Key events
Show key events only
Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature
Karen and Carlos’ Argentine tango
After a masterclass from Motsi “Twinkle Winkle” Mabuse, former footballer Karen Carney and partner-in-crime Carlos Gu reprise their Peaky Blinders routine from the Halloween special in week six. It not only scored their first 10s but was a turning point for Kaz, who says she was stuck, not progressing and had lost confidence. Dancing to the theme from her favourite TV show and performing an ode to Birmingham made her determined not to let her home city down and shook her out of her rut. She apparently nicked the flat cap afterwards, in true Peaky style, and had to return it to costume designer Vicky Gill ahead of this final. Awkward. A semi-fight scene to start, then into sure-footed, expressive storytelling, full of intensity and focus. Close contact, fast flicky kicks and fast pivots. Challenging choreography and her first lifts. A role reversal mid-routine sees Kaz take the lead. It scored 38 points first time around and now she has even better technique. Sharp as Cillian murphy’s cheekbones and mesmerising. Stayed in character with a tie-adjustment at the end. Superb.
Song: Red Right Hand by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds. The 1994 gothic blues classic has been covered by, among others, PJ Harvey, Arctic Monkeys, Iggy Pop, Jarvis Cocker and even Snoop Dogg. Fo’ shizzle.
Karen Carney and Carlos Gu. Photograph: Guy Levy/BBC/PAShare
Does Craig not get to do a masterclass? Shame. I suppose he would have got the nod for a Charleston.
Judges’ scores: 9, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 39 points. Same as Amber. Don’t go changing, Craig.
Judges’ comments: Anton says “I am a great teacher, you are magnificent, swept around, impressive fleckerl, completely loved it”. Craig says “a bit skippy at the beginning but it had better flow, swing and sway, you’ve turned into quite the ballroom dancer”. Motsi says “you re Mr Ballroom dance with ease, natural movement and strong connection”. Shirley concludes “flew flat, kept your frame, rentfree in my head for a thousand years, marvellous”. Steady on, our Shirl. Nines and 10s?
ShareGeorge and Alexis’ Viennese waltz
The judges’ pick for content creator™ George Clarke and pro partner Alexis Warr is tonight’s most traditional ballroom number. Naturally, they get a masterclass from Anton du Beak Of Tonyshire. It’s from week seven, the midway mark of the contest and scored 34 points. George has said it was the first time he really lived the dance and was a breakthrough moment in his self-belief. Head judge Shirley Ballas praised George’s footwork but Craig Revel Horwood wanted less rise and fall, which they’ve tried to improve with more drive through the floor and wider side-steps. Geroge is in a traditional tail suit. A stumble early on which might lose him points, then into hold. Proper footwork, full of breath and flow as they twirl around the floor. Performing with the whole body and conveying the emotion. Romantic and magical but took a while to get back on time after that early whoopsie. Lovely spinning finish.
Song: Somebody to Love by Queen. The 1976 gospel rock hit was heavily influenced by Aretha Franklin. Vocal-layering techniques meant the band were able to create the soulful sound of a 100-voice choir from just three singers: frontman Freddie Mercury, guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor.
“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.