Ellie Leach wins Strictly Come Dancing 2023 as she makes show history
Strictly Come Dancing 2023 has a winner, with Ellie Leach storming to victory during the live final on Saturday night.
The star and her pro partner Vito Coppola cheered as they were crowned this year's winners by hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, despite a mistake earlier on leaving her worried she might lose out. The duo beat Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin and EastEnders star Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell to win the Glitterball Trophy.
Ellie was lost for words as her name was shouted out, while Vito sobbed as he praised his co-star after a night of incredible performances. Ellie's victory saw her become the youngest winner of the series since it began making show history.
It was out of the hands of the judges this time around, with Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke giving their usual feedback but unable to choose a winner. The public decided on their winner after the vote, securing Ellie and Vito's place in Strictly history.
There were tears and cast members were jumping for joy, as the result came in. The usual celebrations were in full swing, as Ellie and Vito lifted the trophy high before being hugged by their co-stars.
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Strictly Come Dancing 2023 has a winner, with Ellie Leach storming to victorySpeaking about her win, a lost for words Ellie said: "I actually, genuinely cannot believe this," as a sobbing Vito said: "Don't talk to me." An amused Ellie said: "This is the first time I have seen him cry, for once you're crying more than me so this is for you, this is for you."
Vito added: "I mean this is the cherry on the cake… the point of the iceberg, you have been so amazing, you are Strictly, you represent Strictly. You are the diamond shining... you are amazing, I am so proud."
Viewers raced to social media to praise the pair, glad they won. One fan commented: "I picked Ellie from the start. Well deserved winner." Another said: "Definitely the right winner."
A third added: "Ellie and Vito strictly winners I’m so happy right now." A fourth viewer wrote: "GET IN! The right winners by far," as a fifth said: "So glad Ellie won."
Are you happy that Ellie won Strictly? Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.
Earlier on in the day on Saturday, it was Corrie actress Ellie and her partner and rumoured beau Vito who were named as the likely winners of the show by fans. Of course it was all to play for on Saturday night and it could have gone any way on the night.
But that didn't stop viewers predicting the winners hours before the show had even kicked off, convinced they knew which star would get the trophy. Taking to X, formerly Twitter, one viewer said: "Rooting for Bobby to win tonight but think Ellie will win. Another agreed: "I think it will be an easy win for Ellie Leach."
A third viewer said: "I hope #Ellie wins," while another agreed: "Ellie is amazing and probably will." A fifth comment read: "Keep seeing tweets from people saying they want Bobby and Dianne to win but think Ellie will win."
As the evening got underway, things were going well until Ellie and Vito made a mistake in a routine that left the actress fighting back tears. During yet another incredible performance, a mistake during a risky lift left her tumbling on the dance floor.
Strictly Come Dancing 2023 stars celebrated winners Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola (BBC)Vito managed to stop her falling, and the pair quickly picked things up and carried on. But as it came to an end, Ellie was clearly upset as Vito comforted her, with her repeating "sorry" to him.
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He was her telling her numerous times: "It's okay", as she was applauded and even got a standing ovation by the judges. They quickly praised Ellie for giving it a go, as she teared up and admitted it was a "shame" to not fulfil the lift adding the routine "didn't work out".
Judge Craig called it "a terrible shame" that it went wrong, but Motsi said she deserved praise for the dance and just attempting the lift alone. Shirley said it was a "difficult routine" with a "tiny hiccup", and they all agreed she should be proud of herself.
As she spoke to host Claudia, Ellie fought back tears as her co-stars comforted her, with Vito cheering her up. Viewers at home were quick to offer their support, praising her ahead of the winner reveal.
Nikita and Layton got emotional on Strictly (BBC)Ellie wasn't the only one fighting tears on the night, with co-stars Nikita and Layton also shedding a tear or two. Nikita was already tearful after his final ever dance on the current series with Layton, but when host Claudia and the judges reminded the pair that it was the last dance, Nikita couldn't hold back the tears.
Choking up, he admitted it had only just hit him what it meant as he said an emotional goodbye to Layton on air. Both stars began sobbing as they hugged each other, and discussed their bond and their time on the show.
As the judges talked of bigger things to come for Layton, Nikita said to Claudia before choking up: "It's just that she's saying goodbye and I looked him in the eyes, and I realised it's the end." On their final performance, Layton added: "It felt special to close the show with it, our last dance."
Strictly Come Dancing 2023 is available now on BBC iPlayer.* Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on , , , , and .
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