Strictly closing reside: Chris McCausland strikes choose Motsi Mabuse to tears as celebrities carry out final dances
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The Strictly Come Dancing final is upon us, as four couples are taking to the dancefloor one last time tonight.
Those vying for the glitterball trophy are Chris McCausland and his partner Dianne Buswell, Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola, Tasha Ghouri dancing with Aljaž Škorjanec and JB Gill and his pro partner Lauren Oakley.
McCausland is a firm favourite to win, and if he does take home the glitterball trophy tonight, it will make him the first blind contestant to become a Strictly champion.
The comedian’s first two dances of the night had an emotional impact, as judges Motsi Mabuse and Shirley Ballas were left in tears.
And his third caused even more sobbing. McCausland and Buswell were both in tears at the end of their routine — a performance of their Waltz to “You Never Walk Alone.” Buswell’s parents in the audience were also crying, along with the panel and seemingly everyone in the Clauditorium.
Prior to the live final, McCausland is reported to have faced a last-minute change of plan as his parents couldn’t travel to Hertfordshire to support him due to illness.
His mother Valerie has caught the flu, and will be unable to travel from their home in Liverpool to the Elstree Studios in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, where the live episode will be filmed. McCausland’s father, John, told The Daily Mail that he will be remaining at home to look after her.
Ahead of the final, McCausland’s dance partner Buswell broke down in tears when she was shown a clip of McCausland’s dancing journey on It Takes Two, and she praised him for being “the most honest man I’ve ever met”.
In tonight’s final, the couples are dancing three numbers each: a judge’s pick, a show dance and the couple’s favourite dance from the series.
Class of 2024 reunites
There are just four minutes left to vote (well, less now) and we’re being treated to a performance featuring the whole of the Class of 2024.
If you’d rather grab a prosecco to toast the winner, now is your final chance!
Final chance to cast your vote
The BBC haven’t said when the lines will close, but it is “soon” as Ruth Jones (in character as Nessa) just explained.
And while the final few votes are cast, we’re being treated to a sneak peek at the Christmas episode of Gavin & Stacey which will (genuinely) be the last ever one.
Sarah’s scores are in…
And it’s a 40! Sarah promptly fell to the floor and shrieked after Craig’s 10, which was a truly wonderful reaction.
‘Best final ever’
“This has been the best final ever,” Anton said, as he gave Sarah her feedback. And yet again, I have to agree with him.
He continued: “You’ve blown me away week after week. Thank you, for you. You, I love.”
“One thing you should know, you kicked that routine up the bottom,” Craig said. “Really marvelous.”
Motsi said: “This feels like the most unforgettable final we’ve had, in my six years here. “
Sarah closes the show with a Cha Cha Cha
Oh I loved this dance. Sarah and Vito’s Couples’ Favourite is their Icons Week Cha Cha Cha to Madonna’s “Like A Prayer”, which scored 37 when they first performed it.
And second time around, it’s even more brilliant. Sarah’s confidence has grown so much and it’s been a joy to see. What a phenomenal last dance.
Chris’s scores are in…
And it’s a 40! What a wondereful moment. Cue even more tears.
Chris’s final Waltz leaves everyone in tears
Yep, I’m in tears. That was perfect.
Dianne was in tears as they finished the steps, as was Chris. And Motsi and Shirley. You know what, there’s not a dry tear in the studio, to be honest.
“I’m so glad I’m not the only one crying now,” Motsi joked. “Look at us all. Thank you, thank, thank you so much for that. You said in your VT, you’re a role model for the bllind community. But I think at this point, you’re a role model for us all.”
“You’ll certainly never walk alone,” Shirley said. She then invited Dianne over for a cuddle. “From one teacher to an amazing teacher, congratulations.” Oh, and on the cry count: Dianne’s parents are sobbing too.
I think Craig is the only person who isn’t in tears. Is he made of stone? He had nothing but praise fror Chris though, and he’s even written a Christmas card he’s reading out.
He said: “In a world of darkness, you’ve learned to dance and slay, with every step you’ve found your way.
“You’ve taught the world anything can be done, as long as you don’t stick out your bum.
“A heart that dances pure and free, is worth much more than a 10 from me.’
Tissues at the ready
For their Couple’s Favourite, Chris and Dianne are performing their Waltz to “You’ll Never Walk Alone”.
This is one of my favourite dances of the series and I’m delighted that we’re getting to see it again. The duo scored an admirable 35 when they danced it for the first time in week five and I’m pretty confident they’ll score even higher this time around. And that I will cry. Again.
Tasha’s scores are in…
And she’s finishing Strictly with a very well deserved 40.
JB’s ‘Merry Christmas’
Can I just backtrack to the end of JB’s dance? As he and Lauren spoke to Claudia, JB delivered his classic line from when JLS were on The X Factor.
Yes, he said: “Merry Christmas.” Flawless.
For anyone who is unfamiliar with the meme, here’s the original video:
