Lads - and Kara's - day out: Miss Tointon joined boyfriend Artem Chigvintsev and other Strictly dancers James Jordan and Jordan Murillo for lunch in Manchester yesterday
She is one of the most glamorous contestants of Strictly Come Dancing whose sex appeal and sultry dancing won the competition.
But Kara Tointon proved that she can also be one of the boys as she spent yesterday hanging out with the Strictly Come Dancing lads.
The actress was snapped in Manchester ahead of the BBC One show's date at the city's Evening News Arena which takes place tonight.
Yesterday, during a break in rehearsals, Kara, 27, left the Lowry Hotel, where contestants and their dancing partners are staying, for some food.
But she didn't indulge in a girls' lunch with her fellow female dancers, but decided to hang out with the lads instead.
With boyfriend and dance partner Artem Chigvintsev, the couple were joined by dancers James Jordan and Jared Murillo as they headed out for a bite to eat.
Catching up: While Artem chatted to Jared, Kara and James checked their emails and text messages
The four were snapped waiting to cross the road as they left the hotel and headed into the city.
And in a sign of the times, all four of them clutched mobile phones as they checked their emails and texts sent to them during their rehearsals.
After lunch, they all hit the shops to indulge in some retail therapy and spend their hard-earned Strictly dosh.
Checking in: Kara catches up on her friends, family and possibly agent as she takes a break from Strictly rehearsals
But while James and Jared didn't seem to mind traipsing round the shops, Artem, who has been dating Kara since they were paired together for the BBC show last year, looked bored.
He was snapped propping himself up by a cashier's till looking completely fed up as Kara chatted to the sales assistant.
The four are part of the Strictly tour which is almost at an end after kicking off in Nottingham last month.
After tonight's Manchester date, the tour will wrap up with six dates at the Glasgow SECC.
Fancy a bit of shopping, fellas? Kara rallies her men as they head into town
Do you have that in my size? As Kara chatted to the shop assistant, Artem looked bored as he leaned against the cash register desk
Kara Tointon & Olly Murs Interview on 'Lorraine' (7th Feb 2011)
Getting stuck in: Kara looks as though she is thoroughly enjoying herself as she kisses her sexy Santa
They're the reality show couple who have kept viewers guessing for months about the status of their relationship.
But now Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev have once and for all confirmed they are a couple by sharing a kiss under the mistletoe for all to see on the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special.
The pair share a steamy clinch after taking part in a group dance which also features semi-finalists Pamela Stephenson, Gavin Henson, Matt Baker and Scott Maslen.
And a show insider said the crew had been stunned by the public display of affection, adding: 'No-one quite expected Kara to plant that much of a smacker on Artem - but did they really need the mistletoe?'
It's not the first time Kara and Artem have shared a kiss on the small screen, having locked lips just after winning the final of Strictly last weekend.
And former EastEnders star Kara kept speculation about their relationship going when asked if they were officially a couple.
Christmas kiss: Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev share a clinch on the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special
Kara replied coyly: '‘Fingers crossed. We will see what happens.’
The actress later told BBC Breakfast there has always been chemistry between the couple, from their very first meeting.
She said: 'We've got on like a house on fire all the way through, which is quite a big achievement in itself because it's intense and you do have low moments.
'Now we're out of the studio it will be nice to do some normal things like go to the cinema and the shops.'
Loved-up: Kara and Artem were seen out and about in north London earlier this week
And the pair are getting on so well that Artem, 28, who is staying at her family’s North London home, made dinner for her whole family after the show.
By getting to know each other on the show Kara revealed it was a strange situation to fall for someone.
She added: ‘It is just one of those weird things where you meet someone but it is not in a normal environment, there is no time to do anything sociable,’ she added.
'I hope we can continue to get on like we have done and I guess we will see what happens. We will chill out and probably go to a nice restaurant in the week I hope.'
The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special is on BBC1 on Saturday December 25 at 7pm.
Giggles all round: Kara laughs as she is interviewed on The Graham Norton Show
Group hug: Kara with Matt Smith, Matt Luca, David Walliams and Norton on the programme
Happy couple: Kara Tointon and Artem can't stop smiling as they pose for a picture outside her parents London home early this morning
It’s very early days but things are looking bright for the new couple.
Kara Tointon and new beau Artem Chigvintsev were all smiles as they posed for a picture together outside her London home early this morning.
And they have no plans to separate any time soon as Artem has agreed to spend Christmas with Kara and her family at their North London home.
The professional dancer will be giving his girl plenty of TLC over the festive season as she was rushed to hospital in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Just hours after sharing a passionate, and very public, kiss with her new beau, Kara was being rushed to hospital by her father.
The 27-year-old former EastEnders star battled through the dance show final to take the title, despite being in agony with a torn ligament in her lower arm.
Beginning of a fine romance: The pair showed their feelings at the end of the competition
In fact Kara was only able to perform her waltz and American Smooth because she had taken strong painkillers by show bosses, The Sun has reported.
Kara injured herself during her second dance performance of the night performing to Queen’s Don’t Stop Me Now.
‘On the last two dances I couldn’t really move my arm. It was a weird experience not being able to move my arm, thank God it wasn’t my leg because that would have a been a disaster,’ Kara said.
Smiling through the pain: Kara battled injury to take the Strictly trophy
‘I hope we can continue to get on like we have done and I guess we will see what happens. We will chill out and probably go to a nice restaurant in the week I hope.’
Saturday night’s show drew 14.5million viewers at its peak, the highest ever for Strictly Come Dancing.
Miss Tointon and Chigvintsev impressed the judges with their four performances, which included the American Smooth and an energetic show dance.
After finding out they had beaten TV presenter Matt Baker and Aliona Vilani, she said: ‘The most special thing about this whole experience has been meeting Artem.
‘He is so special, he’s one of the...’, before her tears stopped her from continuing. She added: ‘I have made a friend for life.’
Stolen kisses: Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev kiss after being crowned the winners of Strictly Come Dancing 2010
They have been caught spending the night at each others houses and set tongues wagging with their obvious chemistry on the dance floor.
And after taking the crown last night, Strictly Come Dancing 2010 winners Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev appeared to confirm the romance their fans have been hoping for.
While celebrating their win last night, the excitement appeared to get the better of Artem, who dropped his guard and planted a kiss on his 27-year-old dance partner.
Winner: Kara Tointon and dance partner Artem Chigvintsev were tonight voted the winners of Strictly Come Dancing 2010
The pair have hinted at their affection for each other, but have remained coy on whether they are an item throughout the series.
Last night Kara said that now that the competition is over, they can concentrate on the future.
'Fingers crossed,' she said. 'We will see what happens.'
'We get on brilliantly and it will be nice to do normal things like go to the cinema or for a meal because we spend all our time in the studio.'
But the former EastEnders star won't be venturing too far for a little while, after it emerged she was taken to A&E this morning for an arm injury suffered during training.
Emotional: Kara, who recovering at home today with a wrist injury, spoke of her affection for partner Artem after winning
Kara was forced to dance through the pain last night to victory, but after the show she was whisked to hospital where it was revealed she had torn ligaments in her lower arm.
She is now recovering at her parents' house in North London with her arm in a sling, giving 28-year-old Artem the opportunity to take care of her.
'I think we are going to literally not go anywhere today. It'll be quite nice,' she said this morning.
'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.'
And it seems Artem's family feel the same about Miss Tointon.
Welcome to the family: Artem's family have told how they approve of the former soap star for their son
Victory: Kara and Artem are congratulated by former contestants including Scott Maslen as they hold their trophy high
Celebration: Goldie holds Artem over his head as the Russian-born dancer celebrates his win
In an interview with the News of the World, his mother Anna spoke of her happiness about her son's new love interest.
Speaking from their home in Izhevsk, Mrs Chigvintsev, 60, said of Kara, who she has not yet met: 'She looks really great. They make a beautiful couple which fills my heart with pride and joy.
'I respect my son's choice. He's very fond of her, and she seems to like him too.'
The tension mounts: Kara and Artem and Matt and Aliona wait to find out who has won the competition
'I have made the most wonderful friend for life and this has been the most special experience of my life.
He returned the compliment, adding: 'Thank you, Kara, you're amazing.'
When she found out she and Artem had won, the former EastEnders star burst into tears before hugging Matt Baker and Aliona Vilani.
Despite falling at the final hurdle, finalist Matt said he was thrilled with the result, saying: 'It's been graet. I have absolutely thoroughly enjoyed tonight, and Kara and Artem are worthy winners. If I was at home, I would be voting for Kara as well.'
Winner: Kara Tointon and dance partner Artem Chigvintsev were tonight voted the winners of Strictly Come Dancing 2010
After winning the trophy, Kara said: 'It's the most special thing that I have ever achieved and thank you to this man, who has been absolutely wonderful. I'm a bit embarrassed but I've made the most fantastic friends for life.
Artem added: 'Thank you Kara, you're amazing.'
Despite falling at the final hurdle, finalist Matt said he was thrilled with the result, saying: 'It's been graet. I have absolutely thoroughly enjoyed tonight, and Kara and Artem are worthy winners. If I was at home, I would be voting for Kara as well.'
And as well as winning the Strictly glitterball trophy, Kara also walked away with another prize - in the form of a date with Artem.
The pair have been rumoured to have been dating throughout the competition, but tonight furthered speculation after appearing more than a little touchy-feely on the programme.
Kara Tointon was voted the winner of Strictly Come Dancing 2010 tonight, despite battling a wrist injury.
Victory: Kara and Artem are congratulated by former contestants including Scott Maslen as they hold their trophy high
The 27-year-old former soap star and her partner Artem Chigvintsev wowed the judges with four incredible performances, including the American Smooth and their energetic show dance.
When she found out she and Artem had won, the former EastEnders star burst into tears before hugging Matt Baker and Aliona Vilani.
Celebration: Goldie holds Artem over his head as the Russian-born dancer celebrates his win
Stunning: Pamela Stephenson was the first to be voted off the show this evening
Speaking about being paired with Artem, Kara struggled to control her emotions and tears as she described her relationship with the Russian-born dancer.
And, in a VT ahead of their final performance, Kara said: 'I have made a friend for life and it has been a magical experience.'
While Artem added: 'When she's laughing, I find it adorable and irresistible.' Kara's win was all the more impressive considering she had been battling a wrist injury following a back flip during her show dance.
The actress was seen backstage after the performance struggling not to cry while holding an ice pack to the wrist, telling the camera: 'I haven't done a back flip since I was about 11 and it really hurts now.'
Pamela Stephenson was the first contestant to be voted off the final tonight.
Ready to go: Kara wore a tight, low-cut jumpsuit as she and Artem performed to I Like The Way You Move
And Len, who also gave them a nine, said: 'What you've done, a little element of waltz, salsa and foxtrot - you've used all the skills you've learned and I thought it was charming. Well done.'
After the performance, Pamela said: 'It really has been the time of my life and I'm so appreciative to the women and men who have helped me get to where I am.'
And James cheekily added: 'Nobody puts Granny in the corner!'
Tonight's finale was opened by an energetic performance from the Strictly Come Dancing professionals, who danced to Eye Of The Tiger, with the girls sporting boards featuring the names of the three finalists.
Kara and Artem, Pamela and James, and Matt and Aliona were then welcomed to the dancefloor wearing boxing gowns and gloves ahead of the competition.
Head judge Len Goodman also kept the boxing analogy going as he introduced the show with a microphone hanging from the ceiling.
Presenter Tess Daly looked stunning in a full-length white gown with a sparkly silver asymmetric top, while Bruce Forsyth wore a black tuxedo with white waistcoat.
Gymnastic genius: Matt Baker used his gymnastic skills for the show dance
The first show of the evening saw the three finalists bring back their top-scoring dances, as well as unleashing their final show dance.
Up first were Matt and Aliona, who performed the Samba to Young Hearts Run Free , complete with a lot of hip movement and even some back flips from Matt, which earned him a series of cheers and applause from the audience.
Speaking about being in the final, Matt said: 'It's just such a special feeling to know that you're there - last weekend was such an emotional weekend.
'Initially I thought Strictly would be quite fluffy - a bit of glitter here and there, could it be that intense? But believe me, it can - it's just you, your partner and the floor.'
'Simply brilliant': Pamela and James received a standing ovation from the audience, which included Pamela's husband Billy Connolly
And as well as his natural dancing talent, it is Matt's chemistry with dance partner Aliona which has seen him get through to the final.
Describing their chemistry, Matt said: 'Aliona and I realised very quickly that we have a very similar outlook - she will dance what I'm feeling.'
Aliona added: 'I have actually been on a real, real journey - it's been a blast.' Before taking to the dancefloor, Matt said: 'To be the last man standing is brilliant - to be the last one standing would be phenomenal.'
It was then time for the judges to pass their judgement on the performance.
All white on the night: Pamela and James stand with Tess as they await the judges' results
Len was first up, giving the couple a 9 and saying: 'We are expecting you to dance to the standard that has got you to this final, and that's what you did Matt. You came out, full on, and did so well - well done.'
Alesha Dixon, who awarded Matt and Aliona a 10, said: 'The last time we saw this dance was in Blackpool and you've done it again. I think it's the perfect way to open the show and I think it's the best samba of the series.'
Ever-amusing Bruno Tonioli, who also gave them a 10, said: 'There's nothing better than a hot Latin samba to cheer up everyone in a cold snap. You're samba was even better this time.'
And Craig Revel-Horwood, who gave them a 9, said: 'All good, I'm afraid. It was more confident than last time, I thought it was fantastic. That hip action is torrid, darling, it works very very well!'
Talking to Tess after the performance, Matt said: 'We wanted it to be a real celebration of everything we've done, and it feels brilliant to go out there and just dance - I'm so happy.'
Emotional: Kara struggled to control her tears as she spoke about her experience on Strictly before taking to the dancefloor to perform the Rumba
Kara and Artem were up next, performing the Rumba to an instrumental number. Before taking to the dancefloor, Kara said she couldn't believe she had made it through to the final of Strictly.
She said: 'To have made it through to the final is one of the biggest achievements of my life. I don't think I'll ever forget when Artem slid towards to me on that first show. I had hoped to be with James or Anton, but I think he's forgiven me.
'It took me a few weeks to come out and let go. The first dance I did well with was the Paso Doble. In Blackpool the emotions were running high, I'd injured my partner, and then we did the best performance we've done in the whole show.'
On-screen chemistry: Matt and Aliona get on incredibly well, which is partly the reason they dance so well together
Eager to win: Matt and Aliona stand with Bruce Forsyth as they await the results from judges (left to right) Craig Revel Horwood, Len Goodman, Alesha Dixon and Bruno Tonioli
Making a big return: All the Strictly finalists returned for a last performance to the soundtrack of Paloma Faith
After their dance, Craig said: 'I would kill to be able to dance like that. I thought it was amazing. I thought you were adorable', and gave them his first 10.
Len, who caused controversy with a seven, said: 'What's great about number is that it's so lyrical and musical. Unfortunately, you're supposed to do a certain amount in hold. But it's still a great number and I think your dancing is brilliant.'
Alesha, who gave them a 10, said: 'I'm quite sad that that's the last dance we will see you guys do. I think you are the most exquisite dancer I have seen on Strictly and together you are first class.'
And Bruno, who also gave them a 10, said: 'Whatever happens, this was an inspired performance. Creatively it was superb.'
After the performance, Kara said: 'That dance has always been my favourite so we just wanted to do it again.
Strictly Come Dancing 2010 Final - Kara Tointon & Artem Chigvintsev are crowned winners
Kara Tointon & Artem Chigvintsev - Chacha - Strictly Come Dancing - Week 1 - Long Edit
Kara Tointon & Artem Chigvintsev - Foxtrot - Strictly Come Dancing - Week 2 - Long Edit
Kara Tointon & Artem Chigvintsev - Quickstep - Strictly Come Dancing - Week 3 - Long Edit
Kara Tointon & Artem Chigvintsev - Charleston - Strictly Come Dancing - Week 4 - Long Edit
Kara Tointon & Artem Chigvintsev Win Strictly Come Dancing 2010
Sexy: Pamela Stephenson and her professional partner James Jordan rehearse the Argentine tango ahead of tonight's grand final of Strictly Come Dancing
At 61, she is the oldest contestant ever to reach the final of Strictly Come Dancing.
But Pamela Stephenson says that won’t stop her turning up the raunch on tonight’s show. She has even gone so far as to liken her dancing to ‘full-on sex’.
Miss Stephenson, who is married to comedian Billy Connolly, said she was looking forward to performing the most ‘gorgeous’ and ‘sensuous’ Argentine tango.
She is older than her two rivals combined – Matt Baker is 32 and Kara Tointon is 27 – but said she was a ‘flag waver’ for older women, claiming those of her sex and age are often given the ‘brush off’ and ‘discounted’.
And she said winning the series would make the point that women over 40 are still ‘full of vitality’.
On the floor: The psychologist ends up on the floor during rehearsals with Jordan
Don't look down: Stephenson keeps smiling as she is twirled around by Jordan
Miss Stephenson will only be able to perform the Argentine tango if she gets through to the final two of tonight’s competition.
She said of the Latin dance: ‘I always thought since I saw it that it was the most gorgeous sensuous dance and I am loving it. The Argentine Tango is full-on sex.’
Of taking part in the show, she added: ‘There is no reason that anybody my age shouldn’t be able to do it.
Who will it be? Pamela and James eye up the glitterball trophy with dancefloor rivals (L-R) Artem Chigvintsev, Kara Tointon, Matt Baker with Aliona Vilani
Chemistry: Kara and Artem look like they're in the zone as they practice
This is serious: Kara looks like she's struggling to keep a straight-face while Artem looks ready for business
'It is perfectly possible to be athletic and enjoying dancing at this age.’ Her comments come after last week’s X Factor final sparked thousands of complaints that routines by U.S. stars Christina Aguilera and Rihanna were unsuitable for a family audience.
A recent poll suggested Miss Tointon will win Strictly while bookmakers believe Mr Baker will triumph.
Bending over backwards: Countryfile presenter Baker keeps a tight hold of his flexible partner Vilani
King of the swingers: Baker swings Vilani around the dancefloor
Training Week 12 - Strictly Come Dancing 2010 - BBC One
She's back: Anton Du Beke lifts up Ann Widdecombe as they rehearse for the group dance for Strictly Come Dancing's final
Two weeks after Ann Widdecome was voted off Strictly Come Dancing, the former MP is bringing her two left feet back to the dancefloor.
The dancing-challenged star, 63, was reunited with professional partner Anton Du Beke this week to rehearse for a group dance number with all her former Strictly contestants.
Despite vowing to never dance again after she was voted off two weeks ago, Widdecombe is expected to take the dancefloor along with other Strictly evictees, including Patsy Kensit and Felicity Kendal.
All the celebrity contestants have been reunited with their professional partners to perform a brief dance on Saturday's final before this year's winner is crowned.
Kara Tointon will go up against TV presenter Matt Baker and psychologist Pamela Stephenson for the 2010 glitterball trophy.
Keen to avoid Ann's uncoordinated dance steps, it looks like Du Beke may spend most of his brief sequence on Saturday's final carrying her around.
Getting their groove on: (Front L-R) Erin Boag, Katya Virshilas, Michelle Williams, Patsy Kensit and Felicity Kendal, with (back L-R) Jimi Mistry, Peter Shilton and Goldie
Reunited: (L-R) Kristina Rihanoff, Goldie, Felicity Kendal, Vincent Simone, Boag, Shilton, Williams and Brendan Cole
Widdecombe managed to survive nine weeks on the show before being voted off in week 10, despite consistently receiving low scores from the judges.
Despite admitting she was having lots of fun on the show, she insisted it was right for viewers to vote her off.
She said at the time: 'I knew we were going out because we were the only two left who weren't up to the standard of the others.
Bookies favourite: Countryfile presenter Matt Baker and Aliona Vilani are favourite to win this year's show with 8/14 odds
Feeling the strain: Kara Tointon, who is said to be battling the flu, rehearses with partner Artem Chigvintsev
Too much fun: Pamela Stephenson and her dance partner James Jordan look like they're having plenty of fun
'I'm a bit disappointed. But you've got very, very, top notch high-performing dancers. For heaven's sake, I'm still trying to do one, two, three.'
Meanwhile, Kara's rehearsals this week have run into difficulty after the actress was struck down with a bout of the flu.
Writing on her Twitter on Wednesday, she said: 'I'm a zombie !!! Lol . Brain shutting down. God damn x.'
Mwah: Vincent plants a kiss on Felicity's cheek as Patsy shows off some good 'armology' with partner Robin
Larking around: Katya laughs as she is lifted up by rugby player Gavin Henson
The ailing former EastEnder, who is rehearsing four dances with partner Artem Chigvintsev, is second favourite to win with 7/4 odds by bookmakers Paddy Power.
But Countryfile presenter Baker and Aliona Vilani are the favourites with 8/15 odds, with Pamela and James Jordan as the outsiders with 15/2 odds.
The Strictly Come Dancing 2010 final airs this Saturday on BBC One at 7pm.
Upside down: Felicity, Patsy and Katya are thrown upside down by their partners
Queen of the dance: Katya looks at home on Gavin's shoulders as the couples dance around her
Ann Widdecombe and Anton Du Beke - Strictly Come Dancing 2010, Week 9 - BBC One
Lads - and Kara's - day out: Miss Tointon joined boyfriend Artem Chigvintsev and other Strictly dancers James Jordan and Jordan Murillo for lunch in Manchester yesterday
Catching up: While Artem chatted to Jared, Kara and James checked their emails and text messages
Checking in: Kara catches up on her friends, family and possibly agent as she takes a break from Strictly rehearsals
Fancy a bit of shopping, fellas? Kara rallies her men as they head into town
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