(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — Days after being declared one of the Sexiest Men Alive by People Magazine in the Special Double Issue on newsstands right now, J.R. Martinez achieved what many fully expected and took home the mirror ball trophy on “Dancing With the Stars.” Tonight, season thirteen’s most charming – and naturally talented – contestant beat out talk-show host and film actor Ricki Lake and her professional partner Derek Hough as well as reality television personality Rob Kardashian and his professional partner Cheryl Burke to help bring his professional partner Karina Smirnoff her first “DWTS” win in no less than ten attempts.
The former “All My Children” star follows in the footsteps of “General Hospital” star Kelly Monaco (Sam) who won the competition in its inaugural season back in the summer of 2005. Before her winning run with Martinez, professional dancer Smirnoff’s best showing was opposite entertainment personality Mario Lopez in season three of “DWTS.” She finished in second place. On tonight’s edition of the popular dance competition, Martinez and Smirnoff were up against “DWTS” two most successful professional dancers ever. Lake’s partner, Hough, has delivered wins with three partners including current “DWTS” host Brooke Burke, singer Nicole Scherzinger, and actress Jennifer Grey; meanwhile, Kardashian’s partner, Burke has taken singer Drew Lachey and football legend Emmit Smith to the end.
Iraq war veteran, veterans’ issues advocate and motivational speaker Martinez instantly won over millions of new fans after first showing off his impressive dancing skills and equally impressive personality on “DWTS” earlier this fall. Click here for a look at the journey Martinez has taken since then and what’s up next for the fan favorite. In the immediate future look for Martinez and partner Smirnoff to show up on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” on Wednesday, November 23 at 12:05 AM EST. Martinez and Smirnoff will then join their fellow finalists on “Good Morning America” at 7 AM EST on Wednesday morning. Later that morning, they’ll join runners-up Kardashian and Burke on “The View.”
“DWTS” returns for Season 14 on Monday, March 19, 2012 on ABC.