Strictly the best: Debbie and Kevin
DEBBIE McGee weaved some magic on the Strictly dancefloor – winning the Christmas Day special with Kevin Clifton.
The pair scored a maximum 40 from the judges for their quickstep to Jingle Bells by Michael Buble.
Delighted Debbie, 61 – who was a finalist on the main show in 2017 – said of last night’s triumph: “I wasn’t expecting it!
“It’s just amazing but you know, everybody has been fantastic.
“I think it’s everybody’s, because we all had a great time, everyone did such great dances.”
Debbie – who lost magician husband Paul three years ago – was up against fellow ex-contestants including Holby City actress Chizzy Akudolu and former Emmerdale star Gemma Atkinson, who danced with boyfriend pro Gorka Marquez.
Social media favourite Joe Sugg also teamed up with his pro beau Dianne Buswell. DJ Mark Wright and Good Morning Britain presenter Richard Arnold completed the line-up.
The show was hosted as usual by Tess Daly and ClaudiaWinkleman with Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Bruno Tonioli and Shirley
Ballas judging. It opened with a group performance by the pros filmed at Leeds Castle, Kent.
Each couple then took to the floor for their own routines before the studio audience voted for their favourite and their tallies were combined with the judges’ scores.
Debbie and Kevin – who won the 2018 series with his now-girlfriend Stacey Dooley – lifted the Strictly Silver Star.
Liam Payne also appeared to sing his track All I Want For Christmas.
Debbie has long been an accomplished dancer. In 2000, she and Paul set up touring company Ballet Imaginaire.