STRICTLY fans have revealed the ‘real winner’ of the show, and said ‘she’ll be back next year!’
On Saturday night, comedian Chris McCausland won the dance show, beating fellow finalists Miranda actress Sarah Hadland, Love Island star Tasha Ghouri and JLS singer JB Gill in the final, which has been branded the ‘most emotional’ of all time.
But some fans of the show picked their ‘real winner’ – and it was a Strictly pro.
Flooding social media, many championed dancer Lauren Oakley and shared their desires for her to return next year.
JLS star JB, 38, was gutted to lose Amy Dowden when she injured her foot during Halloween week but has thrived alongside Lauren Oakley.
Stricken Amy was forced out of the competition just months after she returned from cancer treatment when she bust her foot.
Raving about Lauren on social media, one person penned after the final: “I am shocked no one is talking about how she did this year.
“I honestly think Lauren could very well be on her way to becoming the next Oti Mabuse type pro. I definitely think Lauren is for going to be in the top tier pros of the new generation of Strictly pros along with Vito & Nikita.
“I definitely think those three are rising stars in the strictly pro line up to watch out for.”
A second said: “I find when Lauren’s dancing that I find myself purely watching her rather than her partner! She just has such energy and quality, and puts some great routines together. Probably my favourite female pro of the current crop.”
A third person echoed: “She is an absolute powerhouse. She better not be benched again any time soon.”
JB has spoken positively about his dancing relationship with Lauren and, ahead of the final, said: “Initially I felt like it was a disadvantage to be honest. Because I was very used to dancing and working with Amy and having to deal with that was a lot.
“But I think in hindsight it probably has been an advantage.
“It’s meant that I’ve had to survive and overcome that situation.
Strictly first kicked off back in 2004, and over the years has crowned 21 winners.
Here is a full list of who has been lucky enough to win the famous Glitterball Trophy:
“I had to adopt a slightly different style with Lauren, it’s helped me showcase different parts of me as well.”
Stricken Amy was forced out of the competition just months after she returned from cancer treatment when she bust her foot.
The Welsh dancer has remained a great support to JB and Lauren since.
