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“Tablet! My favourite.” We’ll miss her.
Judges’ scores: 9 (bo0!), 10, 10, 10 for a total of 39 points. Up one point on last time.
Claudia has “Keep dancing” written on the back of her jacket. Want one.
Judges’ comments: Shirley says “beautiful heel turns, great shapes, it was beautiful”. Anton says “easy to comment on, it was all brilliant, full of power and lost nothing in drama, you’ve laid down a marker”. Craig says “focus, passion, shaping sorted, the most committed person I’ve ever met”. Motsi concludes “used the music beautifully to heighten it, everywhere was well-shaped”. I feel the first of many 40s incoming.
ShareAmber and Nikita’s paso doble
After a masterclass from head judge Shirley Ballas, the panel pick the paso for Amber Davies and her pro partner Nikita Kuzmin to perform again. It scored two 10s in week eight and was the first time they topped leaderboard – although I suspect it’s remembered just as much for Nikita’a topless S&M binman outfit. Messin’ abaht with a giant picture frame to start, then it cranks into gear. Bringing back the passion and drama but they now get a chance to refine it. Intense and sharp timing with feirce skirt-swishing and resistance in her body. Exquisite arms. Plenty of fire, passion and purpose.
Song: Dream On by Aerosmith. The 1973 blues-rock anthem was written on a Steinway upright piano by frontman Steven Tyler when he was just 14.
Amber Davies. Photograph: Guy Levy/BBC/PAShareOur Strictly finalists™
The three pairings come out for welcome waves. Not much fancy dress but their outfits do offer clues to their first dances. Peaky Blinders for Kaz. Nikita currently has a top on but that might well change *oils up*.
ShareGrand entrance by the judges
The esteemed paddle-raising panel arrive in best bib-and-tucker for the last time this series. Motsi Mabuse in fabulous gold with a huge bow (twinkle winkle indeed). Shirley Ballas in a black gown accessorised with home-made Bacofoil Christmas decoration. Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood have been using their Moss Bros loyalty cards and are in matching cream tuxedos.
ShareFrockwatch
Here come our hostly duo, so time for the last ever live couture comparison. Sniffle. Tess Daly is rose-gold sequins with one shoulder. Asymmetric at both ends, obv. Claudia Winkleman in a classic black tuxedo suit. No winners or losers, just love.
This is rather rousing, despite the soundtrack being a bit like a Jive Bunny Eurodisco medley.
The three finalists make their entrance on a UFO-type contraption, sparks-flying, and join in the fun. Because what they really needed this week was a fourth dance to learn.
SharePros open the show in style
The choreographic action kicks off with a dazzling group routine from our professional dancers. It’s a riot of pink with Johannes Radebe leading the way.
Roll the traditional VT to crank up the drama. Moody shots! Bombastic voiceovers! Glitterball dreams!
ShareAaaaand we’re off!
Our last chance to enjoy this year’s title sequence. What’s your favourite bit? For me, it’s a dance-off between Ellie Goldstein’s har-toss, Ross King’s Carry On face and La Voix pushing Aljaž Škorjanec out of shot. We’ll be seeing all but one of these couples again shortly, of course.