Cricketer Ramprakash crowned Strictly Come Dancing champion

Cricketer Mark Ramprakash and his dance partner Karen Hardy have waltzed off with the Strictly Come Dancing crown after a freestyle dance which earned four perfect 10s from the judges.

Ramprakash, the bookies' favourite to win the hit BBC1 show, went head to head with former rugby star Matt Dawson. The two finalists performed five dances each, including their favourite ballroom and Latin dances of the series.

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Ex-England cricketer Ramprakash, 37, chose the tango and the salsa. Former rugby international Dawson, 34, and partner Lilia Kopylova opted for the waltz and the samba.

Although Matt performed an impressive waltz compared to Mark's mediocre tango, Mark and Karen pulled ahead in the Latin with a sexy salsa.

Ramprakash then scored four perfect 10s for his freestyle dance, which included a number of breathtaking lifts.

It was received with a double standing ovation, led by judge Len Phillips. The other judges were equally impressed, with Bruno Tonioli calling the performance "the crowning glory of a spectacular night".

Craig Revel Horwood said: "That has to be the winning dance."

Arlene Phillips said: "I was right, the boy can dance. Most dancers can't do those lifts in 16 years, let alone 16 weeks."

After a tense wait, Mark and Karen were announced the series winners and Karen was overcome with floods of tears.

Last night was the second time a cricketer has won the show, after Darren Gough triumphed over athlete Colin Jackson in last year's final.

Ramprakash's position as the favourite was not dented despite the fact that he recently admitted to having an affair behind his wife's back. Just before the results were announced, Ramprakash's wife Van expressed her support, saying: "I'm always proud of him. It doesn't matter what he does, I'm always proud of him."

Reacting to the results, Ramprakash hugged his family before thanking his dancing partner. "From the very first day I met Karen Hardy she has given me the experience of a lifetime," he said. "It has been an absolute privilege to be on the show.

"I want to compliment all the dancers here. Anyone could have won it."

But Matt Dawson said: "There was no question, there was one winner here."

Last night's winner was chosen by a combination of the judges' scores and viewers' votes, with a total of more than 12 million people voting.