Kara Tointon crowned 'Strictly' champion

[dutchman]

Kara Tointon and her dance partner Artem Chigvintsev have been voted the winners of Strictly Come Dancing.



The pair beat Matt Baker and Aliona Vilani into second place, and had also received more points from the judges throughout the final.

Tointon burst into tears when the result was announced before hugging Chigvintsev.

Runner-up Baker congratulated the actress, saying: "It has been great. They are worthy winners without any doubt. If I was at home I'd be voting for them too."

A beaming Tointon said of the result: "It's just the most special thing I've ever achieved, thank you to this man [Chigvintsev]."

She added: "I've made the most fantastic friends for life. It's been the most special experience of my life."

Chigvintsev - who had also broken into tears - said simply: "She's amazing."

The pair then lifted the Glitterball Trophy as they were crowned winners of the series, and were joined by the other dance partners in celebration.