Alesha Dixon wins Strictly Come Dancing

Former Misteeq star Alesha Dixon has been crowned the winner of celebrity TV dance competition Strictly Come Dancing.

Dixon, 29, wowed judges with her fleet feet and pipped EastEnder Matt Di Angelo, 20, to the prize – then was named best EVER dancer by head judge Len Goodman

Alesha was the bookies' favorite but had convinced herself that the public tend to vote for male celebrities.

Alesha added five perfect 10s to her series record of 19 during her five dances – the first time so many styles have been included in the final.

According to Britain's News Of The World newspaper, an estimated 12 million votes were cast before viewers saw triumphant Alesha punch the air and affectionately tell dance partner Matthew Cutler, 34: "I love you".

Earlier Alesha and Matt told of their desperation to take the crown, with the singer admitting: "It’s so close, I can smell it."

EastEnders star Matt was equally determined to pip his sexy celebrity co-star to the post, saying: "It would be amazing to win."

Judges Len Goodman, Arlene Phillips, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood were full of praise for both of the celebrity dancers.

Of Alesha’s Cha, Cha, Cha to Beyonce’s 'Crazy Right In Love', Len Goodman said: "I always said the best girl contestant was (2004 winner) Jill Halfpenny. Henceforth, it’s Alesha Dixon."

Bruno said of the dance: "That was more than a dance – it was a stunning epic performance."

And Craig added: "You danced as if your life depended on it – fantastic!"

Giving yet another 10 for her waltz, Bruno went on: "It sent shivers down my spine. This is the most enchanting evening. Your musicality is superb."

Of his dance partner, Matthew said: "Alesha you’re amazing. Thank you for everything you’ve done. You’ve made my journey the best."

Alesha, however, thought she might not be fit enough to compete on tonight's show.

"On Thursday I thought I had done my back in. It went into spasm and I really thought God was against me," she told British newspaper The Sun.

"I was lying on the floor, crying in pain and I started to have a panic attack - but I got through it."

The final should have had three couples competing against each other but Kelly Brook quit after the death of her father.