Craig added: “I think the standard of dance this year has been phenomenal,” and Motsi continued: “My first year on Strictly has been absolutely amazing. It’s been really, really fun.”
When discussing Karim, they said: “Karim was the best technical dancer, he had the wonderful natural gift of love for dance. What is great about [him], he is as strong in Ballroom as he is in Latin and he really kept on pushing the boundaries, he never took the easy way, he always pushed himself.”
Emma’s feedback was: “I think Emma has grown so much through the competition,” but Shirley revealed she was “worried about Emma’s confidence” at the beginning.
STRICTLY COME DANCING WINNERS: A TIMELINE
2004 winner: Natasha Kaplinsky
Newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky was the first celebrity to win the BBC dancing series, which originally aired in July of 2004. She was partnered with Brendan Cole. They finished 39 points ahead of competitor Christopher Parker.
2004 winner: Jill Halfpenny
Jill Halfpenny was the second star to impress the judges with her dancing skills. Partnered with Darren Bennett, the pair beat off competition from Julian Clary and Denise Lewis in December of 2004.
2005 winner: Darren Gough
Cricketer Darren Gough won the third series of Strictly. He and partner Lilia Kopylova wowed audiences but never once finished at the top of the leaderboard.
2006 winner: Mark Ramprakash
Mark Ramprakash was the fourth star to lift the Glitterball Trophy. He was partnered with Karen Hardy and they were the first couple to restart a routine after their initial attempt saw Mark’s mic get caught in Karen’s dress.
2007 winner: Alesha Dixon
Before becoming a Strictly judge, Alesha Dixon won the nation’s hearts and the Glitterball Trophy during the fifth series. She was partnered with professional dancer Matthew Cutler.
2008 winner: Tom Chambers
Holby City star Tom Chambers was partnered with Camilla Dallerup when he won the sixth series. He performed the Foxtrot and Salsa in the final week.
2009 winner: Chris Hollins
BBC Breakfast presenter Chris Hollins and his professional partner Ola Jordan surprised viewers when they beat Ricky Whittle and his partner Natalie Lowe in the final. They wowed with the Foxtrot, Charleston, Lindy Hop and Showdance.
2010 winner: Kara Tointon
Kara Tointon was the eighth celebrity to win Strictly. She danced with Artem Chigvintsev and failed to receive 40 points throughout her time on the show.
2011 winner: Harry Judd
Former McFly star Harry Judd was the ninth star to lift the Glitterball Trophy. He didn’t top the leaderboard until week seven but then scored 40 points twice in the final.
2012 winner: Louis Smith
The tenth series of the BBC show was won by Olympian Louis Smith. He danced his way to victory with professional partner Flavia Cacace. He faced competition from Kimberley Walsh, Denise Van Outen and Danni Harmer in the series finale.
2013 winner: Abbey Clancy
Model Abbey Clancy won series eleven of Strictly alongside partner Alijaz Skorjanec. She was called a “spectacular dancer” with “wonderful posture” by former head judge Len Goodman.
2014 winner: Caroline Flack
Love Island host Caroline Flack took to the dance floor in series 12 where she scooped the Glitterball Trophy with Pasha Kovalev.
2015 winner: Jay McGuiness
Jay McGuiness surprised viewers when he won the thirteenth series of the BBC dancing competition with Aliona Vilani. When he learned he’d won, he told host Tess Daly: “I feel spaced out – it’s really weird.”
2016 winner: Ore Oduba
Ore Oduba won the thirteenth series of the BBC dancing competition with Joanne Clifton.
The sports presenter broke down in tears after beating Danny Mac and Louise Redknapp.
2017 winner: Joe McFadden
Joe McFadden was victorious with professional dance partner Katya Jones. The Holby City star beat off competition from fan favourite Debbie McGee, Gemma Atkinson and Alexandra Burke.
2018 winner: Stacey Dooley
Documentary-maker Stacey fought off competition to make it to the Grand Final of Strictly Come Dancing with professional dance partner Kevin Clifton last year. When they won, Kevin described her as “the most wonderful person”.
