Jamie Borthwick and Nancy Xu were crowned the winners of the Strictly Come Dancing 2023 Christmas special.
The EastEnders actor, 28, lifted the silver star trophy with his professional dance partner, 32, after wowing the judges with their festive routine.
The show, which aired on Christmas Day, saw Danny Cipriani, Keisha Buchanan, Tillie Amartey, Sally Nugent, Dan Snow and Jamie take to the dance floor.
Judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas scored Jamie highly, with the studio audience also voting for the soap star to become champion.
Anton said of Jamie’s performance: ‘You were a surprise and a delight. Magnificent!’ while Craig added: ‘Jamie you sleighed me darling, you were Fab-U-Lous!’
Jamie Borthwick and Nancy Xu were crowned the winners of the Strictly Come Dancing 2023 Christmas special
After winning, Jamie, who plays Jay Brown on EastEnders, said: ‘This is great, it’s been a wonderful experience, but we’re all winners here. This show is magic.’
Former rugby player Danny, 36, was partnered with Jowita Przystal, 29, after his recent split from his wife Victoria and danced the Cha Cha Cha.
Danny was said to have left his ex ‘gutted’ after he shared behind-the-scenes snaps of himself and the dancer in rehearsals for the show.
He said of his bond with Jowita: ‘It’s a blessing and to step into Jowita’s world, and for her to teach me some special moves, but also the humility and the grace that she works under, it’s the essence of who she is, while being an absolute genius at what she does, it’s so nice to be around.
‘She’s world class, but so humble.’
Jowita is thought to be single after splitting from Strictly pro Giovanni Pernice earlier this year.
MeanwhileDan Snow had an awkward wardrobe malfunction as he took to the Strictly Come Dancing dancefloor during the special.
The television presenter, 45, was left slightly red-faced as he accidentally split his trousers while performing a jive with pro partner Nadiya Bychkova.
The EastEnders actor, 28, lifted the silver star trophy with his professional dance partner, 32, after wowing the judges with their festive routine
Meanwhile Dan Snow had an awkward wardrobe malfunction as he took to the Strictly dancefloor for the special (pictured with pro partner Nadiya Bychkova)
The television presenter, 45, was left slightly red faced as he accidentally split his trousers while performing with pro partner Nadiya Bychkova
Dan got into the festive spirit as he transformed into a gingerbread man and performed to All I Want For Christmas Is You.
Thinking he had gotten away with the outfit tear, judge Craig Revel Horwood was quick to point the mishap out.
Giving some criticism, he said: ‘Your legs were a little stiff and there were lots of timing issues. You did at least manage to split your trousers which was quite good.’
Looking shocked, Tess replied: ‘Oh gosh! Nobody else noticed Craig’
He replied: ‘I noticed but you did really well to keep up and you did a great job. The performance was ace.’
Dan was scored a total of 30 from the judges leaving him bottom of the leader board.
Newsreader Sally, 52, performed the Foxtrot with Graziano Di Prima to Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, the Ella Fitzgerald version.
Ahead of the dance, she said: ‘I just loved the idea of doing Christmas because it felt like everybody is going to be happy, there’s no pressure, it doesn’t feel like it’s a competition to me.
‘It feels like it’s a chance to have a laugh, and spread a little joy on my favourite day. It’s one of my favourite shows to watch on Christmas day anyway, so to be in it is incredible.’
Waterloo Road actress Tillie, 20, was partnered with Neil Jones and danced the Jive.
Waterloo Road actress Tillie, 20, was partnered with Neil Jones and danced the Jive
Danny and Jowita did a Cha Cha to Celebration by Kool & the Gang for which the judges gave them 37 out of 40
For the 2023 series, Elie Leach won Strictly with Vito Coppola and lifted the coveted glitterball
Dan and Nadiya danced a jive to Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas, scoring 30, Keisha and Gorka were awarded 33 for their Vienesse Walts to Snowman by Sia and Danny and Jowita did a Cha Cha to Celebration by Kool & the Gang for which the judges gave them 37 out of 40.
Last year, Corrie’s Alexandra Mardell won the festive show with pro Kai Widdrington after earning a perfect score with their fun Quickstep.
For the 2023 series, Elie Leach won Strictly with Vito Coppola and lifted the coveted glitterball.
After being announced as the winner, Ellie said: ‘I actually, genuinely cannot believe this.’
Ellie – who is best known for playing Faye Windass on Coronation Street – was awarded 40 points for her final dance of the night.
Craig Revel Horwood heaped praise on the actress, observing that she’s made huge progress since the start of the series.
He said: ‘It’s just been wonderful to see you grow and develop as a dancer.’
Ellie and Vito danced a routine to the sound of ‘Ain’t That A Kick In The Head’ by Robbie Williams, and they earned full marks from the judges.
The duo also performed a Pasodoble routine, as well as a show dance to a Jennifer Lopez megamix.
Ellie overcame competition from Bobby Brazier and Layton Williams to claim the coveted ‘Strictly’ crown.