Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev win UK Strictly Come Dancing

December 20, 2010

British actress and her Russian dance partner  have become the winners of the  of the  programme . The pair won the dancing show on Saturday, leaving British television presenter and his Kazakhstani dance partner  in second place.

Bookmakers had considered this dancing duo to be the most likely to win the series. Meanwhile, Australian actress finished in third place along with her British dance partner,. It was ultimately a public vote that determined the results.

Upon winning, Tointon proclaimed: "It's just the most special thing that I've ever achieved." In reference to Chigvintsev, she exclaimed: "I want to thank this man, he's been absolutely wonderful." Talking about the experience, she commented: "I've met the most fantastic friends in my life and this has been the most special experience for me." Chigvintsev then declared to Tointon: "You're amazing." Baker described the dancing pair as "worthy winners, without any doubt", saying: "If I was at home I'd be voting for you, too."

Earlier in the final programme, Tointon and Chigvintsev had danced to the tune of ; the dance received the acclaim of the judges. "I would kill to be able to dance like that, I thought it was amazing," exclaimed. commented: "I'm quite sad that that is the last dance we are going to see you do". In reference to the pair, she added: "Together you are first class." remarked: "You danced to a level that we hardly ever see here. Whatever happens, this was incredible."

Bruno Tonioli described Matt Baker as "very dashing and elegant". believed that he was "an excellent ballroom dancer". At one point, Palema Stephenson received a perfect score of 40 from the four judges for her. Tonioli branded the dance as "simply brilliant". Revel Horwood used the word "remarkable" to describe that performance.