Aston Merrygold has won Strictly Come Dancing’s Christmas special.
The former JLS star and his professional partner Janette Manrara were crowned champions after wowing the judges with their jive to What Christmas Means To Me by CeeLo Green.
Aston beat fellow celebrities Anita Rani, Ann Widdecombe, Caroline Flack, Jake Wood and Michael Vaughan to take the Silver Star Trophy.
The singer was the sixth celebrity to exit last year’s series and many viewers thought he should have gone further.
“Honestly, just thank you,” he said after winning the Christmas episode.
“I’ve had the best, best time from the series to the Christmas special, even to just meeting new friends.
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“The judges, you guys, thank you so much for your comments, everyone in here just thank you, and this woman right here (Janette).”
His fans were thrilled for him, particularly as many felt he was booted out ahead of his time…
Aston was robbed last year!!!!! Outrageously entertaining!!!! Wow, wish he and @JManrara could partner again in Strictly. We. Have. Been. Robbed. Of watching them!!!!!! Wooooow #Strictly 🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲
— Woo (@Real_Wendy_Woo) 25 December 2018
Congratulations to @AstonMerrygold and @JManrara on winning the Christmas #Strictly special. Aston should have been declared winner when he was a contestant a couple of years ago.
— Norman Mitchell (@_NormanMitchell) 25 December 2018
I love Aston, he’s so lovely and his little boy is gorgeous. Still think he was short changed last year too. He’s going to be brilliant at this jive. #Strictly #strictlychristmas
— Emma (@bookaholicEm1) 25 December 2018
The festive special opened with a group performance featuring the BBC show’s professional dancers and judge Darcey Bussell.
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Each couple then took to the dance floor for their own special routine, each telling a different fairy tale.
The show included a musical performance from The Kingdom Choir with a dance performance from Johannes Radebe and Amy Dowden.
Turning that unfinished #Strictly business into winning the Christmas glitterball trophy! Well done @AstonMerrygold and @JManrara 🏆#Strictly pic.twitter.com/jJmHZYpm7j
— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) 25 December 2018
The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special is available on BBC One iPlayer.
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