Johannesburg – After 12 gruelling weeks of performing salsas, rhumbas, waltzes, charlestons, foxtrots, and jives the winners of Dancing with the Stars SA season 1 were crowned.
The grand finale took place at the Dome, Hyde Park Corner Rooftop where Connell Cruise and his partner Marcella Solimeo out-danced their competition to claim the coveted glitterball trophy.
Connell and Marcella walked away with the trophy and bragging rights over fellow finale contenders Zola Nomboma and Tebogo Mashilo and Eden Classens and Ash-Leigh Hunter.
During the two-hour grand finale the finalists dazzled on the dance floor, performing their favourite dance, the judges choice and impressed with a brand new routine.
While the judges scored after each round it held no weight as the fate of the winner was soley in the hands of the voters.
It was a spectacular live show with musical performances from Claire Johnston, Craig Lucas and Mafikizolo.
LEFT THEIR HEARTS ON THE DANCE FLOOR
In round one the finalists danced their favourite dance.
Connell and Zola tied with 40 points each with Eden coming in with 39 on the leaderboard.
For round two the contestants took on a freestyle dance showing off everything they have learned in the competition.
Eden took the number one spot on the leaderboard with 40 points while Connell and Zola tied again with 39 each.
Going into the third round the contestants were tied with 79 points.
Dancing the judges choice in the third round the contestants lit up floor for their last dance.
In the end it was Connell and Marcella who won over the viewers hearts and their votes.
"I am so happy. We were waiting for this so long. This is just a dream. We thank you all so much," said an overwhelmed Connell.