Strictly Come Dancing 2016: the highlights

Ed Balls, strictly tour

This year's Strictly Come Dancing has come to an end, with TV presenter Ore Oduba taking home the coveted Glitterball trophy after last night's finale. Here are some highlights from the series...

This year's Strictly Come Dancing has come to an end, and Saturday nights won't quite feel the same until the show kicks off again next year.

This series has proven to be the most successful in the show's 12 year history, pulling in an average of 11.3 million viewers every Saturday night.

There have been sizzling routines from Danny and Oti, beautiful classic ballroom from Ore and Joanne, and hilarious performances from former shadow chancellor Ed Balls.

We've rounded up some of the best bits...

1. Ed's salsa

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Czqtjk_iGFU

You can't mention Strictly 2016 without looking back on Ed and Katya's show-stopping salsa to Psy's internet hit Gangnam Style.

The routine rendered the judges speechless and left the audience in hysterics, and Ed even made his way back onto the Strictly dance floor to perform part of the routine in last night's finale.

2. Louise's Argentine Tango

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUoLkuH89qc

Louise Redknapp's sultry Argentine Tango to 'Tanguera' by Sexteto Mayo was a defining moment in the former pop star's Strictly journey.

Before the routine, Louise struggled with confidence on the dance floor, but her amazing performance in week 7 saw her receive 39 points and marked her out as a potential finalist.

3. Ore's jive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSq3Hr62-Ig

We got to see it again last night, and it was even better the second time around.

Ore and Joanne's Jive to 'Runaway Baby' by Bruno Mars received three 10s from the judges and revealed Ore as a serious contender in the competition when he performed it in week 4.

4. Danny and Oti's Charleston

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbLFzDrikMU

One of our favourite things about this series has been newcomer Oti Mabuse's incredible choreography.

Her routines have been fiery and innovative, and the couple's Charleston in Blackpool blew us away.

The dance was the first 40 of the series... and it's not hard to see why.

5. Len Goodman's farewell tribute

The dancers performed a touching ballroom tribute to Len Goodman

The dancers performed a touching ballroom tribute to Len Goodman

Head judge Len Goodman has kept Strictly audiences entertained for 12 years with his hilarious one-liners and insightful comments on the panel.

Earlier this year the 72-year-old announced this series would be his last as he wants to spend more time with his family.

Last night former contestants including Frankie Bridge, Rachel Stevens, Susanna Reid, Caroline Flack and Jill Halfpenny paid tribute to Len, and the Strictly professionals put on a stunning ballroom performance in his honour.

Strictly bosses have not yet confirmed who will take Len's place on the judges' panel next year, but they will have big shoes to fill!