‘Spaced-out’ Jay McGuiness takes the Strictly crown

Asked if he thought he should have won, McGuinness said: “I think it’s down to whoever watches whether they think I deserved to win or not”.

And she was enchanting – and blindfolded – for her Showdance to Fix You by Coldplay which was described by judge Bruno Tonioli as “Fifty Shades of Green”.

“Everyone loves Strictly – either they’re a fan or it’s on in the background, but I never realised I’d become such a Strictly fan”.

Battling the crowds booing him, Len Goodman said: “It was like a trip down memory lane – Jay and Aliona’s greatest hits – personally I would’ve liked a bit more show in a showdance”. I think everyone in the final deserved to be there.

As expected, broadcaster Katie Derham and partner Anton Du Beke finished in fourth place.

Darcey Bussell said: “That was outstanding”. Anyone who watched us and helped us get here…

“You’ve brought out the best in me and I really am forever grateful”, she told her partner who was making his first ever appearance in a final after 12 years on the show.

After Georgia and Giovanni got the full 40 points for their favourite routine, a Charleston inspired by “Chicago”, and after Georgia danced part of her Showdance blindfolded, Craig told her: “You have been extraordinary”.

He later added, “I’m on cloud nine, I can’t believe what’s happened”.

Kellie and Kevin’s favourite routine was also their Charleston, inspired by the very timely “Star Wars”. Acknowledging Aliona, he added: “You deserve it so much”.

There were tears, there was endless, endless hyperbole and, in the end, the voting public disagreed with the judges.

When Tess announced the result, Jay and Aliona looked shocked and slightly embarrassed, as if even they didn’t think they had done enough to win.

Strictly Come Dancing has come under significant fire twice this series, with ex-contestant Jamelia claiming the show was fixed after reportedly saying Peter Andre’s standing ovation was “faked by producers”.