Alesha wins!

The sexy star 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.

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 - who has laughed off rumours of a close friendship with both his dance partner AND Alesha - told of their desperation to take the crown, with the singer admitting: "It’s so close, I can smell it."

EastEnder 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 celeb dancers.

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

She nailed the crown as Matthew spun her around like a whirling dervish in a final high-octane Showdance routine that stunned judges and audience alike.

Bruno said: "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."

Bruno saluted both celebrity finalists.

He said: "This has got to be the most close fought final ever. You are the best of British. A shining example of what young people should be all about."

Disappointed Matt – whose chemistry with partner Flavia Cacace, 28, has kept viewers enthralled – apologised to fans with Flavia adding: "Thank you for being such a wonderful partner – you’ve made it so fun."

Flavia and Matt’s close friendship with his sexy brunette dance partner provoked jealousy from her long-term boyfriend and professional partner Vincent Simone, 28.

And hostess Tess Daley, 36, sparked embarrased looks from Matt and Flavia when she quipped to them: "Will you keep seeing each other after the series?" Matt cryptically replied: "We'll see." Then it was Alesha's turn to blush as Bruce told her: "You could be the biggest female star in Britain!"

The gorgeous singer has wowed the judges week after week with her seeming effortlessness on the dance floor. And she let viewers into a secret to her relaxed style. She laughed: "We drink white wine backstage before the show and tell the bosses it’s apple juice."

But after 15 weeks’ training her famed pizazz and grace were at risk from a back injury suffered in training on Friday and needed physiotherapy to dance through the pain barrier to victory for her Waltz, Cha, Cha, Cha, Jive, Show Dance and Viennese Waltz. Of the Cha Cha Cha, Arlene gushed: "Cheekier than Chicago and flashier than Flashdance."

Bruno agreed: "If it was a West End show it would run forever and ever!" Last year’s winner, cricketer Mark Ramprakash, 38, paid tribute to the new winner.

He said: "I’m just happy that I’m not competing. It’s been an incredibly high standard."

An audience including David Walliams, Jeremy Paxman and Richard Bacon was also treated to a medley of dances by axed contestants Willie Thorne, 53, Stephanie Beacham, 58, Brian Capron, 58, Dominic Littlewood, 42, Gabby Logan, 34, Kenny Logan, 35, Gethin Jones, 29, John Barnes, 44, Kate Garraway, 39, Kelly Brook, 28, Letitia Dean, 40, and Penny Lancaster Stewart, 36.

Viewers also enjoyed a surprise performance from special guests the Spice Girls.

Alesha’s victory comes just 12 months after the collapse of her marriage to So Solid Crew rapper MC Harvey, 28.

Humiliatingly, she caught the rat in bed with Alesha’s former friend 25-year-old Javine Hylton – a finalist in Pop Stars: The Rivals - his co-star in West End musical Daddy Cool, who’s now heavily pregnant with his child. But as new Queen of the dancefloor Alesha – who’s refused to badmouth her ex – is having the last laugh.

ANOTHER EXCLUSIVE STORY: Furious Vincent prayed for Alesha's victory ... click here