DOOLEY TAKES LEAD

Viewers ignored the judges and chose her and dance partner Kevin Clifton over Joe Sugg, Faye Tozer and Ashley Roberts.

Stacey, 31, screamed with delight, grabbing a tearful Kevin who dropped to his knees in front of the glitterball and cried: “It’s a Christmas miracle”

Stacey said to Kevin, in the final fives times: “You know how highly I think of you, you are the biggest gem – no coincindence you have been in the final as may times as you have.

“You so deserve this, Kevin.” Kevin replied:“thank you so much, just for being the most wonderful person to work with, always with a massive smile on your face, you are so lovely, thank you so much.”

They had performed a foxtrot to High Ho Silver Lining by Jeff Beck for their judges’ choice, which judge Darcey Bussell called “perfect” – but their danc- STACEY Dooley is tipped to be the BBC’S new darling after wowing fans on Strictly.

Better known by millennials for making hard-hitting documentaries, her shows have often fallen into late-night slots or the Beeb’s sister channels.

But now execs at t he broadcaster want to boost her profile and see her fronting prime time shows.

Bosses at Strictly are also keen to hold onto her, which could see her offered a role on spin-off show It Takes Two alongside Zoe Ball.

An industry source said: “Bosses have been really impressed with the way she’s been received thanks to her down-toearth and bubbly nature.

On top of the £75,000 she got for appearing on the dance floor she will receive a five-figure sum for taking part in the Strictly nationwide tour.

Speaking before the final, Stacey, who grew up in Luton, said: “Documentaries are my passion. I’m going back to them after Christmas.”