<p><br /> Former EastEnder Kara Tointon has been celebrating after being crowned winner of this year's Strictly Come Dancing.<br /> </p><p><br /> The actress took the coveted glitterball trophy after dazzling judges with a series of "first class" routines in the live final.<br /> </p><p><br /> Tointon, 27, received the highest number of votes from the British public, pipping Matt Baker to the title after third finalist Pamela Stephenson was first to be eliminated.<br /> </p><p><br /> After winning, Tointon fought back tears and said: "It's just the most special thing that I've ever achieved."<br /> </p><p><br /> The actress, from Essex, then turned to dance partner Artem Chigvintsev and said: "I want to thank this man, he's been wonderful. I made the most fantastic friend for life."<br /> </p><p><br /> The Russian-born dancer thanked her and described her as "amazing".<br /> </p><p><br /> Countryfile presenter Baker, 31, who was a pre-final favourite to take the trophy, said the romantically linked pair were "worthy winners".<br /> </p><p><br /> Tointon and Chigvintsev drew standing ovations throughout the tense final of the BBC1 ballroom competition, and their performances were rewarded with a host of top marks from the judges.<br /> </p><p><br /> Her Viennese Waltz to Cry Me A River perhaps drew the most applause and prompted judge Craig Revel Horwood to say: "I would kill to be able to dance like that, I thought it was amazing."<br /> </p>
