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Ellie Leach, the former Coronation Street actress, has become the youngest ever winner of Strictly Come Dancing after beating Bobby Brazier and Layton Williams in the final.
The 22-year-old and her partner Vito Coppola, who are rumoured to be dating, wowed the judges and the viewers with their three dazzling dances on Saturday night.
They scored a perfect 40 for their American Smooth, a 39 for their Pasa Doble, and a 38 for their Show Dance, which featured a stunning lift and a dramatic ending.
Ellie and Vito were speechless when they were announced as the winners, and hugged each other tightly as they received the glitterball trophy.
Ellie said: "I actually, genuinely cannot believe this. This is for you, Vito. You are amazing. You are a diamond."
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Vito, who was in tears, said: "Ellie, you are Strictly. You are my winner anyway. This is just the cherry on the top. Thank you so much for this journey."
The couple were congratulated by their fellow finalists, the judges, and the hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, as well as Ellie's family, who were in the audience.
Ellie, who played Faye Windass on Corrie for 11 years, said she had grown in confidence and learned to love dancing thanks to Vito and the show.
She said: "I came into this not knowing anything about dancing, not knowing anything about myself really. And I've just learned so much. I've learned to love dancing, I've learned to love myself a bit more. And it's all thanks to this man."
Vito, who is a professional dancer and choreographer, said he was proud of Ellie and how far she had come.
He said: "She is incredible. She has worked so hard, she has improved so much, she has shown everyone what she can do. She is a star."
The pair also thanked the fans for their support and votes, and said they were looking forward to celebrating their victory.
Ellie and Vito are the 21st winners of Strictly Come Dancing, and the first to win with a same-sex pairing.
They follow in the footsteps of last year's champions, Bill Bailey and Oti Mabuse, who made history as the oldest and first black winners of the show.
The final also featured performances from Ed Sheeran, Kylie Minogue, and the Strictly professionals.
