroual competed for the Glitterball trophy
 Emma has helped Anton get to the final for the first time
20
Emma has helped Anton get to the final for the first time
 Superb...Anton and Emma
20
Superb...Anton and EmmaCredit: WARNING: Use of this image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' Digital Picture

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".

 Karim was at the top of the leader board following tonight's show
20
Karim was at the top of the leader board following tonight's show
 Epic...Karim with Amy
20
Epic...Karim with AmyCredit: WARNING: Use of this image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' Digital Picture
 The judges gave out a lot of tens during the show
20
The judges gave out a lot of tens during the show
 The three finalists all impressed on the night
20
The three finalists all impressed on the night
 Star turn...Taylor Swift was singing on the show and was supporting the finalists
20
Star turn...Taylor Swift was singing on the show and was supporting the finalists

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.

Kelvin Fletcher and Oti Mabuse WIN Strictly Come Dancing 2019 final
20
Topics