'Strictly' final: Famous fans cheer on the finalists as Taylor Swift is the series' last star booking

Celebrity fans of Strictly Come Dancing have been anxiously waiting to see who would lift the Glitterball Trophy in one of the show’s strongest ever finals.

The Strictly Grand Final is not just must-see viewing for the general public, as everyone from Olympians to actors and dancers held their breath to see whether Kelvin Fletcher, Karim Zeroual, or Emma Barton would win.

Read more: Kelvin Fletcher and Oti Mabuse crowned Strictly 2019 winners

Famous faces were as excited as any other viewer to find out which of the strong finalists would emerge the victor.

Olympian Greg Rutherford threw his support behind Kelvin Fletcher, as did Coronation Street’s Sally Ann Matthews.

Choreographer Matthew Bourne, a vocal supporter of the show, felt it was a two-horse race between Fletcher and Karim Zeroual.

Former Strictly pro Brendan Cole was tuning in to the final, and got behind his old pal Anton du Beke with his partner Emma Barton.

But of course, there could only be one winner and ex-contestants Chizzy Akudolu, Danny Mac and Susanna Reid were thrilled to see Fletcher and Oti Mabuse lift the Glitterball Trophy.

Fletcher may have entered the show as a stand-in for Jamie Laing, who was injured in the launch show, but the Made in Chelsea star had no problem with his replacement winning the whole thing, joking that his accident was to thank.

The audience was also a star-studded group tonight, with former contestants in attendance including 2018 champion Stacey Dooley, finalist Joe Sugg, and 2016 favourite Ed Balls.

Earlier in the day, Kevin Clifton paid tribute to his girlfriend and 2018 dance partner by marking a year since their win.

Meanwhile, Strictly had an ace up its sleeve with its last star performance of the series - Taylor Swift.

She performed her new single Lover as the Strictly pros danced along with a romantic routine and the votes for the final were counted.

The high-profile booking was a highlight for many of the show’s viewers.

However, the real stars of the show were Fletcher and Mabuse, who brought their families to tears with their win - including the dancer’s judge sister, Motsi Mabuse.

They were praised for taking on two of the show’s hardest dances, the Rumba and Samba, as well as being the only couple to score a perfect 40 for their Showdance.

Read more: Anton du Beke open to same-sex Strictly pairing

Zeroual and his partner Amy Dowden were the only couple to score two 40s in their three dances, while Emma Barton took partner Anton du Beke to just his second ever final despite being the only pro to have competed in all 17 series.

Strictly Come Dancing returns on Christmas Day to BBC One for a festive special.