Who won Strictly 2023? Ellie Leach won Strictly Come Dancing 2023 alongside her professional partner Vito Coppola, lifting the Glitterball Trophy in the live grand final on 16 December 2023 on BBC One. The former Coronation Street actress secured the public vote after a series of standout performances throughout the competition, beating fellow finalists Layton Williams, Bobby Brazier and Angela Scanlon. The final combined judges’ scores and viewer votes, but as always on Strictly, the public vote alone determined the winner once all couples had performed. In this in-depth guide, you will find confirmed results, finalists, scores, judges’ comments, key dances, weekly highlights, voting details, and practical information about the 2023 series. This article is structured to give a clear, factual answer first, followed by detailed analysis designed for quick scanning and deeper reading.
Strictly 2023 Winner
Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola were officially crowned champions of Strictly Come Dancing 2023 during the live final broadcast from Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire. The final aired on Saturday 16 December 2023 and attracted millions of viewers across the UK. After three competitive dances from each couple, hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly announced Ellie and Vito as the winners.
Ellie Leach became the youngest winner in the show’s history at 22 years old. Her journey across the series was marked by consistent improvement, emotional storytelling and strong technical scores. Vito Coppola, who joined Strictly in 2022, celebrated his first Glitterball Trophy win as a professional on the show.
Their victory was determined solely by the public vote after judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke delivered their final scores and feedback.
Strictly 2023 Finalists
Four couples competed in the Strictly 2023 final. Each performed three dances: a Judges’ Pick, their favourite routine of the series, and a Showdance.
The finalists were:
Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola
Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin
Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell
Angela Scanlon and Carlos Gu
The final showcased a mix of ballroom, Latin and freestyle performances. Layton Williams was widely praised for technical brilliance and theatrical flair, while Bobby Brazier impressed with emotional depth. Angela Scanlon delivered a polished final performance that capped off a strong series.
Although all four couples received high scores in the final, the public vote ultimately secured Ellie Leach’s victory.
Final Night Performances
Each couple performed three dances during the grand final. These dances were carefully selected to highlight growth, storytelling and technical ability.
Ellie Leach’s Judges’ Pick was her Paso Doble, which judges believed demonstrated dramatic strength and precision. Her favourite dance was the American Smooth, showcasing elegance and musicality. For her Showdance, Ellie delivered a high-energy, crowd-pleasing routine blending lifts, theatrical staging and strong choreography.
Layton Williams chose technically demanding routines, including a Charleston and a Showdance that featured complex choreography. Bobby Brazier’s Showdance emphasised emotion and connection with the audience. Angela Scanlon focused on clean technique and strong ballroom basics in her final routines.
All couples received standing ovations from at least one judge during the evening.
Judges’ Scores Explained
The judges’ panel for Strictly 2023 consisted of:
Shirley Ballas – Head Judge
Craig Revel Horwood
Motsi Mabuse
Anton Du Beke
Each judge scores out of 10, giving a maximum of 40 per dance. In the final, couples performed three dances, meaning the maximum combined judges’ score was 120 points.
While judges’ scores contribute to ranking, the final result is decided by public vote only. Judges’ scores are combined with viewer votes earlier in the series, but in the final, once voting lines close, the couple with the most public votes wins regardless of leaderboard position.
Ellie Leach consistently scored high throughout the series, including multiple near-perfect scores in later weeks.
Ellie Leach’s Strictly Journey
Ellie Leach began the competition in September 2023 as one of 15 celebrity contestants. Known for her acting career on Coronation Street, she entered without professional dance training. Early performances showed promise but also areas for improvement in posture and footwork.
As weeks progressed, judges noted visible growth in confidence and technical ability. Her Quickstep and American Smooth were major turning points, earning praise for elegance and performance quality. By Blackpool Week, Ellie was firmly established as a finalist contender.
Her partnership with Vito Coppola became one of the most talked-about elements of the series. Their strong chemistry and visible friendship resonated with viewers, helping secure consistent public support.
Vito Coppola’s Role
Vito Coppola joined Strictly Come Dancing as a professional dancer in 2022. Before Strictly, he competed in European dance championships and appeared on the Italian version of the show.
In 2023, his choreography was widely praised for balancing technical content with entertainment. He adapted routines to showcase Ellie’s strengths while gradually increasing complexity.
His emotional reaction during the final results announcement became one of the most memorable moments of the series. Winning Strictly 2023 marked his first Glitterball Trophy and cemented his popularity with UK audiences.
Layton Williams’ Impact
Layton Williams was one of the most technically strong contestants of Strictly 2023. A West End performer with previous stage experience, he delivered highly polished routines from week one.
Paired with Nikita Kuzmin, Layton frequently topped the leaderboard. His Argentine Tango and Charleston were among the highest-scoring dances of the series. Judges praised his flexibility, timing and character work.
Despite high judges’ scores, Layton finished as runner-up. His journey sparked discussions about prior dance experience and how it influences public voting patterns on Strictly.
Bobby Brazier’s Journey
Bobby Brazier entered Strictly 2023 as a model and actor. Paired with Dianne Buswell, he quickly became a fan favourite due to his warmth and authenticity.
His emotional Couple’s Choice performance was one of the most talked-about routines of the season. Judges highlighted his storytelling ability and natural rhythm.
Although he did not win, Bobby’s progression from early nervousness to final-week confidence was a significant narrative arc of the series.
Angela Scanlon’s Performance
Angela Scanlon, paired with Carlos Gu, demonstrated steady improvement throughout the competition. Known as a broadcaster and television presenter, she brought composure and stage presence.
Her ballroom routines were particularly praised for frame and elegance. In later weeks, her Latin dances gained sharper technique and performance confidence.
Reaching the final marked a major achievement, particularly given the competitive standard of Strictly 2023.
Series Overview
Strictly Come Dancing 2023 launched in September 2023 on BBC One. The launch show introduced the celebrity cast and professional pairings. Live shows began the following week, with weekly eliminations decided by combined judges’ scores and public votes.
The competition featured theme weeks including Movie Week, Halloween Week, Blackpool Week and Musicals Week. Blackpool Week remains one of the most anticipated annual episodes, filmed at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom.
The final aired live on 16 December 2023. Ellie Leach was officially crowned winner that evening.
Voting System Explained
Strictly’s voting system combines judges’ scores and public votes during most of the series. Each week, judges rank couples based on scores. Public votes are added to determine the bottom two.
The bottom two couples perform again in the dance-off. Judges then vote on which couple to save. The Head Judge has the casting vote in the event of a tie.
In the final, however, there is no dance-off. Public vote alone decides the winner.
Viewing Figures
Strictly Come Dancing remains one of the UK’s most-watched entertainment shows. The 2023 final drew millions of viewers on BBC One and via BBC iPlayer.
Saturday night ratings consistently placed Strictly among the top programmes of the week. Social media engagement also remained high, with discussions trending on platforms during live broadcasts.
The strong viewing figures reinforce Strictly’s status as a flagship BBC entertainment programme.
Key Moments of 2023
Several defining moments shaped Strictly 2023:
Ellie and Vito’s emotional American Smooth
Layton’s technically flawless Charleston
Bobby’s heartfelt Couple’s Choice
Blackpool Week performances
The final Showdance routines
Each of these performances contributed to the narrative momentum leading to the grand final.
Practical Information
Strictly Come Dancing 2023 aired weekly on BBC One from September to December 2023. Shows were broadcast live on Saturday evenings, with results shows typically on Sunday.
Filming took place at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire. Tickets for live recordings are free but allocated via public ballot through the BBC website.
Viewers could vote via phone or online through the BBC website during designated voting windows. Voting lines typically opened after all performances were complete and closed later that evening.
The final aired on Saturday 16 December 2023, with results announced live.
Seasonal Highlights
Blackpool Week took place at the historic Blackpool Tower Ballroom, a Strictly tradition. Musicals Week featured routines inspired by stage productions. Halloween Week included themed choreography and costumes.
Each themed episode added variety and spectacle to the series, culminating in the festive final in mid-December.
Legacy of Strictly 2023
Ellie Leach’s win added her name to the list of Strictly champions. Previous winners have included actors, sports personalities and television presenters.
Her victory reinforced the pattern of contestants who demonstrate clear improvement over the series often resonating most strongly with viewers.
Strictly 2023 also highlighted the continued popularity of professional dancers and the importance of choreography in shaping public perception.
FAQs
Who won Strictly Come Dancing 2023?
Ellie Leach won Strictly Come Dancing 2023 with professional partner Vito Coppola. They were crowned on 16 December 2023 during the live final on BBC One.
Who came second in Strictly 2023?
Layton Williams finished as runner-up in Strictly 2023 alongside professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin.
When was the Strictly 2023 final?
The final aired live on Saturday 16 December 2023 from Elstree Studios.
How was the winner decided?
The Strictly 2023 winner was decided solely by public vote during the final after all couples performed three dances.
How old was Ellie Leach when she won?
Ellie Leach was 22 years old when she won Strictly 2023, making her the youngest winner in the show’s history.
Who were the judges in 2023?
The judges were Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke.
Where is Strictly filmed?
Strictly Come Dancing is filmed at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire.
How many finalists were there?
Four couples reached the final of Strictly 2023.
What trophy do winners receive?
Winners receive the Glitterball Trophy, the iconic prize awarded to Strictly champions.
Did judges decide the winner?
No, judges do not decide the winner in the final. The public vote alone determines who wins Strictly.
What was Ellie’s best dance?
Many viewers consider Ellie’s American Smooth and Showdance to be her standout performances of the series.
When did Strictly 2023 start?
The 2023 series began in September 2023 with a launch show introducing the celebrity contestants.
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