Strictly Come Dancing 2016
BBC

Ore Oduba has won Strictly Come Dancing 2016. The British star waltzed, foxtrotted and jived his way to victory after 13 weeks of intense rehearsals and live shows.

Showing off his best moves he danced like a dream in the final, stealing the glitterball from rivals Louise Redknapp and Danny Mac in an emotional final.

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Unable to contain his tears Ore was overwhelmed on hearing his name announced. Paying tribute to his dance partner Joanna Clifton he said: " I love you. Thank you. This is for you."

With three routines including one favourite performance from the series, the judges pick, and a showpiece, the three finalists had their work cut out for them.

Setting the standard for the final Ore was first on the dancefloor . Recreating all the magic of Gene Kelly they reprised their Singin' In The Rain routine from week three's Movie Week.

"I was screaming the whole way through - you're the boy that brings joy. It was great before and you took it to an even greater place", said an elated Len Goodman.

While Bruno Tonioli said it was "beautifully crafted" Craig Revel-Horwood identified a minor of flaw but even he couldn't help but wax lyrical about Oduba. "... your frame was vastly improved but you didn't point your foot but it was sophisticated, polished and you're a miracle".

Darcey said it best saying simply it was "heavenly and breathtaking."

Keeping in the spirit of movies week, Louise Redknapp channeled the eighties, donning a leotard and leg-warmers and completing her look with a bubble-perm for her cha-cha to Flashdance.

While she fell foul of the judges for her occasionally faltering footwork, the singer seemed nervous with husband Jamie looking on, scoring 38 and falling behind Ore.

Meanwhile Ore's Charslton infused routine to I Got Rhythm won him a standing ovation from Len Goodman. "Who could ask for anything more?" said the judge, clearly impressed. Bruno said it has "glitz, glamour, Broadway pizazz and total razzle-dazzle".

Winning a straight set of tens he upped his game when it really counted.

In contrast, Danny and Oti didn't get off to the best start. Dressed in tails and looking every inch a leading man for Fred Astaire's I Won't Dance, his footwork was fast and nifty until he faltered.

"Oti's choreography was beautiful", said Len adding "you've set the bar and made everyone else dance better, I am so disappointed but it's live and there was a pretty big mistake".

Danny certainly made up for it with his Argentine tango to Adele's Set Fire To The Rain. In a passionate performance incorporating contemporary dance and paso doble with lifts and rolls, this time he didn't put a foot wrong.

Darcey said "sparks flying off the floor, clean but fabulously wild, the perfect showdance". Len added "it was full of show and full of dance with moments of magic". "Two words – totally brilliant," said Craig. The flawless performance scored Danny four tens from the judges and a perfect 40.

It was Ore's turn to wow the judges once more with a repeat of his jive that made him a contender for the glitterball. Dancing to Bruno Mars Runaway Baby for his last dance, the hot-footed dancer demonstrated his natural rhythm as he grooved on the dancefloor.

His prowess on the floor even silenced Craig. "I can't bear it. I have nothing bad to say." Ore was almost moved to tears as Len described him as "the spirit of Strictly." "Sheer perfection" said Bruno.

Danny Mac and Oti set the dance-floor on fire with their tribal-themed samba. Shimmying and shaking through the routine they let loose to Magalenha by Sergio Mendes and scored top marks.

"You can't improve on perfection but if anything it was even more perfect" said Len. Bruno added "you are sex on legs and that will never be forgotten". "One word, three syllable, beginning with f, darling: fab-u-lous", said an impressed Craig.

Winning another perfect 40 points Danny's performance was unforgettable. At their end of their routines Ore found himself the judges favourite at the top of the scoreboard with 119 points out of a possible 120. Danny Mac and Louise Redknapp tied three points behind on 116 but the final result was in the hands of the viewers and it was clear that Ore also had the public on his side.

While Ore won the trophy and the title of Strictly Come Dancing champion 2016, some might say that Ed Balls was the other star of the series, wth the Labour MP winning the support of the British public for his chutzpah and sporting spirit.

Gathering once more for a happy reunion the contestants had the time of their lives as they re-grouped for a finale performance, with Ed Balls taking centre-stage once more for his now infamous Gangnam Style routine.

With a touching send-off for Len who gracefully bows out as a Strictly judge, the final was an emotional roller-coaster.

But in the end it was Ore's night and after being crowned the Strictly champion, he vowed to keep dancing.