Strictly Come Dancing's Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola were crowned this year's winners after the glittering live final on Saturday.
The former Coronation Street actress, 22, became the show's youngest ever winner when she beat Bobby Brazier and Layton Williams to the post after each couple performed three dances for the judges.
Ellie and Vito, who are rumored to be a couple, were both stunned when their names were announced and the soap star's family broke down in tears as they watched from the studio audience.
The overwhelmed duo held back tears as they hugged each other before speaking to presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
“I really can't believe this,” a stunned Ellie murmured, before exclaiming that this was the first time she had seen 31-year-old Vito cry.
Strictly Come Dancing's Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola were crowned winners after Saturday's thrilling finale
The former Coronation Street actress, 22, beat Bobby Brazier and Layton Williams, with each couple performing three dances for the judges
Ellie and Vito were both stunned when their names were announced, and the soap star's family broke down in tears as they watched from the studio audience
'This is for you!' Ellie told her partner, who said the win was just the icing on the cake before branding her a “diamond”.
They lifted the glitterball trophy as pyrotechnics sparked and confetti fell from the ceiling as they were lifted onto the shoulders of their former competitors.
The pair impressed throughout the finale, performing a Pasa Doble, a Show Dance and finally an American Smooth.
They received a full 40 points in the final of the three competitions, with judges raving about the actress' “growth” and burgeoning confidence during her time on the show.
The exercise was described as “flawless” and Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke scored 10 points each.
Later, speaking to co-host Claudia, they struggled to contain their emotions as Vito said: “For me, Ellie is Strictly,” before wrapping his arms around her and saying: “She's my winner anyway!” .
Their uber-hot Pasa Doble opened the show as contestants in skimpy costumes received an impressive 39 out of 40 and a standing ovation.
Again, the judges were full of praise as they enjoyed the former soap star's progress over the course of the series.
They lifted the glitterball trophy as pyrotechnics sparked and confetti fell from the ceiling as they were lifted onto the shoulders of their former competitors
The overwhelmed duo held back tears as they hugged each other before speaking to presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman
“I really can't believe this,” a stunned Ellie murmured, before exclaiming that this was the first time she had seen 31-year-old Vito cry
'This is for you!' Ellie told her partner, who said the win was just the “icing on the cake” before branding her a “diamond”.
The couple couldn't wipe the smiles off their faces as they posed with the shiny trophy
The pair impressed throughout the finale, having performed a Pasa Doble, a Show Dance and finally an American Smooth (pictured).
They received a full 40 points in the final of the three competitions, with judges raving about the actress' “growth” and burgeoning confidence during her time on the show
“Everything was absolutely perfect,” enthused Shirley, while Anton said the dance made him emotional
Finalists Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell (right) and Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin (left) watched Ellie win the crown
Their uber-hot Pasa Doble opened the show as contestants in skimpy costumes received an impressive 39 out of 40 and a standing ovation
Here too, the judges were full of praise as they were pleased with the former soap star's progress over the course of the series
The couple simmered during the sexy show
But the evening went smoothly for the couple after their show dance proved slightly less unsuccessful with the pair making few mistakes and failing one attempt.
As Ellie tried to jump onto the Italian's shoulders, Ellie slipped, leaving him to save her before she fell to the ground.
She looked upset at the mistake as Vito wrapped his arms around her and kissed her cheek repeatedly to comfort her.
“You know what’s amazing,” Judge Shirley said of the fall. “How you saved him, you didn't panic.”
When the couple then graded the points together with presenter Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, they received 36 out of 40 points.
Earlier this month, it was claimed that Ellie and Vito had been seeing each other for over a month.
The couple found themselves in the spotlight after they were accused of faking their romance to win votes. However, a source close to Ellie revealed that they had been together for a few weeks.
The relationships between the film actress and the dancer are “real,” a source told the Mirror.
Vito reportedly visited Ellie's home several times outside of training while she confided in friends about her new relationship with him.
But the evening went smoothly for the couple after their show dance proved slightly less unsuccessful, with the pair making few mistakes and one failed attempt (pictured).
As Ellie tried to jump onto the Italian's shoulders, she slipped, leaving him to save her before she fell to the ground
She looked upset at the mistake as Vito wrapped his arms around her and kissed her cheek repeatedly to comfort her
Ellie and Vito have been at the center of romance rumors in this year's series after their on-screen chemistry caught the attention of fans of the series
Strictly Final 2023: The leaderboard
Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin
Favorite dance – Argentine Tango to Tattoo by Loreen –(10+10+10+10) = 40
Show Dance – Friend Like Me by Ne-Yo – (9+10+10+10) = 39
Judges' Choice – Quickstep to Puttin' On The Ritz by Gregory Porter – (10+10+10+10) = 40
Total: 119
Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola
Favorite Dance – American Smooth to Ain't That A Kick In The Head by Robbie Williams – (10+10+10+10) = 40
Show dance – Jennifer Lopez Megamix – (9+9+9+9) = 36
Jury Choice – Paso Doble to Insomnia by 2WEI – (9+10+10+10) = 39
Total: 115
Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell
Favorite dance – pairing choice for this woman’s work by Maxwell – (9+10+10+10) = 39
Show Dance – La La Land Medley – (9+10+10+10) = 39
Jury Selection – Samba to Young Hearts Run Free by Candi Staton – (9+10+10+10) = 39
Total: 117
“They were friendly at first, but as the weeks went by their relationship changed. “Ellie has made it clear to her friends how happy she is with Vito,” the friend said.
“She's not the kind of person who's going to fake things like that to get votes.” Putting on a showmanship isn't her style – what you see from her is what you get. When Ellie started Strictly she was insecure and insecure. Now she exudes confidence, which is wonderful.”
Competition was fierce on the night and Layton, 29, also received full marks for his incredible first performance with his pro partner Nikita Kuzmin, 25, after the pair took to the stage with a lively quickstep they performed back in week two .
The judges gave him a standing ovation and said how Layton inspired little boys at home to dance.
The actor came under fire after allegations that his West End experience gave him an unfair competitive advantage.
They also performed a show dance to Friend Like Me by Ne-Yo and their favorite dance, the Tango to Tattoo by Loreen.
Meanwhile, EastEnders star Bobby Brazier (20) and Dianne Buswell (34) also impressed with their samba, but narrowly missed out on full points, scoring 39 out of 40 points for their performance.
Later in the show, he left fans in tears as he reenacted his “Couple's Choice” in honor of his future mother, Jade Goody.
Bobby was just five years old when Jade, who found fame on Big Brother in 2002, died of cervical cancer on Mother's Day in March 2009.
There was stiff competition on the night with 29-year-old Layton, who also received full marks for his incredible first performance with pro partner Nikita Kuzmin, 25, following the pair's lively quickstep, which they performed back in week two. entered the stage
The judges gave him a standing ovation and said how Layton inspired little boys at home to dance
The actor came under fire after allegations that his West End experience gave him an unfair competitive advantage
They also performed a show dance to Friend Like Me by Ne-Yo (pictured) and their favorite dance, the Tango to Tattoo by Loreen
Anyone could win the competition as everyone showcased their talent
His father, TV presenter Jeff, 44, single-handedly raised him and his younger brother Freddie, 19, with the pair both shedding a few tears as they watched from the audience.
Bobby decided to perform the routine again in this weekend's final after it was first performed on the show last month, with the film star also bringing judges Anton Du Beke and Motsi Mabuse to tears during her comments.
Emotional viewers took to Twitter after the dance, with one person writing: “I have to say seeing Bobby and his family in tears made my eyes bug out. “Jade would be so proud.
While a second said: “I don't think there's a time when Bobby Dance doesn't move me to tears. “Cancer is terrible and I know exactly how he feels. It's terrible. Well done, Bobby.
And: “I'm not going to lie, Bobby's last dance definitely brought me to tears. You can tell how much it means to him.”
“I can't stop crying over Bobby and the judges' comments,” someone else remarked.
While someone else wrote: “Oh Bobby and Dianne. That was wonderful. I cry. I love you, Bobby.'
Meanwhile, EastEnders star Bobby Brazier (20) and Dianne Buswell (34) also impressed with their samba, but narrowly missed out on full points, scoring 39 out of 40 points for their performance
Later in the show, he left fans in tears as he reenacted his “Couple's Choice” in honor of his future mother, Jade Goody
His father, TV presenter Jeff, 44 (centre), single-handedly raised him and his younger brother Freddie, 19 (left), with both shedding a few tears as they watched from the audience
The film star also left judges Anton Du Beke (pictured) and Motsi Mabuse in tears during her comments
EastEnders star Bobby decided to do the routine again in this weekend's finale with his professional partner Dianne Buswell, 34
Actor Bobby was just five years old when Jade, who rose to fame on Big Brother in 2002, died of cervical cancer on Mother's Day in March 2009
Jade (right) took part in the third season of Big Brother in 2002 (pictured with Big Brother presenter Davina McCall, left)
Emotional viewers took to Twitter after the dance, with one person writing: “I have to say seeing Bobby and his family in tears made my eyes bug out. “Jade would be so proud
Another person wrote: “I'm not crying, you are.” “Your mother would be so proud of you Bobby.”
Before dancing the number at the start of the series, Bobby said of his mother's death: “It completely changed my life. I would love to spend a day with her just to see where I got my smile from.”
In the emotional VT before Bobby's performance with his partner Dianne last month, Jeff paid tribute to Jade and how proud she would be of their son.
He told the camera: “As a family we are very close, we had to be because the loss has made us grow closer.” Bobby expressed his love for his father by saying: “To be someone to look forward to “My father’s pride is everything.”
Jeff burst into tears, calling himself “the lucky one” and declaring, “I’m the one who gets to raise the boys. I'm the one who gets to watch him on Strictly and that brings so much joy into my life. “I'm very, very grateful for that.”
At the start of the episode, viewers were once again moved to tears as Amy Dowden made them return to the show's dance floor.
At the start of the episode, viewers were once again moved to tears as Amy Dowden made them return to the show's dance floor
And viewers were left in tears as professional dancer Amy Dowden made a surprise return to the dance floor amid her battle with cancer
Fans were quick to take to social media after the dancer took center stage and showed off her skills
The 33-year-old professional dancer was diagnosed with breast cancer in May and underwent a mastectomy in July. This year she had to stay away from the show due to treatment.
Although she appeared on the show and its spin-off “It Takes Two,” she had not danced with her fellow pros before the finale.
But on Saturday she took to the dance floor again and decided not to wear a wig because she had lost her hair after chemotherapy.
The moment sparked great emotion among viewers, with many taking to Twitter to express their joy at seeing her on screen.
One viewer wrote: “It tears me up watching Amy Dowden dance at the #StrictlyFinal. Let’s have her back at #strictly soon!”
Someone else shared: “That Amy Dowden revelation was a MOMENT.”
“@AmyDowden dances!!! Oh my god, that's so beautiful to see. “Drippy eyed moment,” another viewer shared.
While someone else posted: “OMG #Strictly A minute later and crying as I watch beautiful #AmyDowden dance.”
Another fan of the show commented: “Amy Dowden dancing without a wig is the energy everyone needs.”
While someone else said: “Great to see Amy Dowden in the opening routine!!”
STRICTLY COME DANCING 2023: THE PROFILES OF THE PARTICIPANTS
Layton Williams
Age: 28
Profession: actor
Layton says: “I'm absolutely delighted to confirm that I'll be taking part in the UK's most famous dance competition!” It's time to take it to the ballroom. I really enjoy learning new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins… ALL the sequins!'
Age: 22
Occupation: Coronation Street star
Ellie says: “It still doesn’t feel real that I’m going to be doing Strictly!!” It’s always been a dream of mine so I guess dreams really do come true!!!!”
Age: 20
Occupation: EastEnders star and model
Bobby said: “I'm so excited to be part of the Strictly line-up that I can't wait to start training like a professional dancer and add some moves to my repertoire.” “I'm excited “Looking forward to performing in front of everyone.”