Monday Musings: Week 13 - The Final

I came into the final not really minding which of the finalists would life the glitterball, and I left the programme feeling the same way.

I wasn’t sure if the final could top the semi-final last week, and in some ways it didn’t, because we were only treated to one new dance per couple. Yes, we got to enjoy some other routines again, but it’s really only the showdances that we tune in for. And for that reason, I am only going to comment on these.

The showdances actually seem superfluous these days. What was once a chance to let loose and create something outside of the shackles of ballroom and latin, the showdance is now just a ‘greatest hits’ routine, devoid of anything exciting or new. It seems to be there to showcase what each celebrity has learnt, rather than really being an opportunity to convince the public they deserve to win (or not). Now we have Couples’ Choice, it serves the very purpose that the showdance used to. The showdance is completely redundant. It’s a nice full stop on the series, but it’s not exciting.

JB & Lauren were up first with their Motown routine. It totally showcased JB’s ability to get funky. Lovely partner work, but lots showcasing both of them individually too. It was fun and very easy on the eye. It was relaxed and cool.

I am inclined to agree that Tasha is one of the best dancers we have ever had on Strictly. I'd put her up there with the liked of Ashley Roberts, Natalie Gumede and Danny Mac. She is stunning to watch. Her Sing, Sing, Sing showdance with Aljaž was pure Hollywood glamour. She looked perfect. I loved this routine.

Chris & Dianne's routine was 100% a 'greatest hits' routine, more so than the others, but it was still enjoyable. I loved You Get What You Give as a song choice, mainly because of the lyric "One dance left". It was joyful, and showed what Chris has accomplished.

Sarah & Vito's Cabaret routine was probably by least favourite of the four. That doesn't make it bad, it wasn't at all. The lifts were ambitious, and she sold it all the way through. But it was slightly less tidy than the others, and there were a lot more poses. It was a great routine, but more of a performance than a dance. 

Chris & Dianne were very worthy winners, and were definitely the people’s champions, despite being consistently lower than the others on the leaderboard throughout the competition. I ended up voting for them because it is amazing what they have both achieved. 

I cannot wait to see what happens on the Strictly tour in the new year. Without Chris, it will be a head-to-head between the other three celebrities, who are all dancing with their original partners (including Amy apparently). And yes, I know Shayne, Montell, Wynne and Jamie are also on the tour, but surely the tour winners will be one of our final couples. It's going to be interesting. See you at The O2!