Injured Kara waltzes off with Strictly trophy

Katie Hodge

Strictly winner Kara Tointon danced through the pain of an arm injury to take the coveted glitterball trophy -- only to find herself celebrating her triumph in A&E.

The former EastEnder, who damaged her wrist during training, said going on to perform an acrobatic show dance on Saturday night was "the most painful thing I've ever done".

Yesterday the elated champion was whisked to hospital where medics revealed she had torn ligaments in her lower arm.

The 27-year-old, who is recovering at home with her arm in a sling, said she was now looking forward to spending time with dance partner Artem Chigvintsev - and hinted at a developing romance between the two.

The actress, who has previously remained tight-lipped about the nature of their relationship, said she would be having dinner with the Russian-born dancer at her parents' home in north London.

""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," she said.

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

During the live final, Tointon dazzled judges with a series of "first class" routines and received the highest number of public votes, pipping Countryfile's Matt Baker to the title.

This came after psychologist Pamela Stephenson was eliminated from the BBC1 show.

Accepting her title, Tointon fought back tears and said: "It's just the most special thing that I've ever achieved."

hnews@herald.ie