US Dancing show names its winner

Brooke and Hough received 16 top scores over the course of the contest

US TV presenter Brooke Burke has been crowned champion of the seventh season of Dancing with the Stars, the American version of Strictly Come Dancing.

The 37-year-old mother-of-four beat ex-American Football player Warren Sapp and former 'N Sync member Lance Bass to be named this year's winner.

Brooke and her partner Derek Hough dominated the competition, coming in first place eight out of 10 times.

Figure skater Kristy Yamaguchi won the last series, in May.

The Brazilian racing driver Helio Castroneves won the fifth contest in November 2007.

Singer Toni Braxton, actress Cloris Leachman and sprinter Maurice Greene were among this series' contestants.

'Unbelievable'

The programme, recorded in Los Angeles, bears a strong resemblance to Strictly Come Dancing and features UK judges Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli on its panel.

Burke called her victory on Tuesday's show "unbelievable" as she celebrated her triumph amid a shower of confetti.

"The journey's been so long," said Hough. "It's been tough, it's been wonderful, it's been everything I could ever hope for."

Model Jodie Kidd became the latest celebrity to leave the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing on Sunday, leaving five stars and their partners in the competition.