KELVIN TAKES STRICTLY CROWN

KELVIN FLETCHER last night lifted the Glitterball trophy with professional dance partner Oti Mabuse as they were crowned Strictly Come Dancing champions.

The former Emmerdale actor – who was a last-minute substitute after reality TV star Jamie Laing had to pull out due to a knee injury – wore a huge smile as the results were announced.

Oti, 29, and Kelvin, 35, were the viewers’ favourite and scored 118 with the judges after they performed three dances in the live final.

The couple first danced the rumba to

Bill Withers’s Ain’t No

Sunshine from week four as the Judge’s Pick.

They then performed a new showcase to the

Isley Brothers’ Shout, followed by their favourite – the samba to Lavida Es Un Carnaval from week one.

An emotional Kelvin said: “I am absolutely speechless. I did not expect that. It’s been such a privilege to be here.this show represents everything that is amazing with this country and the people personify what is great.”

Speaking about being a last-minute substitute, he said: “It feels weird, it feels as crazy as it sounds, coming here as a replacement to end up in the final. I never imagined this.”

The runners-up were CBBC presenter Karim Zeroual, 26, with Amy Dowden, 28, and Eastenders actress Emma Barton, 42, with Anton Du Beke, 53. It is only the second time Anton, who has been with the show since it launched in 2004, has been in the final. There are rumours this will be his last series. The show opened with the class of 2019 Strictly professionals returning for a group dance.

Pop star Taylor Swift performed on one of the biggest nights in the showbusiness calendar. The season is never without drama and series 17 was no exception. Paralympian Will Bayley was forced out by injury and pro dancer Neil Jones had to take two weeks off for a calf injury.

Head judge Shirley Ballas bravely defied doctors’ orders to appear just days after having breast implants removed over cancer fears.