Ellie Leach and her professional partner Vito Coppola were the winners of Strictly Come Dancing 2023, lifting the Glitterball Trophy during the grand final on December 16, 2023. The former Coronation Street actress made history as the youngest-ever winner of the competition at age 22. Despite finishing at the bottom of the judges’ leaderboard in the final with a score of 115, the pair secured the victory through the all-important public vote. They defeated fellow finalists Layton Williams & Nikita Kuzmin and Bobby Brazier & Dianne Buswell in a two-hour finale that saw the youngest average age for a final in the show’s 21-series history.
The Grand Final Results 2023
The Strictly Come Dancing 2023 final took place on Saturday, December 16, featuring three couples performing three routines each. While the judges provided scores and feedback, the ultimate winner was determined solely by the British public’s telephone and online votes.
Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola were crowned champions despite being technically outperformed on the leaderboard by Layton Williams. Layton and Nikita Kuzmin finished the night with a near-perfect 119 out of 120, while Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell earned 117. Ellie and Vito’s score of 115 was impacted by a minor stumble in their showdance, but their consistent “journey” throughout the series resonated more strongly with the voting audience.
Ellie Leach and Vito’s Journey
Ellie Leach entered the competition as an “unfancied” contender, known primarily for her decade-long role as Faye Windass on Coronation Street. Over 13 weeks, she transformed into a powerhouse performer, never once appearing in the dreaded dance-off.
The partnership with Italian pro Vito Coppola was noted for its intense chemistry and technical precision. Judges frequently praised Ellie for her growth, with head judge Shirley Ballas remarking that she “arrived as a girl but left as a woman” after her final performances.
Winning Final Routines
In the final, Ellie and Vito performed a Paso Doble (Judges’ Pick), an American Smooth (Favorite), and a Jennifer Lopez Megamix (Showdance). Their American Smooth to “Ain’t That A Kick In The Head” earned a perfect 40, cementing their status as the people’s favorites.
Runners-Up: Layton and Bobby
Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin were the highest-scoring couple of the series, achieving four perfect 40s across the season. As a same-sex pairing, they broke new ground in choreography, though Layton’s previous West End experience led to some public debate regarding “fair play” in an amateur competition.
Bobby Brazier, the EastEnders actor and son of Jeff Brazier and Jade Goody, brought an emotional depth to the series. His “Couple’s Choice” dance dedicated to his late mother was widely considered the most moving moment of the 2023 season, leaving judges and viewers in tears.
Series 21 Scoring Retrospective
Series 21 was one of the most competitive in the show’s history, featuring a diverse cast including paralympians, newsreaders, and soap stars. Nigel Harman was a frontrunner early in the series but was forced to withdraw due to injury just before the quarter-finals.
The leaderboard frequently shifted, with celebrities like Angela Scanlon and Annabel Croft showing significant technical improvement in the later weeks. However, the dominance of the top three finalists was evident from the midpoint of the series, as they consistently occupied the top spots with scores of 35 and above.
Cultural Impact and Ratings
The 2023 final peaked at over 11 million viewers, demonstrating the enduring popularity of the Strictly format in its third decade. The series was praised for its inclusivity and the high technical standard of the choreography, which incorporated more contemporary and commercial styles than previous years.
Professional dancer Amy Dowden, who was unable to compete in 2023 due to her battle with breast cancer, made a poignant appearance in the final group dance. Her presence served as a highlight for fans and reinforced the show’s “family” atmosphere.
Practical Information and Viewing
For those looking to catch up on the 2023 series or plan for future seasons, the following practical details are essential.
Where to Watch: Full episodes and highlights of the 2023 series are available on BBC iPlayer.
Live Tour: The Strictly Live Tour typically runs from January to February each year across major UK arenas.
Ticket Prices: Tickets for the live tour generally range from £35 to £100, while tickets for the TV show at Elstree Studios are free but distributed via a random ballot.
How to Vote: During the live season, fans can vote via the BBC Strictly website or by calling the numbers displayed on screen.
Tips: Join the BBC mailing list in August to ensure you don’t miss the application window for the live show audience tickets.
FAQs
Who won Strictly Come Dancing in 2023?
Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola were the winners, beating finalists Layton Williams and Bobby Brazier in the public vote.
Who were the three finalists in Strictly 2023?
The finalists were Ellie Leach (with Vito Coppola), Layton Williams (with Nikita Kuzmin), and Bobby Brazier (with Dianne Buswell).
What was Ellie Leach’s highest score?
Ellie achieved multiple high scores, but her American Smooth in the final earned her a perfect 40/40 from the judges.
Who came second in Strictly 2023?
Both Layton Williams and Bobby Brazier are considered runners-up, as the show does not officially rank the second and third place during the live final announcement.
Did any contestants withdraw in 2023?
Yes, Amanda Abbington withdrew early in the series for personal reasons, and Nigel Harman withdrew due to a rib injury just before the Musicals Week show.
Who are the Strictly judges?
The 2023 panel consisted of Shirley Ballas (Head Judge), Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke.
What happened to Nigel Harman?
Nigel Harman was forced to quit the show on medical grounds after sustaining a rib injury in rehearsals on the morning of a live show.
How old is Ellie Leach?
Ellie Leach was 22 years old when she won, making her the youngest winner in the history of Strictly Come Dancing.
Was there a same-sex couple in the 2023 final?
Yes, Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin reached the final as a same-sex male pairing, finishing with the highest average score of the series.
How many people watched the Strictly 2023 final?
The 2023 grand final reached a peak audience of approximately 11.3 million viewers on BBC One.
What was Bobby Brazier’s most famous dance?
Bobby’s Couple’s Choice dance to “This Woman’s Work” by Maxwell, dedicated to his late mother Jade Goody, was the most talked-about performance of the series.
For More blogs Related insights click on :
The Ivy Asia: The Ultimate 2026 Dining and Lifestyle Guide
Men’s Pyjamas: The Ultimate 2026 Guide to Sleepwear and Loungewear
To read more , Brighton City News