Kelvin Fletcher and Oti Mabuse crowned Strictly Come Dancing 2019 winners

Kelvin Fletcher and Oti Mabuse have been named the champions of Strictly Come Dancing 2019.

The Emmerdale actor, 35, and the professional dancer, 29, were favourites to win the show after sashaying on to the ballroom in the first week with a samba.

Over the last 13 weeks, the duo have consistently scored highly and have never been in the dance off.

The final decision on who won the series was based entirely on viewer votes, which were cast during Saturday's final.

It is the first time Oti has won the competition since joining the show in 2015.

Speaking about the win, Kelvin broke down in tears as he told hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly: "I'm absolutely speechless. I did not expect that. It's been such a privilege to be here.

"I think this show represents everything that is amazing with this country. I think the people personify here what is great and it's been an absolute privilege."

Earlier in the show, the pair moved judge Motsi Mabuse to tears after their eclectic showdance ​to Shout by The Isley Brothers.

They also performed a samba to La Vida Es Un Carnaval and a rumba to Ain’t No Sunshine, scooping a total of 118 points from the judges.

Speaking to Oti, Kelvin added through tears: "Oti, thank you for the most amazing experience of my life. Thank you to Emma and Karim, Anton and Amy, and all the pros, the celebrities, the production, the judges, everyone at home who has supported.

"I feel so proud to be part of this. From the bottom of my heart, thank you."

Oti added: "I have been on this show for five years and I have never, ever met any celeb who gives his heart, his soul. If something's not working we stay in training and we rehearse, and not because he wanted to win but because he genuinely loves dancing.

"For me, this is the best gift and the best ending to my year, so thank you so much."

Kelvin was a last-minute addition to this year's television show after his predecessor, Made in Chelsea star Jamie Laing, pulled out of the show a week into rehearsals after hurting his foot.​

Speaking at a press conference earlier this week, Oti said how she was left feeling devastated with the news and feared she would not be able to compete.

She told reporters: "For a few days I was with Sarah [James, executive producer of Strictly] just literally devastated thinking, 'For the first time, I wouldn't be able to do the one thing that I love in the whole world'. That really broke my heart."

The runners-up were EastEnders actress Emma Barton and her partner Anton Du Beke and children's television presenter Karim Zeroual and his partner Amy Dowden.

Saturday night's finale also saw an opening number from the professionals, a group number featuring all the other contestants who took part in this year's series and a performance from Taylor Swift who sang her single, Lover.

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