Strictly Come Dancing 2019: the final – as it happened

Last modified: 09: 24 PM GMT+0

Did Emma, Kelvin or Karim win the great Glitterball trophy? We followed every moment of Strictly’s sparkling Saturday night spectacular

And that’s the end of another Strictly – it’s been great fun, and as always made all the better by the incredible community in the comments. It’s been many years in the making with newcomers joining every year, and it feels like a very special corner of the internet. You are all amazing, and I hugely appreciate your wit and wisdom every week. A massive thank you to everyone.

That’s me done with liveblogging for 2019, but as usual we’ll open a blog on Christmas Day for the Strictly Christmas Special so you can put the comment box to good use. In the meantime you can find me on Twitter @heidistephens if you’d like to swing by and say hello (or goodbye).

Have a wonderful Christmas and a happy 2020 – see you next September for another spin around the Strictly dancefloor. Keeeeeep dancing!

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The series plays out to ‘We Are Family’ with Kelvin on Graziano’s shoulders, which is a workout he may regret later.

Everyone’s crying, there’s flooding in Elstree. Aside from Kelvin am delighted for Oti, a glitterball win has been a long time coming.

Oh thank goodness it’s time for the results. So much tension.

And the winners of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing are…KELVIN AND OTI.

Well, I don’t think that’s a huge surprise, and on the night they were my favourite. But all tonight’s performances were pretty special, my favourite final in years.

Time for a final word from our judges, featuring a montage (drink). FOR THE LOVE OF DANCE JUST CROWN A WINNER.

Love Claudia to Dev: ‘You left too soon and we’re still grumpy about it’. YES WE ARE.

Christmas Special plug – DRINK.

Time for a final dance from our Strictly stars – James Cracknell literally stands there with an arm out, human canoe 4eva. Nice to see Dev back, and Johannes and Catherine were good times. Great to see Will back on the dancefloor, with everyone dancing round him holding table tennis bats. Out comes Michelle for some final vogueing, and Saffron is giving it all the hair. Chris and Karen do a final bit of Uptown Funk, and that was all rather joyful. What a fab line-up this year, I’ve really enjoyed this series.

If this montage goes on much longer we’ll be seeing in the New Year.

The voting is closed! Time for a montage from all this year’s competitors, including the ones we’ve all forgotten about. DRINK.

Time for a musical interlude, courtesy of megastar pop royalty Taylor Swift. She’s singing ‘Lover’ from her number one album, wearing one of Tess’s bacofoil cast-offs.

It’s a Christmas song, but it’s really quiet. Maybe that’s how Tay likes her Christmas. On the upside, no out-of-time audience clapping. I like to think Taylor demanded it in the contract.

Dance-wise, it’s Aljaz and Janette looking dreamy, accompanied by AJ and Dianne and Graziano and Luba. Graziano’s trousers are unfeasibly tight.

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The dancing is over but there are still 40 minutes to go, so it’s time to wheel out the filler. First up, the general public and a recap of their favourite bits. DRINK.

Also spot the famouses, just spotted the lovely Marian Keyes saying nice things about Motsi, and Mel Giedroyc loved Michelle’s Blackpool Vogue.

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Recap! DRINK.

Scores: 9,10,10,10 – a total of 39 for Kelvin and Oti. But none of this matters, because the judges’ scores mean NOTHING this evening.

Shirley is speechless, there are no bits of Kelvin’s body that don’t move. Bruno thought Kelvin’s bum and hips were mesmerising, it was the crowning glory of a great night. Craig had a small problem with the bounce, but it was a brave choice to dance a Rumba and a Samba in the final and Kelvin smashed it. Motsi points out that this series has been death by Samba, but Kelvin put his heart on the dancefloor.

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Kelvin got 8s for this in Week One, and it’s clear to see how much he’s improved in the details. I think this was the only Samba this season that wasn’t a one-way ticket to the exit – still not as good as Danny and Oti’s Samba from a few years ago, but not far off.

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And finally tonight (and for this series, blub) It’s KELVIN AND OTI! Their favourite dance is their Samba from from Week One, to ‘La Vida Es Un Carnival’. This scored a casual 32 points from the judges and gave us that classic shot of poor Jamie Laing in the audience doing some Oscar-winning fake joy.

Emma’s parents in the audience! DRINK.

Scores: 9,10,10,10 – a total of 39. Craig is NOT getting his ten out for Anton.

Motsi thought it was beautiful and Shirley agrees – soft, slow, quiet and stunning. Bruno loved the storytelling, and the dancing was stylish and elegant. Craig thought Emma missed a couple of heels on her pivot turns, but otherwise beyond class.

I loved Emma’s dress in this dance, and it really was a beautiful Viennese Waltz. Danced beautifully once again, but maybe a bit low tempo for a final dance.

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Really glad I didn’t put crying in the bingo. We’d all be face down by now.

Next it’s ANTON AND EMMA! Their favourite dance is their Week Four Viennese Waltz to ‘Send In the Clowns’ by Barbra Streisand. I remember this being quite dreamy, and danced in the same week that Michelle wore that dress that looked like rainbow testicles and Dev went home. Still not over it, they should both be here this evening.

Scores: tens all round, obviously. I’ve run out of drink.

Craig thought Karim reminded him of himself, and gets all giddy. Motsi thought there was nothing they could do to make that better, and Shirley was inspired by how much joy and talent Karim has brought to the show, he’s an inspiration. Bruno still thinks it’s the best Strictly Jive ever, and as good as anything the pro dancers could deliver.

This really was an incredible Jive, undoubtedly the best of the series and my favourite dance from Karim and Amy. I like it better without the superfluous backing dancers too. Fabulous stuff.

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First up it’s KARIM AND AMY! Their favourite dance is their Musicals Week Jive to ‘You Can’t Stop The Beat’ from Hairspray. This got the first 40 of the series, how could they not dance it again?

Mum and sister in the VT! DRINK.

Time for the final dance of the show – where our couples get to choose their favourite dance of the series. They are all EXCELLENT choices, in my humble opinion.

Boyfriend and daughter are making pizza in the kitchen and it smells incredible. Hurry up, I’m starving*

*I’m not starving, ate a load of cheese about half an hour ago.

Time for a recap! DRINK.

Scores: 10,10,10,10 – a full house for Kelvin and Oti. DRINK. Also Kelvin’s wife and dad, DRINK.

Bruno’s world was rocked, shaken and stirred – it was 13 weeks condensed into one dance. Craig loved every single moment, and Motsi has no words (but she has a few tears). Shirley thought they pushed the limits and it had everything.

This whole dance is a montage, so DRINK. Kelvin’s got his guns out in a pink shirt - it’s got a bit of everything going on, and Kelvin is giving it both barrels, plus bonus flying press-ups. The ‘best of’ format makes it feel a bit all over the place, but it’s a masterclass in changing tempo and that final lift was incredible. One of my favourite Strictly partnerships ever.

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Finally it’s KELVIN AND OTI! Their Showdance is to ‘Shout’ by The Isley Brothers – the original version of the Lulu banger. This is perfect for the kind of high-tempo dance Kelvin and Oti are great at, am very much looking forward to this.

Scores: 8,10,10,10 – a total of 38 for Emma and Anton.

Shirley loved the immaculate choreography and she totally enjoyed it. Bruno loved the classic Hollywood style, and they got it right. Craig thought there was some hesitation at the beginning, but he loved the dance. Motsi thought there were some nerves, but it was classy and glamorous.

This has a lovely classic Hollywood feel, and all the glitz and glitter you’d expect from Emma and Anton. Nice cane work in the middle, but feels a bit stiff in places and a few timing issues. They definitely put the show into showdance, so good work.

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Next up it’s EMMA AND ANTON!. Their Showdance is to ‘Let Yourself Go’ by Irving Berlin. I listened to this earlier as I’d never heard of it – safe to say it’s the essence of 1930s jazz hands, so right up Emma’s street.

Scores: 9,10,10,10 – a total of 39 for Karim and Amy.

Motsi thought it was the perfect dance for Karim, she felt it to the core of her heart. Shirley thought it was moving and had a wonderful sense of expression and freedom. Bruno thought it was honest and true, and Craig loved the marriage of theatre, storytelling and emotion despite the loss of sync at one point.

Oh Tess, stop it. He’s not a puppy, and this whole ‘you’re crying on both cheeks!’ thing is incredible patronising. I love you, but no.

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It’s barefoot contempo-waft along the lines of their couples’ choice, which is very much Karim’s thing. It’s beautiful and uplifting, but if I’m honest I’d have preferred to see what Karim has learned on Strictly, rather than from his time at Sylvia Young. But maybe that’s just me, I definitely don’t want to take away from the fact that Karim is an incredible dance talent and he’s been a pleasure to watch.

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First up it’s KARIM AND AMY! Their Showdance is to the Pink version of ‘A Million Dreams’ from The Greatest Showman. This is a gorgeous song, and I have every confidence that Karim will give us something pretty special.

It’s Showdance time! Essentially this dance is anything goes – any genre, as many tricks and lifts as you like, just show us what you’ve learned over the past twelve weeks. History tells us that they are occasionally amazing and often baffling.

The voting is open! Personally I’m going to wait until after the Showdance, but you crack on.

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Karim and Amy are at the top of the irrelevant leaderboard, and the Ts&Cs are being read by someone called Tom Allen. The daughter tells me he’s a comedian who does Bake Off Extra Slice, which I’ve never watched. He’s funny, I like him.

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Scores: 9,10,10,10 – a total of 39 for Kelvin and Oti.

Craig is rather hot under the collar – he thought it was absolutely tremendous. Motsi loved the way Kelvin moved his body, and she’s very glad she saw the dance twice because the first time was a bit much. Shirley thought Kelvin was ‘oily’ and fabulous. Bruno has reached his melting point – it was sensual and romantic and the chemistry was sizzling.

This rumba is absolute filth and I’m very much here for it. Lovely movement and hip action from Kelvin, and Oti is just mesmerising. Gorgeous.

Finally for this round it’s KELVIN AND OTI! Their Judges’ Pick is their Week Four Rumba to ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’, which scored 36 from the judges. Not going to lie, I’ve watched this quite a few times since week four, but very happy to see them do it again. Bet Kelvin has lubed up his hips this afternoon; those cod liver oil contracts are lining up.

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Scores: 9,10,10,10 – a total of 39 for Emma and Anton. Nothing matters any more, it’s all madness.

Bruno thought Emma absolutely sold it, and Craig thought it was fantastic despite the syncing issues. Motsi loved the energy, and Emma’s eyes were sparkling more than Motsi’s outfit. Shirley thought Emma didn’t disappoint, and the dance was fabulous.

So this had lots of superfluous backing dancers two weeks ago, which means Anton might have to do the lifts himself. Quite a few timing issues in this, and all but one of the lifts are gone. But still enjoyed that very much.

Next up it’s EMMA AND ANTON! Their Judges’ Pick is the Charleston to ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’ from Musicals Week. This also scored 39 points from the judges two weeks ago, Again really not sure what Emma and Anton could do to improve it, other than maybe Anton being better at the Charleston.

Scores: 10,10,10,10. Drink everything in sight.

Shirley thought it was incredible and Karim is a star. Bruno thought it was pure ballroom bliss, with great musicality. Craig couldn’t see any gapping (just me then) and Motsi thought it was electrifying.

Very much enjoying Motsi and Shirley’s Swan Lake outfits. Motsi is the swan, Shirley is the lake.

This really was a very good Quickstep, but there is still some gapping and a couple of minor timing issues. Karim is so much happier out of hold; the minute he lets go of Amy he’s a new man. Still a cracking Quickstep, mind.

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Let the dancing begin! First up tonight it’s KARIM AND AMY! Their Judges’ Pick is their Week Seven Quickstep to ‘Mr Pinstripe Suit’ by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. This scored 39 despite the somewhat alarming colour scheme; Craig wants them to get rid of the gapping so they can get a perfect score.

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TESS AND CLAUDIA DRESS WATCH (GRAND FINAL SPECIAL EDITION): Tess in her final bacofoil frock of the year, Claudia in black trousers and a white shirt that I think is from Zara. They both look fabulous, I’m so happy.

Time for an opening pro dance! Giovanni is in a box, looking like Sergey the Russian entry from Eurovision. Niche reference, never mind. Karim, Emma and Kelvin are all standing on plinths, having a freestyle boogie. This definitely has an end-of-term party feel about it.

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And we’re off! Let’s get this Grand Final underway. We start with our couples standing in the Strictly studio, watching their first interviews and their journey to the final. Pretty sure this counts as a montage. DRINK.

Ran my usual unscientific poll on Twitter this week, the people are pretty confident that Kelvin and Oti are going to win this. I’d like to think the Showdance will make a difference, but Stacy didn’t have a great final last year and still won.

Time for my annual poll...who's going to win @bbcstrictly? #scd #Strictly (please RT)

— Heidi Stephens (@heidistephens) December 9, 2019

The daughter is keeping me company this evening – she’s still feeling a bit rubbish after her tonsil op on Monday, but very much on the mend.

Also don’t forget this week’s FINAL Strictly Come Bingo – have a slug of something festive for any occurrence of the following:

  • Plugs for the Christmas Special
  • Recaps and montages
  • Relatives being proud
  • Four tens
  • Anton announcing his departure from the show just before voting opens, winning the glitterball off the back of a swansong vote, then coming back next year like a sequinned Nigel Farage.

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It's the Strictly Grand Final!

Evening all, and a very warm and glitter-fuelled welcome to the 2019 Strictly Come Dancing Grand Final liveblog! We’ve been here every weekend for three months, and all that remains is to crown our winning couple from Karim and Amy, Kelvin and Oti and Emma and Anton. My money’s on Kelvin and Oti, but this series has been full of surprises so I’m not counting my sequinned chickens just yet.

The plan for tonight’s show is as follows: all three couples will dance three routines back-to-back – the one the judges want to see again, a do-what-you-like Showdance, and then finally each couple’s favourite dance of the series. It’s a two hour non-stop glitter cannon of a show, heavily padded with pro dances, montages, recaps and musical interludes, so buckle your dancing shoes for a final spin around the Strictly dancefloor. This has been a difficult week for many, so let’s envelop ourselves in warm hug of Strictly sparkle and joy.

Kick off is at 7.05pm – see you then!

Contributor

Heidi Stephens

The GuardianTramp

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