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In tonight's nail-biting final, following the most successful series to date, Kara Tointon was crowned Strictly Come Dancing Champion 2010, beating Matt Baker and Pamela Stephenson to the coveted glitter ball trophy.

On winning the competition with her professional partner Artem Chigvintsev, Kara said: "It's just the most special thing I've ever achieved, thank you to this man (Artem). She added: "I've made the most fantastic friends for life. It's been the most special experience of my life."

Artem said: "She's amazing."

Coming in second place, runner-up Matt Baker said of his Strictly experience: "It's been great. Absolutely thoroughly enjoyed tonight. (Of Kara and Artem) Worthy winners without any doubt. I have to say if I was at home I'd be voting for you too."

Coming in third place, Pamela said to dance partner James Jordan: "You have been just incredible, you have made it the most joyful experience I've had for a long time. Your patience and dedication and talent has been outstanding, thank you."

In the climax to a thrilling eighth series, the final two couples performed four dances to win the title. They danced their highest scoring dance from the series, their favourite dance from the series, a dance they had yet to perform plus a ‘no holds barred' show dance in a bid to be titled Strictly champion 2010.

The final also saw the return of this series' eliminated couples who took to the floor one final time along with Pamola Faith, performing a new group dance, to her single, Upside Down.

Strictly Come Dancing returns for a one-off Christmas Special jam packed with five brand new celebrities to bring you cheer this festive season.

The five star line-up includes television presenter Fern Britton and her partner Matthew Cutler; legendary EastEnders' lynchpin Dot Branning (nee Cotton) actress June Brown and her partner Vincent Simone; comedy actress Ronni Ancona and her partner Anton du Beke; stage and screen star John Barrowman and his partner Kristina Rihanoff; and, completing our fabulous five is The Rt Hon Vince Cable MP and partner Erin Boag.

Viewers can tune in on Christmas Day at 7pm on ´óÏó´«Ã½ One and ´óÏó´«Ã½ One HD to see who will be crowned Christmas dance champions.

Notes to Editors

Dances:
Kara and Artem
Rumba
Show Dance
Waltz
American Smooth

Matt and Aliona
Samba
Show Dance
Paso Doble
Viennese Waltz

Pamela and James
Viennese Waltz
Showdance

A selection of highlights from this series of Strictly are available from the .

Strictly Come Dancing is available on ´óÏó´«Ã½ One and ´óÏó´«Ã½ HD.

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