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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Entertainment
Sandra Mallon

Carl Mullan announced as winner of Dancing with the Stars 2023 after stunning finale

2FM presenter Carl Mullan and Emily Barker were left shocked after they were crowned winners of Dancing With The Stars.

After 11 spectacular shows filled with glitz and glamour, highs and lows, Carl and their pro partner Emily lifted the glitterball trophy.

A stunned Carl said: "Oh my god, Ais has been incredible, all of my family. I am so grateful to them.

"Thank you so much for all the love we got. I'm so buzzing for you. you deserve this," eh told Emily.

READ MORE: Dancing With The Stars judge shares sadness 'for Ireland' if the show was axed

An ecstatic Emily added: "It feels like a dream. I've been waiting so long for this moment. Six seasons. Carl has been a dream to work with. I am in total shock. Carl has been an absolute best friend. It's been an amazing experience."

Opening the last show of the series, Carl and Emily performed their Paso Doble from week two again. Carl was delighted to dance to U2's Beautiful Day for a second time.

This was the dance early in the series where Carl made his mark and the judges chose to see it again.

But the judges didn't give them the full 30 points, like the others with Brian scoring him nine points, while Loraine and Arthur gave the 2FM presenter 10 points each.

Next up, Suzanne Jackson and Michael Danilczuk brought their journey full-circle as they danced their Samba from week one of the series.

Woman by Doja Cat was the choice of music for this. Suzanne said after 11 weeks of emotions, Suzanne said she wanted to "live in the moment" as she scored 30 points - a record for the highest scoring samba in the history of the show.

Arthur joked that he'll miss watching Suzanne's legs dancing across the floor. Brian said Suzanne's biggest improvement was "how fluid" her rhythm was, adding: "That's what samba is all about."

Loraine said: "Oh la la, that's what I think. You nailed this tonight. It's what we call slick. It was pure samba."

Speaking after her dance, Suzanne admitted she felt "emotional" as she held back tears.

Singer Brooke Scullion and Robert Rowiński scored 30 points as they brought the aptly named The Greatest Show from The Greatest Showman back to the dancefloor with their Paso Doble from Movie Week.

Singer Brooke Scullion with her Dance Partner Robert Rowinski during Dancing With The Stars Series 6 final (Kyran O’Brien/kobpix)

This powerful dance had shown a different side to Brooke earlier in the series as they danced side-by-side while dressed identically.

Speaking after their dance, Brooke said: "This week has been unbelievable. Having everyone back has been so good. It's been a massive lift for everybody."

Singer and Glee star Damian McGinty and Kylee Vincent were the final couple to dance their judges' choice dance, with Damian admitting it has been an emotional three months.

Glee Star Damian Mc Ginty with his Dance Partner Kylee Vincent during Dancing With The Stars Series 6 final (Kyran O’Brien/kobpix)

Loraine said: "It was an absolute tear jerking performance, well done."

Arthur said: "I'm not surprised you are in the final.... it was stunningly beautiful. You so deserve to be in the final."

And Brian added that he forgot to judge the performance because it was "step perfect from start to finish".

Speaking afterwards, Damian said signing up to the show was the best experience he ever had in his life. The couple scored 30 points.

Earlier in the week the judges decided they wanted to see their Contemporary Ballroom from Dedicated Dance week again.

Following a stumble in the previous performance, Damian was keen to improve it and show the judges just how far he has come. Forever Young by Becky Hill was the music for their first dance.

While the voting lines are open, each couple performed their showdance in a last bid to win the glitterball.

There were no rules, no dance styles so each celebrity got a chance to showcase everything they have learnt throughout the series.

Carl and Emily dedicated their showdance to his Nana on her first anniversary. Their emotional dance was to Celestial by Ed Sheeran. They scored 30 points from the judges.

Leona Lewis’ track Fire Under My Feet was chosen for Suzanne and Michael’s showdance. The floor was on fire as they danced their hearts out.

Brooke and Robert’s energetic and sassy showdance was to Hallucinate by Dua Lipa. They scored 29 points from the judges.

The final couple to dance competitively were Damian and Kylee.

Take a Look at Us Now by Shawn Mendes was a perfect choice to bring broadway to the dancefloor for their final dance.

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