Strictly Come Dancing 2021: the Grand Final – as it happened

Right, time to crown a winner and hand over a glitterball. And the winners are...ROSE AND GIOVANNI!

Well, I think that was very much on the cards - an amazing result for Rose, and a brilliant win for Giovanni. Italy are winning everything this year, and it was definitely Giovanni’s time.

But honestly, even without AJ this was one of my favourite Strictly Grand Finals ever. Both couples should be incredibly proud of themselves, and it’s clear to see how much this journey has meant to them. I love this show so much.

Final montage of the night, this time from the general public. We need to wrap this up so Tess can hand that dress back to Champney’s Reception.

Ooh, UK nil points Eurovision song in the montage! Light up the ROOM!

Time for a final dance from the Strictly Class of 2021. Tom’s dancing on a watermelon, and now Nadia’s reminding us that she definitely shouldn’t have been the first celeb to leave. Sara’s in a paper boat, Adam’s descending from the heavens on an Olympic ring, Gorka’s still dressed as a puppy being pursued by Katie. Could they slow this down please? I can’t keep up.

Right, Greg’s got his Samba sleeves on and still can’t dance, Ugo’s got his Moana wig back on, and Dan’s still doing Hammer Time. Rhys is bopping with Nancy, who appears to be wearing lametta legwarmers. All that remains is for Judy to twerk with Graziano, and we’re all done (Tilly’s got Covid, get well soon). WHAT a series.

Christmas Special plug! Bingo full house DRINK!

Montage time! DRINK! This is almost certainly the first of many, because we’ve still got fifteen minutes to fill.

Journey! Drink! All we need is a mention of the Christmas Special and that’s a full house.

Time for a musical interlude, courtesy of Ed Sheeran singing ‘Bad Habits’. Look, I know he’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but he’s pretty A List for Strictly and this song is a certified bop.

Also we’ve managed a whole series without Michael Ball, Alfie Boe or Andre Rieu and his Disney Princess Orchestra, so that’s something to celebrate.

Lovely to see Aljaz and Janette dancing together again, she’s SO bendy.

AJ’s heart is broken, and ours is broken for her. It must be SO hard for her to sit in the audience with Kai and know that she should be part of this. I know it’s only a gameshow, but she missed her final chance to shine. I hope she feels the love in the room.

Just when I thought I might have a chance to dry out, it’s time for a chat with AJ and Kai. HOOK ME UP TO IV FLUIDS.

Scores: 10,10,10,10 - another full house for John and Johannes.

Anton thought it was an explosion of a dance and John is magnificent. Craig definitely had the love, it was the first time he’s seen John come out and go BAM. Motsi is WEEPING (drink), it’s a great time to be on Strictly and that dance was for all of us. Shirley was lost in the expression of the beauty John and Johannes bring, what a way to end tonight’s dancing.

John and Johannes have swapped their blue Rumba pyjamas for white Showdance ones, which somehow makes them look like they’re taking time out from a yoga retreat in Marbella. It’s a pure Showdance medley of everything they’ve brought to Strictly this year, delivered with the kind of panache and energy we’ve come to expect from these two. Confetti cannons everywhere, and I can’t stop smiling. Loved that so much.

Scores: 10,10,10,10 - I mean, it couldn’t possibly be anything else.

Rose has melted Shirley’s heart and she entralled. It was serene, scintillating and will leave a mark on her heart forever. Anton loved watching Rose dance and feels blessed to have been able to witness it. Craig though it was just tremendous, and Motsi feels like an improved person because Rose was on the show.

I’m like Anton, I can’t even look at these two without crying. WHAT a Strictly journey.

Forget the Strictly Gazebo, Rose and Giovanni have a giant Romeo and Juliet balcony festooned with pink flowers.

I’m not really sure what to make of this – Rose and Giovanni’s connection has never given us romance vibes, and I’m really surprised they would go down the sugary sweet route for their Showdance. Don’t get me wrong, it’s gorgeous and balletic and Rose has lovely musicality. I guess I was hoping for a Showdance glitter cannon. But like Rose, it’s heartfelt and beautiful.

Scores: 10,10,10,10 - a full house for John and Johannes. It’s totally even, with only one dance to go! EXCITING.

There’s a lot of love in the Strictly ballroom tonight. Worth noting that in the case of Rose and Gio and John and Johannes, I actually believe the whole ‘friends for life’ thing.

Motsi thought John smashed it - everything about it has improved. Shirley thought everything came together - John nailed it, and he really felt it. Anton thought it was stupendous, then goes full Len Goodman. Craig pretends to be annoyed by John’s little finger, but he actually thought it was brilliant. OH CRAIG.

With all this heavy emotion, what we definitely need right now is a big old filthy pirate Paso. Like the Rumba earlier, you can see how much John’s confidence has grown since Week 3 - he’s giving this both barrels and absolutely smashing it. Just brilliant.

Everyone’s crying, including me. Keep rehydrating, everyone, we’re going to be HUSKS by 9pm.

Scores: 10,10,10,10 - a full house for Rose and Giovanni.

Craig loved how Rose used the floor - it was stunning. Motsi loved Rose’s ability to connect with herself and the audience and Giovanni - she is sensational. Shirley loved how Rose wore her heart on her sleeve, she did it for Strictly, for the country and the world. Okaaay. Anton thought it was just perfect, and he’s welling up. DRINK.

This hasn’t got any less beautiful with the passing of time. Still gives me goosebumps, and I’m so glad Rose and Giovanni have had the chance to dance it again. An incredibly special dance that will go down in Strictly history. Sheer joy from start to finish.

Scores: 9,10,10,10 - another 39 for John an Johannes. Craig is NOT getting that 10 paddle out yet - DRINK.

Anton was delighted with that performance - he’s seen a lot of Rumbas over the years and that was the best he’s ever seen on Strictly. Craig thought it was classy, stylish and really brilliant. Motsi was moved by that and really appreciated it. Shirley thought it was a story and narrative of hope, and she hopes she gets to dance a Rumba with John one day.

This is still a gorgeous and intimate Rumba, and I feel like John is a lot more relaxed this time round. We’ve had two lovely Rumbas this year from John and AJ, but I think this was my favourite. Just gorgeous.

Scores: 9,10,10,10 - 39 for Rose and Giovanni. Have a drink for Craig’s 9.

Shirley though it was Strictly magic - Rose went out and smashed it. Anton thought it was charming and wonderful and her line was immaculate. Craig loved how Rose maintained her frame and the storytelling was superb. Motsi loved the timing and the character, it was a great opening to the evening.

I think this might be my favourite Motsi look ever, she looks incredible. Loving Shirley’s outfit too.

This was such a fun and charming routine back in Week 9, and it still is - a great example of Rose’s brilliant musicality and characterisation. Really enjoyed that, lovely stuff.

Out come the judges! They all look very relieved that this is nearly over, am loving Motsi’s orange dress.

Out come the stars (both of them). Rose’s horrible Frozen dress is BACK.

Time for our final opening pro dance! CGI stars and sparkles all round, to a slightly strangled version of ‘Waiting For A Star To Fall’ by Boy Meets Girl. John and Rose are having a dance on their own starry plinths, which is entirely appropriate as they’re both absolute superstars. I’m already welling up, DRINK.

Last chance to watch these credits! We’ll never have to see the Oti/Ugo nose boop again.

And we’re off! Time for some slo-mo reflection from Rose and John on the Strictly dancefloor. Sending much love to the poor soul who had to hastily re-edit all this since yesterday, give him/her a bonus.

It’s nearly time! Is everyone ready??? I hope you’ve all got plenty of snacks and loved ones. I’m home alone this evening (apart from a Labrador), but I had some cheese on toast earlier. I know how to live.

I’d forgotten what a great quiz The Weakest Link is. Turns out all you need to do is replace Anne Robinson’s snarky meanness with the natural charm of Romesh Ranganathan. WHO KNEW.

The running order for tonight’s show is as follows: both couples will dance three routines back-to-back – the one the judges want to see again, each couple’s favourite dance of the series, and a free-for-all Showdance. I’m not entirely sure whether the Showdance is second or third, but what I can promise is that the filling in this three-tier dance sandwich will be provided by pro dances, recaps, emotional montages, musical interludes and the return of the Strictly Class of 2021.

Put on your most sparkly outfit, stock up on snacks and refreshments, then buckle in for a final spin around the Strictly dancefloor – kick off is 7.10pm, so I’ll see you then!

All of this last-minute drama means there are only two couples dancing tonight, and whilst Rose and Giovanni are odds on favourites to lift the Glitterball, I don’t think we can count John and Johannes out just yet. There’s always a risk that tonight could feel a bit lacklustre with only two couples instead of the expected three (and the usual four), so it’s down to us to give it the support and love the cast and crew deserve.