Tointon celebrates Strictly win

Former EastEnder Kara Tointon has been celebrating after being crowned winner of this year's Strictly Come Dancing.

The actress took the coveted glitterball trophy after dazzling judges with a series of "first class" routines in the live final.

Tointon, 27, received the highest number of votes from the British public, pipping Matt Baker to the title after third finalist Pamela Stephenson was first to be eliminated.

After winning, Tointon fought back tears and said: "It's just the most special thing that I've ever achieved."

The actress, from Essex, then turned to dance partner Artem Chigvintsev and said: "I want to thank this man, he's been wonderful. I made the most fantastic friend for life."

The Russian-born dancer thanked her and described her as "amazing".

Countryfile presenter Baker, 31, who was a pre-final favourite to take the trophy, said the romantically linked pair were "worthy winners".

Tointon and Chigvintsev drew standing ovations throughout the tense final of the BBC1 ballroom competition, and their performances were rewarded with a host of top marks from the judges.

Her Viennese Waltz to Cry Me A River perhaps drew the most applause and prompted judge Craig Revel Horwood to say: "I would kill to be able to dance like that, I thought it was amazing."