Lukas McFarlane wins Got to Dance 2013

Got to Dance have crowned 19-year-old Lukas McFarlane as the 2013 winner.

The dancer from London beat other nine other finalists to secure the show’s £250,000 prize money.

McFarlane, a contemporary dancer originally from Canada, won with an impressive performance to Alex Clare’s ‘Too Close’.

His performance secured him a standing ovation from judges Ashley Banjo, Kimberley Wyatt and Aston Merrygold.

“Normally I find it quite easy to put what I want to say in to words, but with you I can’t. I have never, ever been so inspired by a dancer in my life,” said Ashley.

“Honestly you have changed my entire outlook on this competition and what to expect of people in this competition. You’ve raised the bar of Got to Dance.”

Wyatt added that McFarlane’s performance is “such a proud moment” in his dancing career, adding: “When you perform, you have me in the palm of your hand.”

JLS’s Aston Merrygold and Wyatt both agreed that McFarlane deserved at least a place in the top three. However, he was backed by the public ahead of his fellow acts.

McFarlane was in shock after his £250,000 victory. He said: “Words cannot describe how I feel. I have no idea what I’m going to spend the money on but definitely a trip to Canada!”

He follows in the footsteps of Got to Dance’s previous winners Akai, comedic duo Chris and Wes and last year’s winner Prodijig.