It was a finale packed with spectacle, emotion and jaw-dropping performances — but in the end, it was Home and Away favourite Kyle Shilling who lifted

the coveted Mirror Ball trophy in one of the most thrilling conclusions the ballroom has seen in years. On Monday night, Shilling and his professional

dance partner Lily Cornish were crowned champions of Dancing With The Stars, triumphing over a fiercely competitive field and leaving judges and viewers alike on their feet.

From the opening bars of their final performance, it was clear Kyle and Lily were not playing it safe. The pair delivered a breathtaking routine set to “Moju’s Native Tongue,” a powerful tribute to Kyle’s heritage that blended contemporary storytelling with traditional elements — including a striking moment where Kyle performed with the didgeridoo live on stage.

The performance was more than technically brilliant; it was deeply personal. Judges were visibly moved, with Helen Richey declaring it “one of the finest performances” she had ever witnessed across any season of the show. The routine earned a perfect score of 40, propelling the pair to the top of the leaderboard at the most critical moment of the competition.

For Kyle, the victory marked the culmination of weeks of punishing rehearsals, physical strain and emotional vulnerability. Known to Home and Away audiences for his commanding screen presence, Shilling revealed a new side of himself on the dance floor — one defined by discipline, humility and artistic expression.

“I’m feeling a mix of emotions because it’s come to an end,” Kyle said moments after the win, visibly overwhelmed. “We built such a strong family here. To stand here holding this trophy, knowing all the hard work we put in has paid off — it’s incredible.”

His triumph wasn’t just symbolic. Kyle secured $20,000 for his chosen charity, the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, shining a spotlight on a cause close to his heart. Throughout the season, he spoke passionately about using the platform to celebrate culture and give back, making his victory resonate beyond the ballroom.

The finale itself was nothing short of electric.

Opening the night were Felicity Ward and Eric Yekun, who burst onto the floor with a high-energy Quickstep-Lindy Hop fusion that set the tone for the evening. Felicity’s fearless commitment drew praise from the judges, who commended her joy and infectious enthusiasm week after week.

Next up, veteran journalist Michael Usher and Natalie Lowe showcased the Latin flair he had developed throughout the series. Judge Mark Wilson applauded Michael’s consistent improvement, telling him he should be immensely proud of his journey.

A more emotional note followed with AFL star Trent Cotchin and Jess Raffa, whose contemporary routine was layered with vulnerability and strength. Craig Revel Horwood described it as “powerful and textured,” praising its emotional depth.

Radio personality Brittany Hockley and Craig Monley delivered one of the night’s most heartfelt moments. Their routine, dedicated to Brittany’s husband, concluded with her signing “thank you” and “I love you” — a poignant gesture acknowledging Craig’s hearing impairment. The tribute earned praise for both its technical precision and its emotional sincerity, with Sharna Burgess applauding Brittany’s transformation into “a true dancer.”

Closing the competitive performances in full showbiz style were Shaun Micallef and Ash-Leigh Hunter. Their theatrical showdance lit up the ballroom, brimming with flair and charisma. The judges commended the sheer entertainment value, describing it as spectacular.

As votes were tallied, the studio audience was treated to a special performance by Grammy Award-winning singer Richard Marx, who performed his classic hit “Right Here Waiting” alongside his new single “Magic Hour.” The atmosphere was charged with anticipation.

When hosts finally revealed the final two couples — Kyle and Lily, and Shaun and Ash-Leigh — the tension was palpable. The leaderboard had Kyle and Lily comfortably ahead with 40 points, followed by Shaun and Ash-Leigh on 37. But with audience votes factored in, nothing was guaranteed.

In the end, it was Kyle Shilling who stood victorious.

The win marks a significant milestone in the actor’s career. Already beloved by Home and Away fans, his ballroom journey introduced him to a broader audience and showcased his versatility as a performer. More importantly, it highlighted his willingness to take risks and step outside his comfort zone.

As confetti rained down and the Mirror Ball trophy glittered under the lights, Kyle’s journey felt like more than just a reality TV success story. It was a testament to resilience, representation and the power of storytelling through movement.

For viewers, it was a finale that delivered shock, spectacle and a champion who truly earned his crown.