Stacey Dooley and her professional dance partner, Kevin Clifton, were crowned the champions of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing in last night’s episode of the BBC One latin and ballroom competition.
The pair battled it out against Steps band member Faye Tozer, vlogger Joe Sugg – who is Zoella’s brother – and Pussycat Dolls band member Ashley Roberts to the hotspot, but ultimately it was Stacey{
During the finale all four pairs had to perform three routines; a show dance, their favourite dance from the entire series, as well as a dance the judges selected.
Stacey and Kevin took the dancefloor to wow judges, and viewers, with their foxtrot, which was the judges’ choice, followed by their showdance, before they perfected their favourite routine the Paso Doble.
Although judges Shirley Ballas, Darcey Bussell, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli gave their scores, the ultimate decision was left with viewers at home to decide who would be this season’s winners.
However, if the final decision was left with the judges Stacey and Kevin would not have taken home the trophy, as they would have come in fourth place with a score of 114 out of 120 for last night’s trio of dances.
The duo have been training solidly for three months, and were over the moon with the outcome. Stacey said: “I've had the most incredible time. It's daunting doing something you haven't done before - you feel silly, you feel like a bit of an idiot. But Kevin walks you through - and you so deserve this."
Kevin also gushed over the 31 year old presenter and journalist as they lifted the glitzy award. He said: “Thank you so much not just for being so amazing and dancing so well and getting this, but just for being the most wonderful person to work with, to spend every day in training. You've worked so hard and always with a massive smile on your face."
Stacey will not let anyone rain on her parade, and despite being called out over her wardrobe malfunction in one routine, she snapped back in the best way. She tweeted: “I’ve won strictly and flashed my knickers. A perfect Sat night.”
In a separate behind the scenes clip from last night’s programme, the On the Front Line with the Women Who Fight Back author admitted she felt ‘touched’ by the support she has received from fans.
In the clip, which was shared on BBC Strictly’s Twitter page, a teary-eyed Stacey said: “I’d like to say you never take for granted people will get behind you, rate you dancing. Genuinely made up, genuinely touched that we’ve got this relationship with you guys. King Kev deserves it. I’ve had the most incredible time. I’ve got a Glitterball. I am made up for him. I am in a state of shock. I have just had the best time. Thank you so so much.”
The pair have not only received praise from the public, but have been flooded with congratulations from celebrity friends, including Stacey Solomon, Scott Mills, Michael Ball, Louis Theroux and Luton Town Football Club, where Stacey was born, as well as many many more.
Until next year… keep dancing
Strictly Come Dancing 2018 Contestants
1 of 1515th - Graeme Swan
Cricketer Graeme Swan says: "I don't have any background in dancing but can do the floss so let's hope this comes in useful!" We don't have high hopes for Graeme Swan. We are also not 100% confident of who Graeme Swan is.
2 of 1514th - Joe Sugg
A YouTuber on Strictly! Whatever next! Unless your preteen kids have access to the phone to vote (and we recommend that they do not), he hasn't got a chance.
3 of 1512th - Lee Ryan
Lee Ryan is good at many things - being a moderately popular member of Blue, getting in love triangles in Celebrity Big Brother - but dancing? Hmm. We're sceptical.
4 of 1513th - Kate Silverton
Dancing is a long way away from Kate's work as a newsreader, and we're not convinced there's an overlap between the professions...
5 of 1511th - Danny John-Jules
Danny has spent the last few months "on two wheels motorcycling around South America in pink leathers", which doesn't sound like the best of warm-ups for a dancing show...
6 of 1510th - Ashley Roberts
Yes! We know! We are all too aware that Ashley Roberts is already a dancer, so at first glimpse seems to have an unfair advantage over her other fellow contestants. This is something that the public are all to aware of, too, so will that stop them from voting? We think possibly...
7 of 159th - Seann Walsh
We've been racking our little brains all day, but we can't for the life of us begin to imagine comedian Seann Walsh dancing. He's funny, though, so we predict at least some votes.
8 of 158th - Charles Venn
Casualty star Charles gets our vote for his biceps alone, and we're predicting he'll be a bit of a surprise frontrunner this series.
9 of 157th - Faye Tozer
Having been a member of Steps, we're guessing Faye is already at least 'alright' at dancing. Which is more than can be said for many on the list.
10 of 156th - Vick Hope
Vick is already a keen dancer, so we're guessing that will help her out of the Joe Sugg-esque rut of only having younger fans...
11 of 155th - Susannah Constantine
We're calling it. Susannah will be this year's 'joke contestant' up there with Ann Widdecombe and Ed Balls. She will go far. We will love her.
12 of 154th - Stacey Dooley
Despite the fact that Stacey is a journalist and film-maker and in no way a professional dancer, we can imagine her taking everyone by surprise and going the whole way. She will come fourth, we know it.
13 of 153rd - Doctor Ranj
Everyone's favourite doctor / general person in the world Dr Ranj will 100% go the distance. As well as (we're predicting) surprisingly good dancing skill, he has the personality to be a finalist.
14 of 152nd - Lauren Steadman
Paralympic Triathlete Lauren is as inspirational and likeable as she is sporty - which is a perfect combo for Strictly success. She'll go far.
15 of 151st - Katie Piper
We are almost certain Katie will win this series. We love her, the country loves her, and she's undoubtedly one of our favourite contestants on the list. Katie, we're rooting for ya!