Tess Daly has been flooded with messages after she shared an unseen moment from the Strictly Come Dancing final. The presenter fronted the last live show of this year's BBC One dance contest on Saturday night (December 16) alongside Claudia Winkleman.
It was an epic night in the ballroom as the competition drew to a close but before the winners were announced, viewers were treated to three dances from each of the three remaining couples - Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola, Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin and Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell.
In the end, it was former Coronation Street star Ellie, 22, who emerged victorious and became the youngest winner of the BBC One dance contest with her professional dance partner Vito, 31.
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Upon being crowned the winner of Strictly 2023, Ellie was clearly stunned as she covered her mouth with her hand while Vito broke into tears as he realised he won the competition with only his second-ever celebrity partner on the show after joining last year.
Eventually able to speak, Bury-born Ellie said: "I actually, genuinely cannot believe this." She then told her dance partner of the past 13 weeks: "For once, you’re crying more than me." She added to Vito: "This is for you, this is for you."
Talking about their win, Vito said through his tears: "I mean this is like the cherry on the cake," before he turned to Ellie and added: "You have been so amazing, you are Strictly, you represent Strictly. You are finally, you know, the diamond I was talking (about)."
Since then, the show's cast and crew have been speaking out about the winners and the series as a whole, including Tess. She first posted a photo of herself and Claudia with winners Ellie and Vito in the ballroom. "And it’s over for another year!" the Stockport-born presenter started the caption of her post.
She went on: "Congratulations to this years @bbcstrictly winners @ellielouiseleach & @vitocoppola our wonderful finalists @bobbybrazier & @diannebuswell and @laytonwilliams & @nikita_kuzmin and ALL of our brilliant couples for making this a wonderful series.
"The standard of dancing was just incredible; so many records were broken; so many amazing stories told and great friendships made. A big thanks to all of our crew who work so hard to make the show something to look forward to every year! And thanks so much to you at home for watching."
Tess also shared a picture taken as the hosts prepared to announce the winners of the series and it showed the three couples having a group hug. She added: "Love the second pic of our 3 couples having a group hug before we announced the winner, making lifelong memories."
Responding to the post, @coshsage said:" Best series yet! You and Claude are absolute legends." @josiecassidy67 commented: "It was outstanding I think one of my favourites ever. This show never ever disappoints. Love you all and will miss seeing you all so much. Happy Christmas."
@soniapeters6957 wrote: "Fantastic series. One of the best ever. Congratulations to everyone. Gutted it’s over for another year." @kerryfitz96 replied: "Fabulous series this year - so sad it’s all over as been such fun in the run up to Christmas!" @nannydev1959 added: "Great series worthy winners can’t wait till strictly 2024."
