Cricket legend Darren, 53, was crowned champion of the BBC One show in 2005 – before winning the Christmas special that year, and another in 2007.
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But despite his Glitterball haul, he’s hit out at the judging panel – comprised of Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke.
He’s claimed they “rescue” certain contestants each week and that the winning couple are not left in the hands of the public anymore.
Darren told The Mirror: “It’s a terrific show, but I’ve kind of gone off it a bit. The way it’s gone down now, I know the judges won’t like it but it used to be a programme where the public voted for the winner.
“It still is, but only when you get to the final. But now if you’re good in week one, you’re basically getting to the final. The judges rescue you every single week. It doesn’t matter what the public think.
“I still prefer it when they pick their winner. The thing is the public go for the journey – there’s no doubt that was the case when I won it, I won it because of the journey and they came with me.”
His comments were made ahead of tonight’s finale, in which Ellie Leach and Vita Coppola took home the glitterball trophy.
The Coronation Street star, 22, beat actor Bobby Brazier and West End star Layton Williams to claim the top spot after three long months of training – making her the youngest ever winner.
This series hasn’t come without its fair share of drama, though.
Amanda Abbington broken her silence, today, after it was revealed she would be ‘snubbing’ tonight’s final.
The BBC had confirmed the Sherlock actress would not return for the show’s swansong, amid speculation she is feuding with her dance partner Giovanni Pernice.
Amanda took to her Instagram account where she shared a snap of the three final couples, writing: “Good luck tonight to these six beautiful humans.”
The BBC revealed Amanda would not be returning tonight in a statement earlier this week.
Nigel Harman also withdrew from the competition this series after sustaining an injury, but he attended this evening.
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