Strictly Come Dancing final: 5 talking points, from Stacey Dooley's win to the return of Danny John Jules
Out of four finalists, it was Dooley and her partner Kevin Clifton that came out on top, despite Craig Revel Horwood's refusal to give her a ten for her showdance
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Your support makes all the difference.So there we have it, Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton are your Strictly champions for 2018! They were bottom of the judges’ leaderboard, but the audience didn’t care. On this show, if you don’t have a journey you’ve got no chance of glitterball glory. Here’s what happened:
Kevin turned into Brendan Cole
The stakes were high for Grimsby’s finest Kevin Clifton. This was his fifth Strictly final and he was fed up of coming a close second. So perhaps that’s why he got so stroppy with Craig when he refused to give them a ten and poured scorn on Kev’s showdance choreography. ‘He does this to me in every final!’ moaned Kevin as Craig dismissed his masterpiece as ‘lots of running around’. Ouch.
The showdances!
The highlight of any Strictly final, amid all of the strung-out VTs and voting reminders, it’s the showdances we tune in to see. Faye’s was by far the best – an old school Hollywood number with glamorous, cinematic choreography. It oozed showbiz and Faye sparkled.
Joe’s attempt to be a rock and roller wasn’t quite as successful (although his trampolining was good) and Ashley’s contemporary routine was technically amazing but hardly a crowd pleaser. Stacey’s energetic jive-based number was full of commitment but it split the judges. Clearly it was enough to make people vote though.
Great dancing won’t win the glitterball
Ashley faced the dance-off for three weeks in a row and did her best to ignore a huge backlash about her dance background. Tonight, both she and Faye produced clean show-stopping performances, scoring a perfect 120 out of 120. But it wasn’t enough. Alas, it’s not just about the dancing ladies, but you did yourselves proud.
Look who’s back!
Let’s face it, Strictly is on telly for a long, long time every year. So it’s easy to forget who graced that dance floor until they reunite for a special nostalgic routine in the final. It was great to see Danny John Jules put his ‘show must go on’ smile on after boycotting It Takes Two when he got eliminated. And nobody batted an eyelid when erstwhile national villain Sean(n) Walsh recreated his Matrix number. Dr Ranj was great fun, Susannah brought back her ridiculous props and it was great fun to get the gang back together.
Naughty Brrrruno
Yet again Brrrruno said a naughty word on telly as he tried to talk about Stacey’s ‘Greatest Hits’. To be fair, it’s quite a minor slip-up for Mr Tonioli, he’s said a lot worse. The judges were falling over themselves to praise the contestants tonight, although for once Bruno didn’t actually fall off his chair.
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Next up it's Stacey and Kevin, surely the favourites to lift the glitterball tonight unless Joe's loyal army of fans cause an upset. This Sixties-themed Foxtrot was a revelation on the night, it's bound to go down a storm once again.
Any excuse to mention Grimsby again, eh Kev? Stacey has had the classic Strictly journey and her frame has definitely improved as the weeks have gone by. This is such a fun routine and it's a clean performance tonight. Not as impressive as Ashley, but charming and full of personality.
Brrrrruno says he always knew Stacey would be a contender and she's proved him right, while Craig says the routine was gorgeous. Darcey loves the elegance and Shirley is very impressed with the musicality. Nice work, Stace.
Stacey and Kevin: Judges' pick Foxtrot scores
Craig: 9
Darcey: 10
Shirley: 10
Bruno: 10
Total: 39
Kevin's so proud of Stacey. As if we didn't know already.
39 is six points more than the first time they performed that dance.
It's a JOURNEY guys. In case you hadn't realised.
Time for Faye and Giovanni! Obviously gutted not to see Gio in his green felt hat again, the judges have opted to see the Viennese Waltz instead. This was a beautifully choreographed number, a great choice. Faye was so excited to be invited onto the show, she's a superfan, so expect her to go out with a bang tonight.
This was pretty spectacular even in week two, such a twist on the classic Viennese Waltz. You can see how Faye has grown in confidence, this is such an assured performance and the frame is beautiful too. Extra points for proper characterisation married with effortless technique. Bellisimo!
'I rather enjoyed that,' says Craig - trust me, that's a huge compliment from him. Darcey calls Faye the best ballroom dancer in the competition and is getting very excited about a fleckerl (just like Len used to...). Shirley takes a swipe at Craig, reading back his comments from the first time they performed the Viennese Waltz. Love the sass!
Faye and Giovanni: Judges' pick Viennese Waltz scores
Craig: 10
Darcey: 10
Shirley: 10
Bruno: 10
Total: 40
Gio thanks Faye for working so hard and she can't stop smiling. Strong work, guys!
Here's the last couple in contention - Joe and Dianne performing their paso. Tess points out that Craig has never given Joe any more than an 8, which sums it up. Joe isn't a master of technique, but he has certainly charmed the nation and there have been some lovely performances. Win or lose tonight, he has a huge career in mainstream telly ahead of him.
The paso was quite a tough dance to give Joe, he often struggles to bring the attack needed in these kinds of dances and to inhabit that character. He's definitely going for it, the arms are strong and those are some intense facials. Still can't deal with that knee slide, it looks like a small boy at a wedding. I'd have loved to see slightly more pronounced Spanish lines, but this is very entertaining.
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