Strictly Come Dancing reveals winners of 2023 show
Strictly Come Dancing 2023 is officially over, with Ellie Leach announced as the winner of the Glitterball Trophy.
Coronation Street star Leach battled it out in a sparkling finale against EastEnders actor Bobby Brazier and Bad Education’s Layton Williams to impress the viewers at home.
When Leach, 22, was announced as the winner of Strictly, her family jumped around so enthusiastically in the audience that they almost toppled over.
“I actually genuinely cannot believe this,” Leach breathlessly told hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.
She has become the 21st Strictly champion, and the eighth actor to win the trophy. It’s also a big moment for her pro partner Vito Coppola, who only joined the BBC One competition last year.
Catch up with everything that happened on the night, below…
Strictly fans brand Amy Dowden ‘true winner’ as dancer makes surprise return to show
Amy Dowden thrilled Strictly viewers last night as she made a surprise appearance during the opening group number.
The professional dancer, 33, has been a staple of the BBC dance competition since she joined in 2017, and is much-loved among fans of the show.
However, Dowden did not compete in 2023’s series due to undergoing treatment for breast cancer, which included chemotherapy and a mastectomy earlier this year.
On Saturday’s (16 December) final episode, which saw actor Ellie Leach become the youngest-ever winner, Dowden delighted fans by joining in a routine with her professional colleagues.
Read the full story here:
Nicole Vassell17 December 2023 12:55
‘BBC lost the plot when casting Layton Williams,’ says Dame Esther Rantzen
According to Dame Esther Rantzen, musical theatre star Layton Williams should never have been a part of Strictly Come Dancing, claiming that he had an unfair advantage compared to other competitors.
“A professional dancer like the brilliant Layton Williams should never be given a role as a contestant in Strictly,” she wrote in a letter for The Telegraph. “It’s unfair to all the others, and to the viewers.”
Nicole Vassell17 December 2023 11:59
WATCH: Layton Williams performs impressive back-flip in his showdance
Though he narrowly missed out on the Glitterball trophy, Layton Williams still provided many moments to remember in last night’s final.
Here’s a peek at his superb showdance with partner Nikita Kuzmin, complete with backflip – do not try at home, unless you’re brave!
Strictly Come Dancing: Layton Williams performs impressive back-flip in his showdance
Nicole Vassell17 December 2023 10:53
ICYMI: Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola win Strictly 2023
The bookies’ favourite pairing Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola held the Strictly glitterball high last night, becoming the latest couple to win Strictly Come Dancing.
Former Corrie star Leach and her professional partner wowed the judges and the voting public with three routines during Saturday night’s live final, beating fellow finalists Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell, and Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin.
Here’s how it happened, in full:
Nicole Vassell17 December 2023 08:50
The moment of triumph for Ellie
“Lift it high!” yelled Tess and Claudia. And so she did.
That’s a wrap on the blog for tonight. Thanks so much for spending the evening with me. There were tears, there were sparkles, there were many glasses of fizz.
Have a fab rest of the night!
Ellie Harrison16 December 2023 21:10
Ellie’s won it!
“I actually genuinely cannot believe this,” she gasped. The last female celebrity in the competition won it… go girl!
Ellie Harrison16 December 2023 21:03
Only a few minutes left to vote…!
Cher is here, being extremely Cher, to entertain you as you cast your votes…
Ellie Harrison16 December 2023 20:46
Layton’s final dance
He and Nikita wore unforgivable purple suits (it brought to mind the Beckhams’ 1999 wedding get-ups) but we’ll let them off because they did a brilliant Tango to “Tattoo” by Loreen.
The scores were… 10, 10, 10 10. That’s a second perfect 40!
Ellie Harrison16 December 2023 20:39
In case you missed Layton’s flip…
Strictly Come Dancing: Layton Williams performs impressive back-flip in his showdance
Ellie Harrison16 December 2023 20:33
Craig stands in Bobby’s way of a perfect 40
Craig is feeling a little bit grinchy this Christmas. 9, 10, 10 and 10 for Bobby and Dianne. This means Layton and Ellie both got full 40s in the final but Bobby missed out. Ah well, the scores are only for guidance anyway!
Ellie Harrison16 December 2023 20:30
James Parker is a UK-based entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to the West End, he offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.