Kara Tointon crowned Strictly Come Dancing winner

Actress Kara Tointon has won this year's Strictly Come Dancing, beating Countryfile host Matt Baker.

The ex-EastEnder took the trophy with partner Artem Chigvintsev after scoring the most points and public votes.

A tearful Tointon said competing in the show was "the most special thing I've ever achieved", while Baker said the couple were "worthy winners".

But she is now celebrating in a sling after a training injury to her arm landed her in hospital on Sunday.

Tointon danced through the pain during Saturday's final, after tearing ligaments in her lower arm during training. She said performing their acrobatic show dance was "the most painful thing I've ever done".

After the couple's win, Baker praised their dancing skills, adding: "If I was at home I'd be voting for you too," he said.

Tointon thanked the public for voting for her, before turning to Chigvintsev, adding: "And thank you to this man - he's been wonderful."

The actress drew standing ovations for her performances throughout the final.

She scored 39 out of a possible 40 for her first dance, the rumba, which the judges described as "glorious", although Craig Revel Horwood noted there was an illegal lift in their routine.

After her final performance the judges praised Tointon, with Alesha Dixon calling her "the most exquisite dancer I've ever seen on Strictly".

Revel Horwood added: "I would kill to be able to dance like that, I thought it was amazing."

On Sunday Tointon, 27, said she was now looking forward to spending time with Chigvintsev.

She said she would be having dinner with the Russian-born dancer at her parents' home in north London.

Matt Baker had been the favourite to win the show

"He's going to cook for me in my mum and dad's kitchen. They've met him and they all get on so well."

Asked whether the pair were now officially an item, she said: "Fingers crossed. We will see what happens."

Tointon finished the competition with 150 points to Baker's 144, although only viewers' votes counted towards the final result.

Despite going into the competition as the favourite, the presenter found himself at the bottom of the leader board, with 72 points out of a possible 80 after his first two dances.

The judges criticised his show dance, saying it contained "too many stunts and tricks" and not enough dancing.

However the panel praised the pair's final dance, which scored 37 out of 40.

Judge Bruno Tonioli said Baker was "very dashing and elegant", while head judge Len Goodman said he was "an excellent ballroom dancer".

Psychologist Pamela Stephenson finished third in the competition, despite being awarded a perfect score of 40 for her Viennese waltz with her partner, James Jordan.

Tonioli described their performance as "simply brilliant", while Revell Horwood said it was "remarkable".

Pamela Stephenson finished third, despite a perfect score of 40 for her Viennese waltz

Their show dance - which scored 37 out of 40 - was met with an equal amount of praise, with Tonioli saying the pair would be "hard to beat" after their performance to (I've Had) The Time Of My Life.

The final also featured previous contestants returning for one final dance, including former MP Ann Widdecombe, magician Paul Daniels and actress Felicity Kendal.