Ore Oduba picks up the Glitterball in the final of Strictly Come Dancing

THE 14^th Strictly Come Dancing competition was won by TV sports presenter Ore Oduba with professional partner Joanne Clifton in a competition that has probably seen the best dancers for a long time.

The final three were Danny Mac an actor from Hollyoaks and Louise Redknapp former singer with Eternal and TV presenter.  At the start, Danny Mac was probably the favourite to win, but in the first of three dances each couple had to perform, he made a mistake and received the lowest score from the judges.

Although the judge’s scores didn’t directly affect the result as the decision was made by viewer’s votes, the fact that Ore put in three almost perfect dances and had a tendency to wear his heart on his sleeve when receiving compliments in particular must have appealed to those who were voting on line.

The programme seems to go from strength to strength and ITV recognising that the bulk of viewers would tune in to Strictly didn’t try to compete and simply aired The Hobbit movie against the dancing.

Whilst everyone was excited about Ore’s win (even Joanne Clifton’s brother Kevin who partnered Louise Redknapp) it was a bitter sweet night as head judge 72-year-old Len Goodman appeared for the very last time as he has decided to retire.

This former ballroom dancer and teacher has appeared on every episode of the show and was also chosen as head judge for the American Version which was called Dancing with the Stars.

Not one to mince his words and renowned for such phrases as “From Len it’s a Ten” and “Pickle my Walnuts” his avuncular style will be missed and there is now a groundswell of opinion that he should receive a knighthood for his charity work and all he has done for dancing.