Chris Markham lifts the Dancefloor Challenge 2009 trophy on Saturday night. Beside him is dancing partner Kelly Baudains. The pair scored the competition’s first ever perfect 80 from the judges for their waltz and paso doble. (Picture by Tom Tardif, 0762059)

Chris Markham lifts the Dancefloor Challenge 2009 trophy on Saturday night. Beside him is dancing partner Kelly Baudains. The pair scored the competition’s first ever perfect 80 from the judges for their waltz and paso doble. (Picture by Tom Tardif, 0762059)

WINNERS of this year’s Martel Maides Dancefloor Challenge 2009 were the first couple in the competition’s history to be given a perfect score.

Chris Markham and Kelly Baudains walked away on Saturday night with the top prize in the Strictly Come Dancing-style event and scored a perfect 80 from the judges for their waltz and paso doble. The pair proved popular with the audience of 400, who helped to raise thousands of pounds for a local charity.

Mr Markham, the former licensee of Taylor’s Bar and Brasserie, said he was very surprised to win.

‘It felt great and [we] really enjoyed it,’ he said.

‘We have worked hard to get here. This night might seem easy, but there has been a lot of hard work behind the scenes.’

Dance partner Kelly Baudains managed to place second last year and was very pleased to have climbed to the top spot.

‘When you find someone who has a knack for it, it does help,’ she said. ‘He’s also very good on his feet.’