Thank You, Strictly!

Ahead of tonight's Strictly Come Dancing final, I wanted to congratulate everyone involved in the series for getting the show on the air, and keeping it as normal as possible given the current circumstances.

To all of the crew who have kept the show going, I thank you. It's been difficult for all of them. There have been fewer people involved this year, which has to put pressure on the rest of the team. Couple that with the fact that they cannot get within two meters of each other, I'm sure it has been a very challenging series. Gallery, props, cameras, sound, visuals, runners, floor managers, this must have been so much more difficult but it came together and everyone should be very proud that it still looked like the same Strictly on screen as far as it could.

To the the social media team, you have kept us entertained during the week. I love the bloopers, but the audio from the mics on the floor is a highlight of my week. I enjoy getting a sneaky peek at the more intimate moments of the performances. Honourable mention to the BBC Three Twitter feed and their HRVY thread (or as he calls it, their HRVY THRD). It just didn't get old!

To all the pros who also formed their summertime bubble to record the pro numbers, and all of the team who bubbled with them, I thank you. The pro numbers have been bigger than ever, and seeing everyone perform together has been a joy each week. It's reminded us of a time past, that will return soon.

Make-up, hair and costume have smashed it out of the park this year. Thank you all for making the on-screen talent look so good. I can't imagine how difficult it has been to get everyone ready with smaller teams. Fitting costumes and assisting quick changes when you can't get very close to the performers might have been so difficult. Well done!

To the on-screen talent that keep the show going, I salute you. The Strictly band and singers, who have sounded as fabulous as ever, with reduced rehearsal time and proximity, performing behind their screens. Any band who can pivot from Un Giorno Per Noi to Enter Sandman deserve props. Craig, Motsi and Shirley (and Anton), who all looked stunning and did their jobs with little energy in the room to feed off. I was a bit skeptical about a team of three, and I hope we can go back to four next year, but they formed a lovely little team. Zoe, Rylan and the ITT team have been brilliant as always. I hope Zoe & Ian can get back into hold next year! And of course, Tess & Claudia. They have been wonderful. We've missed the chaos of the Clauditorium, but the Chaterpillar has been a great alternative. I hope that Tess & Claud will also get back into hold next year! Keeeeeep dancing!

Finally, to all the couples, I thank you for all the sacrifices you made to be a part of the show. Many separated from their families to live alone for the duration of the series and form their bubbles. We all know how hard it has been this year not to see our families and friends, but to have to seperate from members of your own household - partners, parents, children - it must have been really touch. I want them to know that as viewers, we really appreciate what they have done to keep the core element of the show - the partnerships - in tact.

From myself, and all of the 2020 viewers of Strictly Come Dancing,

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!