Favourites Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola win this year’s Strictly Come Dancing

The ex-Coronation Street actor grew and grew over the series, while her partner went one better than his runner-up placing last year

It was a night of high-quality hoofing, high scores and high camp but ultimately, the Strictly Come Dancing final went the way that bookmakers predicted. Odds-on favourite Ellie Leach and her professional partner, Vito Coppola, were crowned champions. As they lifted the glitter ball trophy and sparkly confetti fell, it made a fitting climax to another feelgood series.

Former Coronation Street actor Leach, 22, had blossomed before viewers' eyes. Initially an unfancied contender, she visibly grew in confidence to become a pocket rocket performer.