The former Emmerdale star said his first thought after winning Strictly was to “cuddle” his wife – as he admitted he felt guilty over being an absent husband

Strictly Come Dancing champion Kelvin Fletcher’s first thought after lifting the glitterball was to give his wife a cuddle.

The former Emmerdale star, 35, said he had felt guilty for being an absent husband and dad while training hard with pro dance partner Oti Mabuse, 29.

Kelvin’s wife Elizabeth was in the ­audience and cheered him to victory.

Afterwards, emotional Kelvin said: “I’m going on holiday next week with my family to get away for a few days.

“I’ve felt a little bit guilty being away from them so I will take them away and just see them and hold them.”

The actor, who played Emmerdale’s Andy Sug-­­­­­ den for 20 years, married Elizabeth in 2015. They have two children, Mar­­nie, three, and Milo, one.


The star’s wife Elizabeth, who he married in 2011, was in the audience to cheer him on to victory, with partner Oti Mabuse

The thrilled star said: “I’m going to go cuddle my wife, cuddle my mum and dad, my brothers are here, and just take stock really.

“I need five minutes to let it all settle. It’s just so surreal so when you don’t expect something and it happens.

“It’s really hard to take. I wish I had more words in my vocabulary to explain it.”

Viewers had earlier watched a moving video message from Elizabeth, saying she falls in love with him more and more each time he dances.


The actor, with his two children Marnie, three, and Milo, one


Kelvin Fletcher with Oti Mabuse after they won the Strictly 2019 Glitterball trophyDon’t Miss
Earlier in the series he reportedly missed his wedding anniversary so he could keep training.

Kelvin, a last-minute replacement for injured Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing, also told how he was “in complete disbelief” when his win was announced.

He broke down in tears when presented with the trophy.

And Latin American and ballroom dancer Oti said the tears kept flowing after the cameras stopped rolling, including from Kelvin’s dad Warren.

She said: “I don’t even have words. I couldn’t stop crying.


Kelvin, 35, said he was “in complete disbelief” when his name was called out as winner

“I really have Kelvin to thank for this. It’s my second final and the fact we were able to push but you were able to push yourself past your boundaries is testament to your character and who you are as a person.

“Honestly I’ve had the best, best time.”

The final leaderboard saw Karim Zeroual at the top with a combined 119 points from the judges, Kelvin second with 118 and Emma Barton in third with 116.

Kelvin and Oti did a rumba to Ain’t No Sunshine, which scored 39 out of 40 and an energetic dance to Shout by the Isley Brothers, which got a perfect 40. That was described by judge Bruno Tonioli as a “tour de force”.


Kelvin Fletcher’s parents became emotional when he was announced as the Strictly 2019 winner ( 
Image:
BBC)

They closed the show with their choice of dance, their first week samba to La Vida Es Un Carnaval by Celia Cruz, which scored 39.

Kelvin hoped his Strictly success would lead to more acting jobs

He said: “As an actor I’ve loved dancing and for me drama and film is where I want to be and what I want to do.

“Hopefully, this has given me the opportunity for people to see me in a different light and I’m confident that I can go back to the acting world and continue to push. Who knows what the future brings.”