Ellie Leach became the youngest ever winner of Strictly Come Dancing at 22 as she beat competitors Bobby Brazier and Layton Williams to clinch the title with professional dancer Vito Coppola
Nearly 10million viewers tuned in to watch Coronation Street actress Ellie Leach lift the Strictly Glitterball on Saturday night.
The soap star became the youngest ever winner of the dancing competition at 22 as she beat competitors Bobby Brazier and Layton Williams to clinch the title with professional dancer Vito Coppola. Strictly enjoyed a peak viewership of 9.9million, rising from last year's 9.7million who watched BBC cameraman Hamza Yassin win the show.
However, average viewership was down from last year's 9.2million at 8.7million, according to overnight ratings. Yet, BBC bosses will be pleased to hear that Strictly enjoyed a huge chunk of the audience share during the time slot, with 53.8% choosing to watch the dance show over any others on TV. It proves that despite being on air for nearly 20 years, Strictly is still considered a firm telly favourite.
Ellie and her pro partner Vito 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.
She 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.
Speaking 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."
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