Singer wins M-Net's Dancing with the Stars competition

Singer-songwriter Connell Cruise and his professional dance partner Marcella Solimeo shimmied off with the sparkling glitter ball trophy at tonight's finale of M-Net's Dancing With the Stars.

"We worked really hard to put on good quality performances," said Cruise at a press conference following the live show. "Tonight was stiff competition. We didn't take our win for granted at all."

The singer who spent a total of 520 hours rehearsing during the four-month show.

"When I met Marcella she said winners are the ones who put the most work in."

Dispatchlive was present at the star-studded show on the rooftop of the Hyde Park Shopping Centre in Johhanesburg which saw the three celebrity finalists Cruise, Mthata-born actor Zola Nombona and soapie star Eden Classens battle it out on the dance floor.