Ellie Leach won Strictly Come Dancing 2023, lifting the Glitterball Trophy on 16 December 2023 alongside her professional partner Vito Coppola. The grand final of Strictly Come Dancing saw Ellie defeat strong finalists Layton Williams, Bobby Brazier, and Nigel Harman in one of the most competitive seasons in recent years. Her victory was driven by consistent high scores, strong public support, and a memorable final performance lineup that impressed both judges and viewers.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn everything about who won Strictly 2023, how the final unfolded, full results, scores, contestants, standout dances, judges’ reactions, and practical details about the show. This article is structured to give you fast answers while also offering deep insight into the season, making it ideal for both casual viewers and dedicated fans.
Strictly 2023 Winner Overview
The winner of Strictly Come Dancing 2023 was Ellie Leach, best known for her role in Coronation Street. She partnered with Vito Coppola, who made his mark with creative choreography and emotional storytelling throughout the series.
The final took place on 16 December 2023 at the BBC studios in Elstree. Ellie and Vito performed three dances: a Judges’ Pick, their favourite dance, and a showdance. Their performances received overwhelming praise, particularly their emotional connection and technical precision.
Ellie’s win marked a standout moment in the show’s history, as she became one of the youngest winners in recent years and a fan favourite from early weeks. Her journey from a shy contestant to a confident performer resonated strongly with audiences.
Final Results Breakdown
The Strictly 2023 final featured four contestants competing for the Glitterball Trophy. The final rankings were determined by a combination of judges’ scores and public votes.
The top four finalists were:
Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola – Winners
Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin – Runner-up
Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell – Third place
Nigel Harman and Katya Jones – Fourth place
Each finalist delivered three performances in the grand finale. Judges scored each dance out of 40, but ultimately the public vote played a decisive role in determining the winner.
Layton Williams was considered the technical frontrunner throughout the season, consistently achieving high scores. However, Ellie’s emotional appeal and strong fan support gave her the edge in the final vote.
Ellie Leach’s Winning Journey
Ellie Leach’s journey on Strictly Come Dancing 2023 was defined by steady improvement, emotional storytelling, and audience connection. She started the competition as a relatively unknown quantity in dance but quickly gained confidence under Vito Coppola’s guidance.
Throughout the series, Ellie delivered several standout performances, including her Paso Doble, American Smooth, and Charleston. These dances demonstrated her versatility, from powerful routines to light-hearted, energetic numbers.
Her consistency was a key factor in her success. While other contestants had fluctuating performances, Ellie maintained a high standard week after week. Judges frequently praised her musicality, posture, and ability to connect with the audience.
By the time the final arrived, Ellie had built strong momentum, making her a clear favourite to win.
Grand Final Performances
The Strictly 2023 final required each contestant to perform three routines:
Judges’ Pick
Favourite Dance
Showdance
Ellie Leach’s performances included:
Judges’ Pick: Paso Doble
Favourite Dance: American Smooth
Showdance: A high-energy, emotional routine blending multiple styles
Her showdance was particularly impactful, combining storytelling with technical choreography. Judges described it as “joyful” and “complete,” highlighting her growth over the series.
Layton Williams also delivered an exceptional showdance, widely praised for its complexity and precision. However, the emotional connection Ellie brought to her performances ultimately resonated more with viewers.
Judges and Scoring System
The judging panel for Strictly 2023 included:
Craig Revel Horwood
Motsi Mabuse
Shirley Ballas
Anton Du Beke
Each judge scored performances out of 10, giving a maximum of 40 points per dance. Judges evaluated:
Technique
Timing
Performance quality
Musical interpretation
While scores were important, the public vote often determined the final outcome, especially in the grand finale where all finalists typically score highly.
Key Contestants of 2023
Strictly 2023 featured a diverse lineup of celebrities from television, sports, and entertainment. Some of the most notable contestants included:
Layton Williams
Bobby Brazier
Nigel Harman
Angela Rippon
Annabel Croft
The season was praised for its high level of talent and competitive spirit, with several contestants delivering memorable performances throughout the series.
Why Ellie Leach Won
Ellie Leach’s victory can be attributed to several factors:
First, her consistency stood out. She rarely had a weak performance, maintaining high standards across different dance styles.
Second, her emotional connection with viewers was strong. Her journey from beginner to confident dancer created a compelling narrative that resonated with the audience.
Third, Vito Coppola’s choreography played a crucial role. His routines highlighted Ellie’s strengths while pushing her to improve.
Finally, public voting was decisive. While Layton Williams may have been technically superior, Ellie’s popularity secured her the win.
Strictly 2023 Highlights
Strictly Come Dancing 2023 delivered several standout moments:
One of the biggest highlights was Angela Rippon’s performance, which made headlines due to her age-defying flexibility and energy. Layton Williams also delivered some of the highest-scoring routines in Strictly history.
The Halloween and Blackpool special episodes were particularly memorable, featuring elaborate staging and creative choreography.
The season also emphasised inclusivity and diversity, reflecting the evolving nature of the show and its audience.
Practical Information and Planning
Strictly Come Dancing is filmed at the BBC Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire, England.
Filming typically runs from September to December each year, with weekly live shows on Saturday evenings and results shows on Sundays.
Tickets for the show are free but allocated via a public ballot system. Demand is extremely high, so securing tickets can be challenging.
The show is broadcast on BBC One and available for streaming on BBC iPlayer. International viewers may need access through regional broadcasting partners.
Viewers can vote for their favourite contestants via phone or online, with voting lines opening after performances.
Seasonal Trends and Popularity
Strictly Come Dancing continues to be one of the UK’s most popular television shows. The 2023 season maintained high viewing figures, with millions tuning in each week.
Social media played a significant role, with performances trending on platforms like X, YouTube, and Instagram. Ellie Leach’s dances frequently went viral, boosting her popularity.
The show’s mix of entertainment, competition, and emotional storytelling ensures its continued success year after year.
FAQs
Who won Strictly Come Dancing 2023?
Ellie Leach won Strictly Come Dancing 2023 with her partner Vito Coppola. They were crowned champions on 16 December 2023 after the public vote.
Who came second in Strictly 2023?
Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin finished as runners-up. They were strong contenders throughout the competition.
When was the Strictly 2023 final?
The final took place on 16 December 2023. It featured the top four contestants performing three dances each.
Where is Strictly filmed?
Strictly Come Dancing is filmed at BBC Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire, England. Live shows are broadcast weekly.
How is the winner decided?
The winner is decided by a combination of judges’ scores and public votes. In the final, public voting plays the biggest role.
What dances did Ellie Leach perform in the final?
Ellie performed a Judges’ Pick Paso Doble, her favourite American Smooth, and a showdance routine.
Who were the judges in 2023?
The judges were Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, and Anton Du Beke.
How many contestants were in Strictly 2023?
There were 15 contestants at the start of the competition. They were gradually eliminated each week.
Can the public attend Strictly?
Yes, but tickets are allocated through a ballot system. They are free but highly competitive to obtain.
What made Ellie Leach popular?
Her consistent performances, emotional connection, and strong improvement throughout the series made her a fan favourite.
Did Ellie Leach have dance experience?
Ellie had limited formal dance experience before joining the show. Her improvement was a key part of her journey.
Is Strictly Come Dancing still running?
Yes, Strictly Come Dancing continues annually and remains one of the UK’s top-rated shows.
Final Thoughts
Ellie Leach’s victory in Strictly Come Dancing 2023 reflects more than just technical ability—it highlights the importance of connection, growth, and audience engagement. While the competition featured exceptional talent, Ellie’s journey stood out as the most complete and relatable. Her win continues the tradition of Strictly celebrating both performance excellence and personal transformation, making the 2023 season one of the most memorable in recent years.
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