A celebration is in order for fans of “The Carlton,” the famed dorky dance of Carlton Banks from “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.” Last night, Carlton won “Dancing with the Stars.”
Well, not really. Alfonso Ribeiro, the actor who played Carlton on the 90’s television show, won. The 43-year-old and his partner Witney Carson were named champions of the 19th season of Dancing With The Stars.
Hugging his partner Carson, Ribeiro wept and said, “I cannot believe this. I’ve wanted it forever. My God, I don’t even know what to say.”
Carson had nothing but nice things to say about her partner.
“He’s one of the most hard working people I’ve ever met,” the dancer said before turning to Ribeiro and saying, “You deserve it.”
The former Fresh Prince star’s win did not come without hardships. He battled a back injury that occurred during a rehersal from trying to overcompensate for a groin injury which he also suffered from during the show while dancing “The Carlton.” He had to miss a few rehearsals to receive an MRI.
Ribeiro did not let his injuries deter him from his goal as he went on to win over stiff competition from Duck Dynasty star Sadie Robertson, and Pretty Little Liars actress Janel Parrish, during the two-hour finale.
Robertson, 17, who was another fan favorite, finished in second place with partner Mark Ballas. She said she was pleased that Ribeiro had won.
“This has been an amazing experience and I just want to say I’m so thankful to God who has brought me this far in the completion,” she said. “I feel like I really accomplished what I wanted to accomplish on this show and I’m so glad that it was Alfonso. He deserves it.”
The winner announced that he will be joining the Dancing With The Stars professionals on the Dancing With the Stars tour that will begin in Niagara Falls on December 27.
