Who Won Strictly 2023: Full Winner Details and Final Results

Ellie Leach and her professional partner Vito Coppola won Strictly Come Dancing 2023, lifting the Glitterball Trophy during the live final on December 16, 2023. Despite finishing at the bottom of the judges’ leaderboard in the final with a score of 115, the pair secured the victory through the public vote, beating fellow finalists Layton Williams and Bobby Brazier.

The 2023 series (Series 21) was a landmark year for the BBC ballroom competition, featuring the youngest final in the show’s history. Ellie Leach, known for her long-running role on Coronation Street, became the youngest-ever winner at age 22. The victory was particularly significant for Vito Coppola, marking his first win in only his second series as a professional on the show. Throughout the competition, Ellie was praised for her transformative journey, evolving from a nervous novice into a powerhouse performer who never once faced the dreaded dance-off.

Ellie Leach: The 2023 Champion

Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola were crowned the winners of Strictly Come Dancing 2023 on Saturday, December 16. The actress made history as the youngest celebrity to ever lift the trophy, a record previously held by Olympic gymnast Claudia Fragapane.

Their victory was a “people’s choice” win, as they faced incredibly stiff competition from Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin, who had dominated the scoring charts all season. Ellie’s win was attributed to her massive popularity with the British public and her relatable “journey” from a shy soap star to a confident ballroom dancer.

The Final Performance Breakdown

In the grand final, each couple performed three routines: a Judges’ Pick, a Showdance, and their own Favourite Dance. Ellie and Vito’s night was a mix of perfection and peril. They scored a near-perfect 39 for their American Smooth and a perfect 40 for their vibrant Paso Doble. However, their ambitious Showdance suffered a slight stumble during a complex lift, resulting in a score of 36.

Why Ellie Won

The “Strictly Journey” is a powerful narrative for viewers. Unlike some competitors with previous stage experience, Ellie started with no formal dance training. Her dedication to the craft and her undeniable chemistry with Vito Coppola resonated with millions of fans, ultimately carrying her to the top despite being the lowest-scored finalist by the judges.

Strictly 2023 Final Leaderboard

The final scores are often a point of discussion for fans, as the judges’ scores in the final act only as a guide—the ultimate winner is decided entirely by the public vote.

Layton Williams’ Near Perfection

Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin were the statistical leaders of the series. In the final, they performed an Argentine Tango and a Quickstep that both received perfect 40s. Their total of 119 out of 120 remains one of the highest scores ever recorded in a Strictly final, yet they finished as runners-up.

Bobby Brazier’s Emotional Tribute

Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell captured hearts with their “Couples Choice” dance, a tribute to Bobby’s late mother, Jade Goody. They maintained high consistency in the final, scoring 39 across all three of their dances to finish with a total of 117.

Full Cast of Strictly 2023

The 21st series featured a diverse lineup of 15 celebrities from the worlds of news, sports, and entertainment. Below is the full elimination order for the 2023 season:

• Ellie Leach & Vito Coppola (Winners)
• Layton Williams & Nikita Kuzmin (Finalists)
• Bobby Brazier & Dianne Buswell (Finalists)
• Annabel Croft & Johannes Radebe (Eliminated Week 12)
• Nigel Harman & Katya Jones (Withdrew due to injury Week 11)
• Angela Scanlon & Carlos Gu (Eliminated Week 10)
• Angela Rippon & Kai Widdrington (Eliminated Week 9)
• Krishnan Guru-Murthy & Lauren Oakley (Eliminated Week 8)
• Adam Thomas & Luba Mushtuk (Eliminated Week 7)
• Zara McDermott & Graziano Di Prima (Eliminated Week 6)
• Amanda Abbington & Giovanni Pernice (Withdrew Week 5)
• Eddie Kadi & Karen Hauer (Eliminated Week 5)
• Jody Cundy & Jowita Przystał (Eliminated Week 4)
• Nikita Kanda & Gorka Márquez (Eliminated Week 3)
• Les Dennis & Nancy Xu (Eliminated Week 2)

Practical Information and Planning

For fans looking to experience the magic of the show beyond the television screen, there are several ways to engage with the brand throughout the year.

• Strictly Live Tour: Typically runs from January to February across major UK arenas like the O2 in London and the AO Arena in Manchester. Tickets usually range from £35 to £100 depending on the venue and seating.
• BBC Studio Tours: While the show is filmed at Elstree Studios, it is a closed set. However, fans can apply for tickets to the live recordings via the BBC Shows and Tours website. Tickets are free but distributed via a random draw.
• Professional Tours: Many of the pro dancers, including 2023 winner Vito Coppola, host their own solo tours during the spring and summer months.

Tips for Getting Audience Tickets

The ticket ballot usually opens in August. To increase your chances, ensure you are registered with a BBC account and apply for multiple dates, though you can only win once per series. Be prepared for a long day of filming if you are successful, as “Strictly” is a major production with significant setup times.

Overview of Strictly 2023

Strictly Come Dancing 2023 was the twenty‑first series of the UK’s flagship ballroom and Latin dance competition, airing on BBC One from autumn through to mid‑December 2023. The launch show introduced the celebrities and paired them with professional partners, followed by weekly live shows broadcast from Elstree Studios. Couples faced a mix of ballroom and Latin dances each week, with Halloween, Blackpool, and Musicals specials punctuating the series.

Every Saturday, couples performed for four judges and millions of viewers at home, receiving a total out of 40 from the judging panel. Judges’ scores set the leaderboard, but the public vote ultimately decided which couples landed in the bottom two and faced the dance‑off. One pair was eliminated weekly until only three couples remained for the grand final, where the Glitterball winner was decided purely by the public.

How Ellie and Vito Won

Ellie and Vito’s victory in Strictly 2023 was built on a combination of technical improvement, strong storytelling, and a partnership that audiences found warm and relatable. From the early weeks they showed promise, but their scores climbed steadily as choreography became more ambitious and Ellie’s confidence grew. By the later stages, they were regularly near the top of the leaderboard, especially in ballroom styles such as waltz and foxtrot.

In the final, they performed three dances: a judges’ pick routine from earlier in the series, their own favourite dance, and a no‑rules showdance designed to showcase Ellie’s full range. Strong judges’ scores across these dances kept them competitive with Layton and Bobby, but it was the public vote that finally pushed them over the line. Viewers responded to Ellie’s clear progression, emotional performances, and the supportive dynamic between her and Vito, which helped secure the 2023 Glitterball Trophy.

The Finalists and Placings

The Strictly Come Dancing 2023 final featured three couples: Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola, Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin, and Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell. Each pair brought a different strength to the floor: Ellie and Vito were often praised for their classic ballroom and emotional storytelling, Layton and Nikita for their high‑octane, technically difficult routines, and Bobby and Dianne for charm, showmanship, and improvement across the series. The final therefore felt tightly contested, with different sections of the audience rooting for different styles.

When the public vote closed, Ellie and Vito were announced as winners live on air, with Bobby and Dianne and Layton and Nikita finishing as runnersup. There is no official ranking between the two runner‑up couples; both are simply listed as finalists. The result sparked plenty of conversation online about the balance between technical excellence and public connection, but most commentators agreed that all three couples delivered memorable final performances.

The Strictly 2023 Format

Strictly 2023 followed the now‑familiar format of weekly live shows, where celebrities dance with their professional partners to win judges’ scores and viewer votes. Each week, couples performed one new dance, occasionally adding group routines or special challenges during themed weeks. Judges scored each performance out of 10, for a total out of 40, with the combined scores forming a leaderboard.

Separately, viewers at home voted by phone or online, and those votes were converted into ranking points. The judges’ leaderboard points and public vote points were then added together to determine which two couples fell into the bottom two. Those pairs danced again in the results show’s dance‑off, after which the judges decided who stayed and who left. The final was different: all couples performed three routines and the public alone chose the winner, making audience support more critical than ever.

Key Dates and Broadcast Details

The 2023 series began in September with a pre‑recorded launch show, often airing on a Saturday evening on BBC One. A week later, the first live show took place, giving viewers their first chance to see the celebrities in action but usually without a public elimination. From then until December, Strictly occupied a prime‑time Saturday night slot, with the exact start time shifting slightly week to week around other BBC programming.

Eliminations started from the second or third live show, depending on the series schedule that year, continuing through quarter‑final and semi‑final weekends. The long‑anticipated final took place in mid‑December, running as an extended live broadcast to fit in three dances from each couple, judges’ critiques, and recap segments. Fans could follow the series live on BBC One in the UK or on catch‑up via BBC iPlayer, with companion shows and social media clips adding extra insight.

Ellie Leach: Winner Profile

Ellie Leach entered Strictly 2023 best known for her long‑running role on the British soap Coronation Street, where she had grown up on screen. Her casting generated interest because she was seen as relatable: a young actress stepping outside her comfort zone into the intense world of live performance. Early training footage showed her nerves and uncertainty, which made her subsequent growth more striking for viewers.

Throughout the series, Ellie was praised for her work ethic, humility, and willingness to take on challenging choreography. As she progressed, her posture, musicality, and performance quality visibly improved, particularly in romantic ballroom numbers and emotionally driven routines. By the final, judges commented that she had transformed from a cautious novice into a confident, fully‑fledged performer, an arc that helped her secure strong audience support.

Vito Coppola: Professional Partner

Vito Coppola, Ellie’s professional partner, was a relatively recent but already popular addition to Strictly’s pro line‑up. He brought experience from other European dance competitions and shows, as well as a reputation for passionate, Italian‑style choreography. His partnership with Ellie balanced technical discipline in training with a playful, affectionate rapport on screen.

As a choreographer, Vito tailored routines to highlight Ellie’s strengths, leaning into fluid ballroom and expressive storytelling while carefully building her Latin skills. Viewers often commented on his enthusiastic reactions in the Clauditorium and his emotional speeches after key performances. Winning the Glitterball Trophy with Ellie marked a major milestone in his Strictly career, establishing him as one of the show’s top professionals.

Week‑by‑Week Highlights

Across the 2023 series, several of Ellie and Vito’s routines stood out as turning points in their journey. An early ballroom dance—such as a waltz or foxtrot—showed surprising control and musicality, leading judges to label them early contenders rather than underdogs. Later, a powerful contemporary‑influenced or Couples’ Choice routine displayed Ellie’s emotional depth and Vito’s flair for storytelling choreography.

Themed specials, including Halloween and Blackpool weekends, brought more elaborate staging and higher expectations. At Blackpool, performing in the iconic Tower Ballroom gave Ellie a taste of dancing in a historic venue known for its sprung floor and grand setting, and a strong score there reinforced their position as finalists‑in‑waiting. By the semi‑final, a mix of high‑energy Latin and sweeping ballroom numbers underscored her versatility and prepared them for the three‑dance marathon of the final.

Judges and Their Role

The Strictly 2023 judging panel consisted of four experienced dance and entertainment professionals, each scoring routines out of 10 and providing critiques. Judges typically commented on timing, technique, performance quality, choreography, and connection between partners. Their feedback guided both contestants’ training priorities and the public’s understanding of what made a routine technically strong or weak.

While judges’ scores heavily influenced the weekly leaderboard, their power to decide the outcome diminished in the final. Earlier in the series, they held the deciding vote in dance‑offs when couples tied on combined points, and their comments often shaped fan perceptions. In the final, however, their scores were purely advisory: they could praise excellence and highlight mistakes, but the winning couple was determined solely by viewer votes.

The Scoring in the Final

In the Strictly 2023 final, each remaining couple performed three dances—a judges’ pick, their own favourite, and an all‑out showdance with no strict ballroom or Latin rules. After each performance, judges awarded scores out of 10, theoretically allowing couples to amass up to 120 points across all routines. These scores created a notional leaderboard, useful for discussion and recap, even though they did not directly decide the champion.

The final scoreboard showed just how close the race was, with all three couples receiving multiple 10s and, in some cases, perfect 40s. Layton and Nikita, for example, were recognised for highly technical routines, while Bobby and Dianne thrilled audiences with charisma and connection, and Ellie and Vito combined poise with emotion. Because the public vote was decisive, fans debated how much attention to pay to the judges’ totals versus their own personal favourites, but Ellie and Vito ultimately secured enough viewer support to win.

The Role of the Public Vote

The public vote is often described as the “fifth judge” in Strictly, and in the 2023 final it was the only factor that truly mattered. Throughout the series, viewers could support their preferred couple by phone or online, with voting windows opening after the live show and closing before the results programme. In the final, the voting window typically remained open longer, allowing fans to consider all three dances before making their decision.

Ellie and Vito’s win indicates that they resonated strongly with the home audience, not just in the final but across many weeks. Their narrative—of a young actress growing in confidence with guidance from an enthusiastic professional—was easy to root for, and their ballroom focus appealed to traditional Strictly fans who value grace and storytelling. When the final results were read out, the studio audience reaction suggested that many people felt the outcome reflected the series’ broader emotional journey.

Other Standout Contestants in 2023

Beyond the finalists, several other celebrities made a big impact on Strictly 2023. Early in the competition, some contestants became fan favourites for high‑energy Latin dances or unexpectedly polished ballroom performances, even if they did not reach the final. Others stood out for comedy, personality, and memorable themes in Movie Week or Musicals Week.

A notable story of the series involved a contestant withdrawing due to injury late in the competition, which reshaped the semi‑final line‑up and ultimately left only three couples in the final instead of four. This withdrawal sparked discussion about the physical demands of training and the fine line between pushing for improvement and risking over‑exertion. Many viewers felt sympathy for the affected couple, while also acknowledging that injury has occasionally altered Strictly trajectories in previous years.

Controversies and Talking Points

As with most Strictly seasons, 2023 brought its share of controversies and heated debates online. One recurring topic was the perceived advantage of contestants with prior dance or stage experience, such as trained performers from musical theatre or drama school backgrounds. Some viewers argued that these celebrities started at a higher technical level, while others felt that dance training did not necessarily guarantee public support or a win.

Another talking point centred on the mix of traditional ballroom and modern, contemporary‑influenced choreography in routines like Couples’ Choice and showdances. Purists sometimes complained that such routines strayed too far from ballroom and Latin technique, while many fans enjoyed the variety and storytelling possibilities. In the final, where showdances play a prominent role, this debate resurfaced, but Ellie and Vito’s victory suggested that audiences still value a strong grounding in classic ballroom alongside contemporary flair.

Why Ellie and Vito’s Win Mattered

Ellie and Vito’s Strictly 2023 victory had emotional and symbolic significance for many viewers. Ellie, who grew up in the public eye on a soap opera, represented a young woman stepping into a new artistic challenge and proving herself week after week. Her journey from self‑doubt to poise resonated especially with younger viewers and those who saw themselves in her quiet determination.

For Vito, the win cemented his position as a leading professional on the show, demonstrating his ability not just to dance but to coach and choreograph effectively for a celebrity partner. Their partnership showcased respect, humour, and mutual support, which viewers saw in rehearsal footage and backstage interviews. Together, they embodied the idea that Strictly is as much about personal growth and collaboration as it is about steps and technique.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ellie Leach doing now in 2026? 

Ellie Leach is currently starring in the Channel 5 series The Good Ship Murder (Season 3), which premiered in January 2026. She has also toured extensively in the stage production of Cluedo 2.

Are Ellie and Vito still friends in 2026? 

Yes, the pair maintain a very close bond. Vito Coppola recently described Ellie as his “little sister forever” during the 2025 series, and they frequently appear on each other’s social media during tour rehearsals.

Who won Strictly in the years after 2023? 

The 2024 winners were Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell, and the 2025 winners were Karen Carney and Carlos Gu.

Has Vito Coppola won again since 2023? 

As of March 2026, Vito has not won a second Glitterball. He reached the final in 2024 with Sarah Hadland (finishing as runners-up) and competed in the 2025 series with Ellie Goldstein.

What was Ellie Leach’s total score in the 2023 final? 

Ellie and Vito finished with a judges’ score of 115 out of 120, which was the lowest among the three finalists, yet they won via the public vote.

What was the most memorable dance of the 2023 final? 

Many fans cite Ellie and Vito’s American Smooth and their perfect-40 Paso Doble as the highlights of the night, despite a small stumble in their Showdance.

How many times has Vito Coppola been in a Strictly final? 

Vito has an incredible record, reaching the final in three consecutive years: 2022 (with Fleur East), 2023 (with Ellie Leach), and 2024 (with Sarah Hadland).

Did any 2023 contestants return for the 2025 Christmas Special? 

While the 2025 Christmas Special cast is typically new, several 2023 stars made guest appearances during the 2025 “Finalists’ Parade” to welcome the new champions.

Final Thoughts

The victory of Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola in 2023 remains one of the most celebrated moments in Strictly Come Dancing history, marking the start of a new era of “younger” champions and high-energy Latin dominance. Since lifting the Glitterball, both stars have seen their careers reach new heights. As of March 2026, Ellie Leach has successfully transitioned back to acting, most recently starring as Mimi McQuinn in the 2026 season of the Channel 5 drama The Good Ship Murder, while Vito Coppola continues to be a staple of the professional lineup, recently finishing the 2026 Strictly Arena Tour.

The 2023 series set a high bar for the following years. In 2024, the show made history again when comedian Chris McCausland became the first blind contestant to win the competition alongside Dianne Buswell. Most recently, the 2025 series concluded in December with former England footballer Karen Carney and her partner Carlos Gu taking the title. These subsequent winners have continued the legacy of the “Strictly journey” that Ellie and Vito so perfectly embodied during their 2023 run, proving that the show’s ability to captivate the British public remains as strong as ever.

To Read More: Manchester Independent