Strictly winner Ellie Leach is all smiles hugging her Glitterball Trophy as the show’s stars leave final afterparty
STRICTLY winner Ellie Leach was all smiles as she clutched her Glitterball Trophy as she led the show's stars leaving the final afterparty.
The Coronation Street actress, 22, looked on cloud nine as she headed to bed following an emotional night.
Ellie clearly didn't want to let her trophy out of her sight as she hugged it closing to her while beaming from ear to ear as she was driven home alongside her supportive family.
The moment came at the end of a long night that saw Ellie and her pro partner Vito Coppola lift the Glitterball and beat out fellow finalists Bobby Brazier and Layton Williams.
Layton covered his face as he was snapped leaving the post show celebrations with his mum, while Bobby exited with his brother Freddie.
Dianne Buswell may not have won with partner Bobby but she was no doubt consoled by her supportive partner Joe Sugg left the party together.
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Dianne had a bag of Christmas presents at her feet and will soon head back down under to Australia, where she is due to spend Christmas.
The judges, meanwhile, still looked to be in the party spirit as they posed in the back of their cars while leaving Elstree studios.
Shirley Ballas and Craig Revel Horwood both flashed peace signs and megawatt smiles as they headed home to begin their Christmas break.
Motsi Mabuse, meanwhile, hauled a luggage cart laden with outfits, bags and presents as she made her way to a waiting car.
The glam star had changed out of her show outfit into a comfier ensemble of black trousers, puffa jacket and white trainers.
Amy Dowden looked amazing as she left the studios after making a triumphant return to the dancefloor.
The Welsh star, who has been battling breast cancer, performed with her fellow pro dancers to open last night's show.
Last year's finalist Helen Skelton also glammed up to return for this year's final, sporting a shimmering see-through jumpsuit and a white blazer.
Following her win last night though, the future is certainly looking bright for Ellie.
She is tipped to become a millionaire by the time she is 23 and experts believe she will be lined-up to host a flagship BBC show.
Brand and culture expert Nick Ede told The Sun: “Ellie’s become a household name and the BBC won’t want to let her go, so I can imagine a show like Morning Live will snap her up to get the younger demographic watching, as she's only 22.
“She’s full of life and vibrancy which makes her a star talent."