Tess Daly says tomorrow’s Strictly Come Dancing final is “unmissable” and “unpredictable” – as she gives her verdicts on the last four. Comedian Chris McCausland, Miranda actress Sarah Hadland, Love Island star Tasha Ghouri and JLS singer JB Gill battle it out for the glitter ball trophy.
Frontrunner Chris broke boundaries as the first blind person to appear on the BBC show – and is the hot favourite to win with 1/20 odds. Tess, 55, says it’s been a vintage year as the show marks its 20th anniversary. “It genuinely feels like this final is going to be unmissable as it’s just so unpredictable- none of us can guess who’s going to be lifting that glitter ball trophy it’s literally anyone’s game and it’s all down to the public vote a very fitting way to celebrate our 20th year of Strictly,” she said.
Tess and Claudia look back at the best moments from this series – and share their thoughts on the final four (
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“This series has been full of joy, it’s been emotional at times – but most of all the dancing has been phenomenal! I have really loved getting to know the celebrities and love that they’ve brought their personalities to the dances.”
Impressed by the remaining celebrities and their partners, Tess heaped praise on JB, 38, for his progress and how he dealt with losing Amy Dowden, 34, through injury, who was replaced by Lauren Oakley, 33. “JB – what a sweetheart,” Tess said. “He has taken everything in his stride. He built up all the technique and ground work with Amy and then went on to receive his first perfect 40 with Lauren. After every dance, he comes over with the biggest smile on his face and it’s been wonderful to watch him flourish. He is so able and such a brilliant dancer. I love how he sells every routine and puts his heart into it.”
Next up was Chris, 47, and partner Dianne Buswell, 35, – who have astonished fans with their beautiful routines. “Chris has had us all in stitches, he’s brought tears to our eyes all within about two minutes,” smiles Tess. “I have loved seeing him and Dianne work this whole journey out and they have done that with the biggest smiles. I am in awe at what Dianne has achieved and I have loved watching Chris fall in love with dancing having never done it before from an absolute novice to a brilliant dancer what an achievement.”
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BBC/Guy Levy)
Reality star Tasha Ghouri, 26, has been living out her dream on Strictly – and Tess says her talent and passion has shone through. “Tasha has dreamt of being on the show from when she was a little girl and it’s been so lovely to see her live it out and embrace every single moment and every dance with such style and grace. She is so balletic and so beautiful to watch. So incredibly talented. Goose pimples every single time.”
And lastly, Tess says she’s been captivated by actress Sarah’s journey and skills.
“The dances that Sarah has delivered have been mind blowing – the jumps and lifts have been jaw dropping,” said Tess. “She is so incredibly brave and so fit. I watch her ability with complete awe. I want to hug her after every dance because she’s moved, lifted and inspired me with her ability to embrace the challenges of each dance.”
Co-host Claudia said the cast this year have been “spectacular” – as she calls for the return of one who exited early on in the series. “This feels like it’s been an amazing year for Strictly,” said Claudia. “The cast are simply spectacular. They’ve worked so hard and they do it with real wit and enthusiasm. Our professionals are extraordinary and all four couples are outstanding. All our dancers are back together this Saturday and I can’t wait to see them. I’m going to try and persuade Paul Merson to do it again in 2025. How can we do Strictly without him?”
Picking out some of her favourite moments from the series, Tess said a few standout. “Wynne Evans brought his singing and comedy; Punam brought her culture to her Couple’s Choice and Paul brought so much fun and joy into his routines. The partnerships this year have been so tight, the bond they have formed over their time on Strictly is so unique. The secret behind them I believe is laughter – our couples have had so much fun this year- not only on the floor, but with the Judges too and up in Claud’s area.
Tess went on: “The Judges have been amazing once again this year – highlights include the brilliant costumes on theme weeks who can forget Anton as Rod Stewart on our debut Icons week and Shirley flying in as Mary Poppins for Movie week. I love them all for their uniquely different viewpoints.”
Judges Craig Revel-Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke will be on hand with their experts views (
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PA)Don’t Miss
That laughter was much needed as Strictly put behind it the dramas of the summer following the Giovanni Bernice and Amanda Abbington saga, which saw the pro dancer leave the show after complaints were made about his behaviour.
JB and Lauren have the Judge’s Pick of Viennese Waltz to Let’s Go Fly A Kite from Mary Poppins, Show Dance to a Motown Medley and Couple’s Favourite Dance to Samba to Mas Que Nada by Sergio Mendes.
Chris and Dianne have the Judge’s Pick of their Couple’s Choice to Instant Karma! (We All Shine On) by John Lennon, Show Dance to You Get What You Give by New Radicals and Couple’s Favourite Dance, the Waltz to You’ll Never Walk Alone by Gerry and the Pacemakers
Sarah and Vito’s Judge’s Pick is American Smooth to Proud by Heather Small, Show Dance is Cabaret by Metropole Orkest and Couple’s Favourite Dance is Cha Cha to Like A Prayer by Madonna.
Tasha and Aljaž’s Judge’s Pick is their Couple’s Choice to What About Us by P!nk, Show Dance to Sing, Sing, Sing by Benny Goodman and Couple’s Favourite Dance of American Smooth to Someone You Loved by Lewis Capaldi.
