Celebrity Big Brother 2017: Sarah Harding crowned the winner as Amelia Lily comes runner-up

Sarah Harding has been crowned the winner of Celebrity Big Brother 2017 after an emotional few weeks in the spotlight.

The former Girls Aloud star, who struck up a passionate romance with fellow housemate Chad Johnson, broke down in tears as Emma Willis revealed that she had received the most votes during Friday night’s finale.

The pop star said she was “in shock” as the results were announced, with favourite Amelia Lily coming runner-up, leaving the house to a mixture of cheers and boos.

Harding, 35, said she wanted to show the public a “different side” of herself during her time on the reality show, but faced criticism because of her passionate on-camera moments in the bedroom.

“I’d been living in the countries with my dogs, my confidence levels had dropped and I thought I that this was the best way to get back out there and start a new chapter,” she said after her win.

“I wanted to show the viewers at home that I’m just a normal girl. I don’t know how I won it, I’ve been through a roller-coaster.”

Talking about her controversial romance with Johnson, she said: “He was just my rock in the house, it wasn’t even initial attraction at first, he was just my best mate.

“I’d been in a relationship with someone for a few weeks, being with him didn’t compare to something so intense that felt like months and months.”

Speaking about coming in second place, X Factor star Lily said: “I didn’t even think I’d get past day one, I thought I was boring."

Made in Chelsea’s Sam Thompson came in third place, having struck up a romance with Lily during their time on the show, with Derek Acorah coming fourth.

Jemma Lucy and Chad Johnson were the first pair to lose their place in the house during the final, in something of an awkward exit.

Asked whether or not this romance with Harding was fake, Johnson said: “Fake? It definitely hurt, but it makes sense from the show I was on.

“It was long-term thing that grew between me and her. I don’t care what people think as long as it’s not hurt other people.”