Hines Ward - Hines Ward Crowned Dwts Champion

Hines Ward Crowned Dwts Champion

Hines Ward has won 'Dancing With The Stars'.

The 35-year-old NFL star and partner Kym Johnson took the mirror ball trophy for winning the 12th season of the show, and the sportsman admitted he hadn't expected to make it to the end of the contest.

He said: "You know, starting this competition, I never thought I'd be in the finals.

"But I owe it all to Kym. She's an amazing teacher, and I want to thank the judges for giving us the constructive criticism to help me get better each week. Also, I want to thank all the fans."

Following the elimination of Chelsea Kane, Hines beat actress Kirstie Alley in the final, who said she thought it would be "fun" to take part in the show because her fans could see her lose weight.

The 'Fat Actress' star said: "I think it would be fun to show the fans and the judges that my dress is half the size it was in week one. I have a lot more strength and a lot more stamina."

All three stars in the final got perfect 10s from the judges, with Chelsea performing a waltz, Kirstie a Cha-Cha and Hines a samba.

Judge Bruno Tonioli saved praise for Kirstie, claiming she was a "Phoenix".

He said: "A 100-proof cocktail of effervescent fun. Kirstie you're like a phoenix. You cheating girl, you saved the best for last. Brilliant."

Carrie Anna Inaba added Hines was great because he had been "consistent" throughout the show.

She said: "Hines, in all honesty, you're the Mvp of 'Dancing with the Stars'. You're nothing but consistency and focus. You really dance with heart."