Who won 'Strictly' 2018? The result that turned the leaderboard upside down and finally gave one pro his Glitterball Trophy
Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton have won Strictly Come Dancing 2018, despite coming bottom of the leaderboard in the judges’ scores.
They've only gone and done it! Say hello to your #Strictly 2018 winners, @StaceyDooley and @keviclifton 🏆🎉 pic.twitter.com/C1pTKmW27O
— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) December 15, 2018
The final saw the most 10s ever awarded in one show, but despite Ashley Roberts and Faye Tozer tying on perfect 40s for all of their dances, champion Stacey still did not manage to win a 10 from Craig Revel Horwood.
Fans of the BBC series were delighted to see underdog Stacey win, as she started the series with no dance experience and many criticisms have been levelled at finalists Ashley and Faye for having performed professionally in the past.
Delighted that #Stacey & Kevin have won. Tonight’s performances probably weren’t their best, but she’s been fantastic & she’s what #Strictly is all about – a non-dancer, working her ass off & improving week on week.
— Carole (Ducky) (@IrPsych) December 15, 2018
A-m-a-z-i-n-g! Absolutely thrilled for Stacey & Kevin! What a series it’s been a belter! #Strictly 🙌
— Lisa M ✨ (@LMotion16) December 15, 2018
Get in Stacey! So happy for Kevin too! They've been entertaining throughout and have such a great chemistry together. #StrictlyFinal #Strictly
— Adds10lbs (@adds10lbs) December 15, 2018
However, Stacey made it clear that she felt the win was a bigger deal for her pro dance partner Kevin, who has been in the final five times out of his six series in Strictly, but this is the first time he has ever won.
So happy that Stacey won but even more happy that Kevin has finally won a Strictly title! Well deserved, what a series. #Strictly
— charlotte pearson (@mixtapecouture) December 15, 2018
Think you only have to look at the screen right now to see how highly Kevin Clifton is regarded by his fellow dancers. So glad he’s got that trophy at last! Well done Kevin and Stacey, well deserved! #Strictly
— Helen Barton (@hcb2609) December 15, 2018
I’M ALWAYS RIGHT 🤪
Well done to Stacey and Kevin. And also for making me a nice wage at the bookies 🤗
GREAT FINAL!
— James Jordan (@The_JamesJordan) December 15, 2018
Stacey said: “You know how highly I think of (Kevin), you’re the biggest gem, it’s no coincidence he’s been in the final as many times as he has.
“It’s daunting doing something you’ve never done before, you feel silly, like a bit of an idiot, but Kevin walks you through. You so deserve this.”
Kevin, who won for the first time, said: “It’s a Christmas miracle!
“Thank you for being the most wonderful person to work with. You’re so lovely and I just think the absolute world of you, thank you so much.”
I tbink that it genuinely does just show that it doesn’t matter what the judges think, although their scores tonight meant nothing, Stacey & Kevin was bottom of the leader board and still won !!!! #strictly
— lucy b🏳️🌈 (@lucybreivogelll) December 15, 2018
Thank you the public for voting the rightful winner in Stacey and Kevin. The world is right again #Strictly
— Lorna Rafferty (@RaffertyLorna) December 15, 2018
Each couple had to dance three times tonight, taking on their favourite dance from the series, one that the judges chose for them to improve upon, and an all-new routine for the Showdance displaying the skills they’d learned over the last few months.
Stacey was beaten by Ashley Roberts, Faye Tozer and Joe Sugg when it came to the judges’ scores, but she was a favourite with the public throughout the series and luckily only their votes counted tonight.
Of course, every Strictly final needs a Bruno-ism, and he did not disappoint with a slip of the tongue over Stacey’s Showdance.
Greatest (ahem) hits 🤣 #StrictlyFinal pic.twitter.com/Bhh5POCF5u
— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) December 15, 2018
There was minor outrage on Twitter during Stacey’s Paso Doble when an enthusiastic shake of her hemline made it appear that she flashed the cameras, although everyone calmed down when a screen grab showed she was simply wearing a very well-matched to her skin tone leotard.
Joe kept his promise to dye his hair the same shade of red as partner Dianne Buswell’s, although whether it suits enough to keep long-term remains to be seen…
NEW VLOG – https://t.co/gWJBw5aD9k – IT ACTUALLY HAPPENED pic.twitter.com/UiVKUfP95T
— Joe Sugg (@Joe_Sugg) December 14, 2018
It’s been an eventful series of Strictly this year, with the show hitting the headlines for Seann Walsh and Katya Jones’ kiss, Danny John-Jules and Amy Dowden’s alleged fall-out, a backlash against trained dancer Ashley Roberts, and various shock exits.
One of the highlights of the night was seeing all of the class of 2018 back together again for the group dance while the votes were counted, but of course all eyes were on one former couple…and her husband.
Quite enjoyed the gang physically pulling Seann and Katya apart in that group number #Strictly #SCD
— Sarah Doran (@sarahisnothere) December 15, 2018
Love how Seann and Katya did their Jedi sequence to avoid actually touching each other #strictly #strictlyfinal
— Ives✨🏴 (@avonskinggg) December 15, 2018
Is anyone else watching strictly looking to see the distance between Neil and Seann. I'm sure Seann went to hide around the corner at one point #Strictly
— Lauren Brown (@1997whovian) December 15, 2018
But despite the series gossip, what we’ll all remember the class of 2018 for is its incredibly high standard of dancing, crowned by Stacey’s win tonight.
Ashley Roberts and Pasha Kovalev
They're having the time of their lives all over again 👏💃🕺 @ImAshleyRoberts @PashaKovalev #StrictlyFinal pic.twitter.com/ZxXbvniROs
— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) December 15, 2018
Dance 1: Judges’ Pick – Salsa to (I’ve Had the) Time of My Life from Dirty Dancing
What we thought: How on earth did the judges manage to pick a dance that Ashley needed to improve upon?
It was a faultless Salsa, but we don’t really remember it being littered with mistakes the first time around.
However, there is one massive improvement on the last couple of weeks because Ashley actually looks like she’s enjoying herself. She must have decided to cast aside the negativity and enjoy being a finalist, as she should.
Ashley
Wow wow wow!!! Whatever anyone says she is AMAZING!! Irrelevant if dance trained just like loads of past and previous contestants.
I bet she has worked harder than anyone else to create her dances.
She is the best celeb ever on the show. FACT!Give the girl a break
— James Jordan (@The_JamesJordan) December 15, 2018
What the judges thought: Shirley Ballas said: “When you think something just can’t get any better you manage to take it to the next level.”
Bruno Tonioli said: “That really proves that the first time around was not a fluke – the girl can dance and she loves dancing.”
Score: 40
Moving, magical and utterly magnificent. @ImAshleyRoberts and @PashaKovalev's Show Dance was a real moment 💕✨ #StrictlyFinal pic.twitter.com/i1N4YU20JJ
— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) December 15, 2018
Dance 2: Showdance to Keeping Your Head Up by Birdy
What we thought: Putting aside any debate about whether dance experience matters, if there was any doubt about who the best dancer is, this cleared it up.
Not only was the routine full of energy, really difficult and perfectly performed, it saw Ashley arrive suspended from the ceiling by ribbons and doing most of the dance on a rotating platform.
A masterclass in everything a Strictly winner should be able to do.
I'd like Ashley's showdance a hell of a lot more if they'd taken the opportunity to incorporate Ballroom and Latin. #strictly
— Sam (@Sammyshipp) December 15, 2018
What the judges thought: Shirley said: “You are the epitome of extraordinary. We already know you’re a great dancer, but you’ve stretched yourself beyond limits to styles you didn’t know.”
Bruno said: “That was sensational, you have no idea how hard that dance was.”
Darcey said: “That was showcasing all of your strengths. To take those exciting risks was outstanding.”
Craig said: “I had a small problem with your right toe, darling, but then I decided to get over myself.”
Score: 40
We've said it before… These are the only trolls we want to see on the internet @ImAshleyRoberts and @PashaKovalev! 😂 #StrictlyFinal pic.twitter.com/ML7CfUL8DF
— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) December 15, 2018
Dance 3: Favourite Dance – Charleston to Witch Doctor
What we thought: This was Ashley and Pasha’s most fun dance of the series, and the first time we saw how truly brilliant she was, so it’s a real treat to see it again.
It was every bit as perfect as we remembered and we’re glad Ashley chose to end her rollercoaster Strictly experience on a happy note.
A thought: Ashley and Pasha won't have done any of the standard ballroom or latin dances in the final.
That feels wrong. Particularly given the "but she's not trained in ballroom or latin" arguments.#Strictly
— Laura (@drlaurajo) December 15, 2018
What the judges thought: Darcey said: “You just come alive when you hit this dancefloor. Please tell me that you will never stop dancing.”
Craig said: “I’m glad you chose this dance because it’s full of character. I wish I could dance like you.”
Score: 40
Combined score: 120
Placed: Runners-up
Winners – Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton
It wouldn't be a #StrictlyFinal without a fabulous Foxtrot 👌 @StaceyDooley and @Keviclifton definitely delivered! pic.twitter.com/af7nFW4gwm
— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) December 15, 2018
Dance 1: Judges’ Pick – Foxtrot to Hi Ho Silver Lining by Jeff Beck
What we thought: That routine is so far from being Stacey’s most memorable dance that we were a bit worried about how it might affect her chances.
However, she danced it brilliantly, even though it had nowhere near as many high-profile moments as Ashley’s Judges’ Pick.
What you can really see here, because it was an early routine for her, is how much Stacey has improved – she wasn’t a dancer before so it’s very clear how hard she has worked to get to this point.
For Gods sake Craig. Is your 10 paddle hidden for Stacey?! #strictly
— 💫Leanne💫 (@l_oc81) December 15, 2018
What the judges thought: Craig Revel Horwood said: “I thought it was absolutely gorgeous, so confident, fantastic.
Darcey Bussell said: “What you always give is this lovely natural charm. Perfect, absolutely perfect.”
Score: 39
That double lift though 😱 Putting the ✨SHOW✨ in Show Dance, @StaceyDooley and @keviclifton's routine is FAB-U-LOUS! 👏 pic.twitter.com/MTxBBeopfU
— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) December 15, 2018
Dance 2: Showdance to Land of a Thousand Dances by Jessica Mauboy
What we thought: It couldn’t have been more different to Ashley and Pasha’s Showdance, but it was no less amazing.
The dance perfectly reflected everything we’ve come to know and love about Stacey and Kevin, their friendship and their sense of fun.
We loved it, even if the judges didn’t.
Stacey
mmmmm I normally love Kevin’s Choreography but I just didn’t get this at all.
A show dance for me should be full of lifts and an exciting and a mix of dances
It was a complete mess and didn’t understand the beginning AT ALL
NOT GOOD EVEN FOR A NON DANCER #Strictly
— James Jordan (@The_JamesJordan) December 15, 2018
What the judges thought: Bruno said: “It was a medley of Stacey’s greatest tits – greatest hits, I’m sorry!”
Craig said: “I wasn’t that keen on the dance, it was a little bit too bitty.”
Darcey said: “It was a great mash-up of all your dances, a whirlwind of all your classic moves.”
Shirley said: “It was power packed. You felt comfortable in what you were doing.”
Score: 36
Stacey Doble strikes again ✋🔥 @StaceyDooley @keviclifton #Strcitly pic.twitter.com/NlplJaDd58
— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) December 15, 2018
Dance 3: Favourite Dance – Paso Doble
What we thought: Snap! This is our favourite of your dances too, Stacey!
How could anyone not love Stacey and Kevin’s Paso Doble? The perfect amount of drama, while still feeling modern, too.
It was a great contrast with her first two dances, too.
Superb, Stacey. Truly superb. What a paso. #Strictly
— Helen Walmsley-J (@TheVintageYear) December 15, 2018
What the judges thought: Shirley said: “From the beginning of the show, from where you started to leaving us as a professional dancer if you like, you have brought so much joy to so many people.”
Bruno said: “That was an authentic, beautiful Paso Doble. Everything I like.”
Score: 39
Combined score: 114
Placed: Winners
Faye Tozer and Giovanni Pernice
Even more dramatic than the first time. An unforgettable Viennese Waltz from @Faye_Tozer and @pernicegiovann1 🤩 #StrictlyFinal pic.twitter.com/65997cQ9NJ
— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) December 15, 2018
Dance 1: Judges’ Pick – Viennese Waltz to It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World by Seal
What we thought: We’re so glad that the judges chose this routine for Faye, because it epitomises her style in the competition – dramatic, sultry and mature.
It’s a real difference to the two more upbeat dances we saw from Ashley and Stacey, and gave Faye a chance to show off the best of her skills.
Any other year, Faye would be walking to a win, but there was tough competition from every corner tonight.
Come on @Faye_Tozer @pernicegiovann1 not only are you stunning, but you always make your dances look beautiful to watch!! You can do it girl! @bbcstrictly #Strictly
— Katie Wearing (@DinkyKt) December 15, 2018
What the judges thought: Darcey said: “Faye, you are the best ballroom dancer in the competition, and you have just proved that.”
Shirley said: “You cannot be a winner in anything unless you have technique and you have that, you were amazing.”
Score: 40
Hats off to @Faye_Tozer and @pernicegiovann1, that Show Dance was solid gold! 🎩 #StrictlyFinal pic.twitter.com/qP00RkDFwK
— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) December 15, 2018
Dance 2: Showdance to Lullaby of Broadway
What we thought: Something that often goes under the radar with Faye is that she has the most recognisable dance style of any of the celebs this series.
If she was on The X Factor, Simon Cowell would be telling her that she really knows who she is as an artist, and this routine showed that off more than anything we’ve seen so far.
One of the best Showdances ever.
Faye’s showdance was AMAZING and she should win for that dance alone! So excited for her theatre jazz dance again #StrictlyFinal #Strictly
— Adam Wright (@adam_w_92) December 15, 2018
What the judges thought: Craig said: “Fab-u-lous darling.”
Darcey said: “It’s sophisticated, but never forced. A dream routine.”
Shirley said: “You brought Broadway to Strictly. The choreography was outstanding.”
Bruno said: “Hooray for Faye! You were the embodiment of all the Hollywood goddesses.”
Score: 40
We've got a Fever, because this routine is sick! 👌😎 @Faye_Tozer @pernicegiovann1 #StrictlyFinal pic.twitter.com/ZzkKQWbVBF
— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) December 15, 2018
Dance 3: Favourite Dance – Couple’s Choice: Theatre/Jazz to Fever
What we thought: If anyone was unsure whether Couple’s Choice should have been brought in this year, Faye and Giovanni’s routine proved its worth.
Put together with her two earlier dances, Faye’s final routines seem much more well-connected than anyone else’s – they feel like they could all make up a show on their own.
Faye
Not keen on the couples choice at all but this routine was sensational the first time and just as good the second
Giovanni created a routine that will go down in Strictly history
Bloody brilliant!!#Strictly
— James Jordan (@The_JamesJordan) December 15, 2018
What the judges thought: Craig said: “Love, love, love.”
Bruno said: “Everybody can join in with me for this one – A.Maz.Ing!”
Score: 40
Combined score: 120
Placed: Runners-up
Joe Sugg and Dianne Buswell
The Paso Joe-ble is BACK and fiercer than ever 🙌🔥 @Joe_Sugg @dbuzz6589 #StrictlyFinal pic.twitter.com/tDniiv0GXK
— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) December 15, 2018
Dance 1: Judges’ Pick – Paso Doble to Pompeii by Bastille
What we thought: Although Joe really threw himself into this first time round, it always just looked a little bit awkward with his frame.
It’s still not our favourite routine of Joe’s, but it was massively improved and more comfortable to watch.
Joe doesn’t seem in the same league as his competitors tonight, but he has certainly made a huge improvement and done himself proud.
Joe
Love them❤️ He’s the weakest dancer in the competition but gives it a good go which I admire. PLUS it’s much harder for the men
I always want him to do so well.
He was great tonight and musically fantastic
Just lacking a bit of power and strength #Strictly— James Jordan (@The_JamesJordan) December 15, 2018
What the judges thought: Bruno said: “It’s not just your hair that’s red hot, the Paso Doble was incandescent.”
Craig said: “The shaping for me was a little bit forced. But what I love about you is your commitment to everything.”
Score: 39
We were NOT expecting THAT! 😱 @Joe_Sugg and @dbuzz6589 just (literally) smashed the #StrictlyFinal 🎸🤘 pic.twitter.com/N4JiH8FlYt
— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) December 15, 2018
Dance 2: Showdance to I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor by Arctic Monkeys
What we thought: Heavy use of props here to cover up a lack of content and difficulty compared to the other three Showdances.
Joe looked a bit ahead of time with some of it too, as though he was running around the floor dragging Dianne along.
The judges were full of positive comments, but we didn’t feel it really lived up to the effort the others put in.”
Joe’s “I’m gonna give you a migraine” themed Showdance wasn’t my cup of tea but then I’m 39 going on 80 #Strictly
— Sid (@StrictlySid) December 15, 2018
What the judges thought: Darcey said: “The wild beast has been let loose. I thought you were going to lose control but you didn’t.”
Shirley said: “It was absolutely amazing. I think I actually might enjoy that kind of music.”
Bruno said: “You’re quite the bad boy Joe. Why didn’t you show us that before?”
Craig said: “I really enjoyed that, I thought it had the quirk of a Charleston.”
Score: 39
Yeeehaaaw! @Joe_Sugg and @dbuzz6589's Charleston is raising the roof 🙌 #StrictlyFinal pic.twitter.com/Ecov854Dw0
— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) December 15, 2018
Dance 3: Favourite Dance – Charleston to Cotton Eye Joe
What we thought: Again, not our favourite of Joe’s dances over the series, but it does sum up the tone of most of his competition.
Joe and Dianne really went for the gimmicky numbers over the weeks, but as this was one of their earliest routines, we could at least see the huge improvement in what he’s achieved during his time on the show.
#Strictly #strictlyfinal Joe has found his confidence and it’s a joy to see.
— Jenny Watson (@Me_JennyWatson) December 15, 2018
What the judges thought: Darcey said: “You are the biggest surprise of this series. You are a star on this dancefloor.”
Shirley said: “You are what this show is all about. You are a gentleman, you are kind, your work effort is second to none.”
Score: 38
Combined score: 116
Placed: Runners-up
Read more
Ashley Roberts opens up about the strain of Strictly
Joe Sugg fans try to exploit Strictly voting loophole
Seann Walsh and Neil Jones keep their distance in Strictly final rehearsals