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Strictly Come Dancing: McFly's Harry Judd lifts trophy
Harry Judd and his dance partner Aliona Vilani hear news of their triumph
McFly musician Harry Judd has been voted the winner of the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing.
The pop drummer beat Waterloo Road actress Chelsee Healey to lift the glitterball trophy at Blackpool's Tower Ballroom.
Judd was also the judges' favourite, scoring a maximum of 40 points on two dances - his first of the series.
Singer Jason Donovan was eliminated and finished third after the first part of the contest.
Judd, 25, said after his win: "I have just had the most incredible experience. I have been on the best show on TV and I am just honoured."
“Start Quote
End Quote Strictly judge Len Goodman on champion Harry JuddIf you were a stick of Blackpool rock, you would have 'talent' written right through you”
The 25-year-old pop star added that he was so nervous when he started the competition he thought he would be unable to do it, but said his dance partner Aliona Vilani had "got me through it".
Judd and Healey went on to revisit their favourite performances from the series as part of their head-to-head clash, with the musician bagging a full 40 points for a moody Argentine tango.
The 23-year-old actress, partnered by Pasha Kovalev, performed a quickstep with an airport theme, but was denied full marks when judge Craig Revel-Horwood awarded them a nine.
Notoriously nitpicking Revel-Horwood said of Judd: "Like the nation, I have fallen in love with you."
Earlier in the contest, head judge Len Goodman said: "If you were a stick of Blackpool rock, you would have 'talent' written right through you."
The final also included the show's judges selecting a routine from the preceding heats for the celebrities to repeat.
Donovan danced the tango to Gloria Gaynor's I Will Survive, Judd performed his quickstep from week nine, while Healey relived her jive to the The Monkees' I'm A Believer.
The 43-year-old Australian star scored a maximum mark of 40 for his glitzy freestyle routine with the judges, but it was not enough to save him from early elimination after attracting the lowest number of public votes.
For the first time, the show was screened in 3D on the BBC HD channel and at selected UK cinemas.
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Fast Track
Comment number 192.
WomanMotherUk40something18th December 2011 - 9:00
we hardly watch any tv but as a family we all look forward to an hour of Sparkly dresses, fun music, lovely dancing and the kids dancing round the room. Its not highbrow but its the perfect antidote a hard week of brain intensive work and it can be safely enjoyed by the whole family. And yes, we went for a long walk first - before you miseries say we could be doing something active instead!!
Link to this (Comment number 192)
Comment number 189.
catbells5518th December 2011 - 8:44
Absolutely Brilliant. Loved every minute of every Show. Well Done
Harry and Aliona they deserved to win. Also congratulations to
Chelsee and Pasha lovely dancer and mover. There were a few
"Celebrities" at the beginning who were out of their depth but were
soon eliminated. The Dancers all worked so hard.were conscientious
and determined to put their best effort in every single time.
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Comment number 187.
Oysterman18th December 2011 - 8:46
Why do so many people have to knock something which has given so may people so much pleasure?
This is programme is great entertainment and very professionally done.
Compared to the garbage that has been the X Factor this year it shows Britain at its best. Old fashioned?? Maybe to those fed on a dosage of prefabricated Lady Gagga but not to those who love entertainment.
Well done BBC!!!
Link to this (Comment number 187)
Comment number 185.
Little_Old_Me18th December 2011 - 8:36
It's not the judges who need revamping, it's the public who need to vote for the best dancer, not their favourite personality. The public got it right this year, but look at how far Anne W got last year....
It might be entertainment, but it's format is a dance contest - it would be ridiculous to suggest the outcome of sporting events should be decided by public vote after the final whistle.....
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Comment number 165.
Blue_lantern18th December 2011 - 7:28
Glad that people enjoy watching it but totally unhappy that it is rammed down our throats on countless news items and other programmes. Sad that the BBC is dumbing down so much and destroying it's rationale.
The BBC is treating us like idiots. All we hear is what a fabulous time the contestants are having. Well bully for them. Delighted they are enjoying themselves at vast expense!!
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