By JODY THOMPSON
Winner: Former EastEnders star Sam Attwater lifted the Dancing On Ice 2011 trophy after skating a 'passionate' Bolero with partner Brianne Delcourt
Former EastEnders star Sam Attwater was crowned the Dancing On Ice 2011 champion after one of the tightest grand finals the show has ever seen
The 24-year-actor won the public's hearts with his 'passionate' version of show star's Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean's Bolero - despite accidentally leaving his hand on her breast at the end as they sprawled on the ice.
Sam gushed about Brianne, 29, too as he lifted the winner's trophy, saying: 'I've had the time of my life. I've made a friend for life and I wouldn't be here now if it wasn't for Brianne.'
High five: The pair were thrilled to be crowned champions - and Sam dedicated his win to Brianne, who he said would be a 'friend for life'
The pair won through with their consistently good skating since the show started in January and Sam had been the bookies' favourite since day one.
However, they had caused controversy earlier in the show's run over accusations they had tried to manipulate viewers with a 'faux-mance' between themselves.
In February, they had told show host Phillip Schofield they were 'an item' as they conducted a series of photoshoots in glossy magazines, even posing in bed with just their ice skates and giving quotes saying they ‘loved each other to bits’ and had met each other’s parents.
Dancing On Ice : The Final Winner - Sam Attwater - Bolero - March 27th, 2011
Sam & Brianne + Laura & Colin - Both Skate "The Bolero" DOI Final 2011
source: dailymail