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Strictly Come Dancing 2018 final, live: Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton crowned champions despite finishing bottom of scoreboard

The winners: Stacey Dooley with her pro partner Kevin Clifton - WARNING: Use of this copyright image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' Digital Picture
The winners: Stacey Dooley with her pro partner Kevin Clifton - WARNING: Use of this copyright image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' Digital Picture

Stacey Dooley lifted the glitterball trophy despite a shaky showdance. Here are all the talking points and social media reaction from the grand final... 

Stacey Dooley faltered but was a worthy winner

Documentary-maker Stacey Dooley went into this final as bookies' favourite and the one to beat - but almost contrived to let the glitterball trophy slip through her fingers. 

Her Sixties foxtrot and "Paso Dooley" were both solid, scoring a near-perfect 39 points apiece. She never will get that perfect 10 from panto villain judge Craig Revel Horwood. In between, though, came a showdance that was as close to a dance dis-ah-ster as this final got.

Packed with props, moving sets and dance styles, it featured far too much running around and not nearly enough hoofing, leaving Stacey bottom of the judges' scoreboard. Luckily that didn't matter because the Luton-born 31-year-old  was the people's champion and won the viewer vote.  

Surprise package Stace, to coin a reality contest cliché, is what Strictly is all about. With no performance background, she was an enthusiastic novice who worked hard, discovered a love of dance, formed an endearing partnership with pro Kevin Clifton and become an accomplished hoofer, albeit one who still had footwork deficiencies and control issues. She delivered technically flawed but emotional, entertaining routines, while charming us all with her authentic warmth and natural wit. 

She's the first female to win Strictly for four years and the glitterball trophy becomes her second major accolade of 2018, after she was awarded an MBE for services to broadcasting. The BBC have big plans for Dooley now that she's raised her profile and proved her popularity. The public had fallen in love with her - Dooley, madly, deeply.

Stacey and Kevin's foxtrot
Stacey and Kevin's foxtrot

Kevin Clifton bagged glitterball at fifth time of asking

King Kev from Grimsby is the bridesmaid no more. Stacey Dooley's professional partner Kevin Clifton has finished runner-up four times - with Frankie Bridge, Louise Redknapp, Kellie Bright and Susanna Reid - but at last went one better.

As the only home-grown pro here and a popular one to boot, pundits assumed Kevin would only help Stacey's cause. However, he almost proved her undoing by choreographing a chaotic showdance which was markedly inferior to the other three. He compounded the problem by reacting poorly to the judges' scores, appearing particularly bitter about Craig Revel Horwood giving them an eight, 

Thankfully, loyal viewers came through for the couple. By the time the result was announced, Kevin was back to being humble and likeable again. His ex-wife and fellow Strictly pro Karen Clifton was first onto the dancefloor to congratulate him, which made for a sweet moment before Kevin was hoisted shoulder high.

His glitterball trophy can now sit on the family mantelpiece alongside the one his sister Joanne Clifton won two years ago with Ore Oduba. Yes, they'll be dancing in the streets of Lincolnshire tonight. 

Kevin and Stacey's showdance
Kevin and Stacey's showdance

Joe Sugg won hearts if not the title

Last man standing Joe Sugg was Stacey Dooley's nearest rival in the pre-match betting. We'd predict he ran her closest in the viewer vote tonight too after finishing his Strictly journey™ strongly. 

His paso doble was fiery to match his newly red dyed hair, his Charleston was cheeky and his rocky showdance was cleverly choreographed by partner Dianne Buswell to be fast, full-on and loads of celebratory, exuberant fun. Joe duly registered his highest scores of the series, woth two 39s and a 38. 

The first vlogger to take part in Strictly was initially seen as a cynical BBC signing to pull in younger viewers. However, the 27-year-old has trained admirably hard, improved steadily and blossomed into a ballroom star. He's gone from a nervous novice who  "couldn't walk in a straight line" and resembled "Bambi on ice" to a worthy finalist.

Many thought his huge online fanbase might mobilise to vote and propel him to victory but we didn't quite get our second male winner called Joe in a row. However, Joe the gent has won many new friends over the past three months. Expect to see a lot more of Sugg on mainstream TV. 

Joe and Dianne's paso doble
Joe and Dianne's paso doble

Faye Tozer danced like a champion but lacked backers

One couldn't help feeling rather sorry for former Steps singer and a Strictly superfan Faye Tozer. She didn't drop a point in this final, scoring three perfect 40s, and barely missed a beat or step during the whole series. Ultimately, though, she simply wasn't popular enough to win. 

Seen as a bit of ringer due to her dance training and stage musical experience, elegant if slightly dull Faye largely escaped the harsh criticism that Ashley Roberts has endured. She’s been a model of consistency, hailed as the best ballroom dancer in the contest and been a fixture near the top of the leaderboard. Her top-hatted, jazzhand-waving Broadway showdance was one of the highlights of the night. 

However, her prior experience came back to haunt her when it came to the public vote. Head judge Shirley Ballas might have "fallen in love with her feet" but viewers admired Faye rather than rooted for her.

This was the third time that her pro partner Giovanni Pernice has finished runner-up in four years, having previously done so with Georgia May Foote and Debbie McGee (who was robbed). The Italian stallion is in danger of becoming the new Kevin Clifton

Faye and Giovanni's Viennese waltz
Faye and Giovanni's Viennese waltz

Returning contestants made for glorious group routine

The Strictly class reunion is always a highlight of the final, as the eliminated celebrities return to the ballroom for one last hurrah. So it proved here, with a crowd-pleasing number that was one of the best in years.

Present and correct were Matrix mover Sean(n) Walsh and jiving Danny John-Jules, who both had scandal-hit stints and were rumoured at various points last week to not be returning. 

It was a joy to see the likes of Dr Ranj Singh strutting his stuff in his white medical coat, Graeme Swann reunited with Oti Mabuse, more hankie-ography from Charles Venn and Jessica Rabbit moves from newsreader Kate Silverton

This was a joyous reminder of the greatest hits of this series, with a grand glittery finish. Huge, heart-warming fun. 

Ashley Roberts rounded off tricky series in style

Former Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts has had a rollercoaster contest, topping the leaderboard seven times in 12 weeks, while also being demonised as a ringer and appearing in the dreaded dance-off three times.

Having lost public support, the Arizona-born 37-year-old came into this final as the rank outsider yet it seemed to lift the pressure off her shoulders and liberate her. Her Dirty Dancing salsa was superb. Her showdance was bold, balletic and emotional. She won further favour by choosing her fancy-dressed Trolls Charleston as her couple's favourite, demonstrating that she didn't take herself too seriously. 

Resilient, accomplished Ashley duly scored a perfect 40 points for all three routines, was gushingly praised by the judges and seemed to enjoy herself enormously.

She might not have won like former bandmate Nicole Scherzinger on US version Dancing with the Stars but Ashley certainly brought a few naysayers back around by the end. 

Ashley and Pasha's showdance
Ashley and Pasha's showdance

Bruno's faux-pas marred fine night for judges

Oh, Bruno Tonioli. The flamboyant Italian judge, with his flailing arms and tendency to fall of his chair, is always the most unpredictable of the judging panel but he excelled himself during this final. 

It was merely a slip of the tongue but when Bruno told Stacey Dooley that her showdance was "a medley of your biggest tits, I mean hits", it reduced the studio audience to hysterics. Bruno never quite recovered, hiding his embarrassment by giving "10" to every dance. 

Elsewhere on the panel, head judge Shirley Ballas proved a point by quoting one of Craig Revel Horwood's critiques from earlier in the series back at him. Craig himself was on fine form, opting for self-deprecating humour rather than his usual panto villainy - although he still pointedly refused to give either Joe Sugg or Stacey Dooley a "10".

Dame Darcey Bussell amused viewers with possibly the poshest pronunciation of "Minions" the world has ever heard. A colourful evening to cap the paddle-raising quartet's series.

Michael Bublé was right booking, wrong song

Canadian crooner Michael Bublé was a smart  musical guest for the grand final, being both Mr Christmas and a crowd-pleasing showtunes merchant.

However, the artist informally known as Mickey Bubbles baffled some viewers by having his finger to his earpiece for much of his number (sound problems?) and declining to sing a Christmas song (contractual insistence?).

Perhaps Strictly is saving all its festive frolics for the Christmas special. Talking of which...

Strictly in your Christmas stocking

This hugely entertaining and emotional finale left us with a bittersweet feeling, since our Saturday nights will now be Strictly-free for another nine months. 

Don't suffer sequin withdrawal symptoms just yet, though. There's a mere 10 days to wait for the festive special, airing at 5.30pm on Christmas Day.

It sees six Strictly alumni return to the ballroom:  Anita Rani,Caroline FlackAston MerrygoldJake WoodMichael Vaughan and, as the fairy on top of this twinkle-toed tree, Ann Widdecombe.

See you back here to discuss whether it's a cracker or a turkey. In the meantime, Merry Christmas and, of course, keeeeep dancing!

 

10:43PM

Grand final in full  

Here's your routine-by-routine Strictly 2018 final recap...

8:59PM

Credits roll  

Phew. That concludes 150 minutes of high scores and hot dance action. As the credits roll, please stay with us for reaction and analysis. 

8:59PM

Stace and Kev's victory dance

Confetti falls. Tearful speeches complete. Group hugs on the dancefloor as "Simply The Best" by Tina Turner plays. Kevin and Stacey are hoisted shoulder high with the glitterball trophy. Aww.

8:54PM

Stacey Dooley is Strictly 2018 champion  

Stacey and her pro partner Kevin Clifton are crowned the 16th Strictly Come Dancing winners. 

8:52PM

Drum roll. It's results time

The couples gather under the dancing spotlight of tension to find out who will be lifting that glitterball trophy. Long dramatic pauses... And the winner is...

8:50PM

Eliminated contestants on the Clauditorium

Emotional reunion on the balcony. Dr Ranj says he's a good dancer after a few drinks. Charles Venn is sweetly emotional.

Lauren Steadman says it's been more relaxing without AJ Pritchard working her hard and Graeme Swann is glad to be free of Oti Mabuse's shouting. Katie Piper gets complimented on her great hair. 

8:47PM

Class of 2018's school reunion  

Always a highlight of the final now, as the 11 eliminated contestants return to the ballroom for one last group number. Present and correct are Sean(n) Walsh and Danny John-Jules, who both had scandal-hit stints and were rumoured earlier this week to be not returning.

It's good to see the likes ofDr Ranj Singh (in white coat) and Graeme Swann back strutting their stuff. Susannah Constantine (in huge skirt) and Katie Piper (mainly sitting down) haven't improved much. 

Lee Ryan gives it some Elvis. Danny does a cracking jive solo with big smiles. Hankie-ography from Charles Venn, Matrix moves from Seann and Katya. Jessica Rabbit section from Kate Silverton

A greatest hits of the series with a glittery finish. Great fun. 

8:39PM

Voting has now closed

Somewhere in the bowels of the BBC, the Strictly winner has been decided. 

8:38PM

Musical interlude from Mickey Bubbles

Musical guest Michael Bublé performs "Such A Night" now. The Canadian crooner is Mr Christmas and this is a suitably swinging big band number for the final. Husband-and-wife pros Alijaz Skorjanec and Janette Manrara provide hot-footed choreographic accompaniment. 

8:32PM

A record number of perfect 10s

There were 39 maximums out of a possible 48 this evening. Blimey. 

8:28PM

Final leaderboard now complete

Ashley Robertsand Faye Tozer joint top, Joe Sugg in third and Stacey Dooley at the bottom. But those scores are only a guide and it's all about the viewer vote.

Has Stacey's shaky showdance lost the glitterball for her? Have Joe's charming trio of dances sneaked it? Or could Faye even have stolen in at the last? Less than half an hour until we find out...

8:22PM

Joe and Dianne's Charleston  

The couple's favourite is their Charleston from way back in week two. A roof-thatching theme in tribute to his former profession. Fun, fast, full of tricks and musicality. Ladders, straw in their mouths and it's a high-energy hoedown. Handling their props with aplomb but needs a little more bounce in the feet and knees. It scored 31 points last time and should go five better, if not nine. 

Music: "Cotton-Eyed Joe" by Rednex

Judges’ verdict: Darcey says "you're the biggest surprise of the series, you've put the work in and it's paid off, you've got stronger and stronger", Shirley says "you're what this show's all about, you're a gentlemen and you're kind, work ethic second to none, you're a superstar". Bruno says "the last man stunning, bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, full of energy, the perfect high to close." Craig concludes "the swivel on your left foot was a little bit slow but I don't care". 

Judges' scores: 9 (boo), 9, 10, 10 for a total of 38 points. Third on the final scoreboard. 

8:14PM

Faye and Giovanni's Couple's Choice  

The couple's favourite is their Couple's Choice in the Theatre/Jazz style from Halloween Week. Stylised, quirky and a Bob Fosse-style feast of monochrome styling, silhouettes, mirroring and sharp details. Controlled lifts, sunglasses, floor work and slow swagger. It got 39 points last time and might just have gone one better. 

Music: "Fever" by Peggy Lee

Judges’ verdict: Craig says "love, love, love". Darcey says "one of my favourites of the series and it just got better". Shirley says "you have blossomed, bloomed and grown, you are outstanding". Bruno concludes "a-may-zing". I think another four tens might be en route. 

Judges' scores: 10, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 40 points. Joint top with Ashley and neither have dropped a point. 

8:06PM

Stacey and Kevin's paso doble  

The couple's favourite is their "paso Dooley" from three weeks ago. Kill Bill soundtrack song, black outfits and bags of drama. Fan-ography, swishy skirt and imperious mood. Passionate, powerfully executed, changes of pace. Love that bit where Stacey "gives him the hand". Flamenco claps. Bravo. By far her best routine of the night. Studio audience going mad for it. Her proud mum Di's on her feet. 

Music: "Malaguena" by Brian Setzer

Judges’ verdict: Bruno says "even more power, passion and sass, sultry Stacey, everything I like". Craig says "driven, love the release and slow walk". Darcey says "for a tiny thing, you can be very fierce, Latin attitude, love you in this character". Shirley concludes "Kevin you've done an amazing job with this young lady, you've brought so much joy to so many people and I applaud you both". 

Judges' scores: 9 (boo!), 10, 10, 10 for a total of 39 points. She never got a maximum but will it matter?

7:57PM

Ashley and Pasha's Charleston  

The couple's favourite is their Trolls-themed Charleston from Halloween week. I like them more for not taking themselves too seriously and choosing this one as their last dance. It scored 39 points last time, so can they go one point better? Kooky and slightly undignified costumes, but exuberant with plenty of swivel and goofy facial expressions. Ashley's winning public opinion back around tonight, I hope. 

Music: "Witch Doctor" by Don Lang

Judges’ verdict: Shirley says "you're a beautiful Troll, you set the world on fire, wooed us, surprised and delighted us, fantastic from top to bottom". Bruno says "another showstopper, you keep raising the bar and getting better, I love watching you dance". Craig says "full of character, I love your little belly Pasha, I wish I could dance like you, amazing". Darcey concludes "versatile, you come alive when you hit the floor, never stop dancing".

Judges' scores: 10, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 40 points. Three maximums for her tonight. The perfect final performance. 

7:46PM

Joe and Dianne's showdance  

Joe's aiming to be a rock'n'roll Fred Astaire in a zippy tailcoat. This fast, frantic, full-on routine mixes up all the dance styles they've loved this series, throwing in lots of lifts and props. They open on giant amps and trampolines. There's elements of quickstep, jive, lindyhop, streetdance, charleston and American smooth. Celebratory, party feel. Lots of air guitar and leg guitar. Footwork a bit shaky but bags of content and loads of charm. Bursts out of a paper amp and smashes up a guitar for the big finish. Terrfic entertainment and it really suited him. 

Music:  'I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor' by Arctic Monkeys

Judges’ verdict: Darcey says "a modern rocking quickstep, a wild beast let loose but you didn't lose control, clean and cool". Shirley says "I've turned into a headbanger and I actually enjoyed that kind of music, didn't miss a beat", Bruno says "you bad boy, should have shown us that side before, you rocked all of us". Craig says "enjoyed it, it had the quirk of a Charleston, fantastic". 

Judges' scores: 9 (still no 10 from Craig), 10, 10, 10 for a total of 39 points, same as his first dance. 

Joe and Dianne's showdance
Joe and Dianne's showdance

7:38PM

Faye and Giovanni's showdance  

Doris Day's Oscar-winning song soundtracks this Broadway extravaganza of a showdance. A classic feel, combining quickstep, Charleston and American smooth - a similar feel to Tom Chambers and Ore Oduba's showdances, which helped secured them the glitterball. She tumbles into Gio's arms from a giant top hat before flying around the floor. Black-and-white lighting section. A big band number with a big finish. A love letter to theatreland. Divine. 

Music:  'Lullaby of Broadway' by Harry Warren and Al Dubin

Judges’ verdict: Craig says "fab-ew-lous, darling". Darcey says "clean, crisp accents, stylish lines, sophisticated but never forced, you looked a true movie star". Shirley says "you brought Broadway to Strictly, synchronised to a tee, outstanding chreography, well done". Bruno says "hooray for Faye, you are the embodiment of a Hollywood dancing goddess". More 10s, I reckon.

Judges' scores: 10, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 40 points. Again. Joint top with Ashley. 

Faye and Giovanni's showdance
Faye and Giovanni's showdance

7:29PM

Stacey and Kevin's showdance  

Sixties tune and a routine packed with props, moving sets and dance styles. Stacey look fab-ew-lous in a silvery, feathered two-piece costume.  It's themed around Stacey getting ready for her big night before running out into the Strictly studio. Blind opening, then into a party dance with flavours of jive, jazz, commercial streetdance and charleston but contains rather too much running around and not enough hoofing for my liking.

Music:  'Land of A Thousand Dances' by Wilson Pickett

Judges’ verdict: Bruno says "like Ready Steady Go, a medley of Stacey's ti... I mean hits." Oopsy. Craig says "a crowd-pleaser but I wasn't that keen, it was too bitty, a lot of running around and shaking it". Kevin's not happy. Darcey says "a high-energy disco jive, wonderful images". Shirley says "for another beginner, it was power-packed, high energy, a very nice routine". Damning it with faint praise a tad there. 

Judges' scores: 8, 9, 9, 10 (a great hit, says Bruno) for a total of 36 points. Kevin's a bit chippy about Craig's scores. They could be losing it here. 

Stacey and Kevin's showdance
Stacey and Kevin's showdance

7:20PM

Ashley and Pasha's showdance

Birdy's 2016 hit is the perfect anthem for Team Pashley. She descends on trapeze-type contraption, then it's into a contemporary-style barefoot routine, recalling their Couple’s Choice. Lifts, kicks and leaps on a revolving round stage. Full-on, non-stop, teeming with balletic lifts and tricks. Sharp, spectacular and emotional. 

Music:  'Keeping Your Head Up' by Birdy

Judges’ verdict: Shirley says "you are the epitome of extraordinary, didn't miss your balance, you stretched yourself beyond limits, you've brought life and style to the show, we're truly grateful". Bruno says "sensational athleticism, you took risks and succeeded". Craig says "I had a small problem with your right toe, darling, then I decided to get over myself". Darcey concludes "showcased all your strengths, artistry and didn't miss a beat, stunning". I smell more 10s...

Judges' scores: 10, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 40 points. another maximum. She's not dropped a point so far. 

Ashley and Pasha's showdance
Ashley and Pasha's showdance

7:14PM

Alan Carr on the Ts & Cs

The specsy beast appears up on the Clauditorium to read the voting smallprint while busting out some dance moves. And the voting lines are... open! Use them wisely, my friends. 

7:07PM

Joe and Dianne's paso doble  

Can he become Strictly's second winner called Joe in a row? Coming out last of the four finalists might just be an omen, as Joe McFadden did last year. The judges have chosen their week seven paso. It got three nines for 34 points last time but Joe admits he made mistakes and is keen to do it justice second time around. Matador moves, dramatic mood, flamenco stamps and knee walks. Bruno called him "a lean, mean paso doble machine” last time but the judges want improved footwork and cranked-up drama. That was indeed better. Maybe the red hair helps. It certainly matches the lighting. He's chuffed that he came out of the knee-slide on the right foot this time. 

Music:  'Pompeii' by Bastille

Judges’ verdict: Darcey says "the command was outstanding, what a difference, better shaping and arm placement, you owned the dance". Shirley says "I saw you grin with relief, pure determination, for a beginner that's extraordinary". Bruno says "it's not just your hair that's red hot, your paso doble was incandescent, olé!" Craig concludes "shaping was a little bit forced but I love your commitment to the dance". 

Judges' scores: 9 (Craig's highest score for Joe yet), 10, 10, 10 for a total of 39 points. His highest score, joint third with Stacey.

Joe and Dianne's paso doble
Joe and Dianne's paso doble

6:59PM

Faye and Giovanni's Viennese waltz  

The most in-form finalist is an elegant ballroom performer and the judges have chosen their Viennese from way back in week two. Gimmicky start with five Giovannis surrounding her. Fiery red dress and a passionate, slightly darker feel than your traditional Viennese waltz, more akin to a tango or even a rumba at times. It scored 31 points first time around, but Faye's now demonstrating more drive in her footwork and an improved topline as they float and twirl around the floor romantically. Huge run of fleckerls to finish. 

Music:  'It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World' by Seal

Judges’ verdict: Craig says "I rather enjoyed the drama, loved it even more, a lot better, you've come so far". Darcey says "you are the best ballroom dancer in the competition, superb". Shirley quotes Craig's comment from week two and says "you worked on the technique, you were amazing". Bruno agrees with her and concludes "Faye never fails, you always deliver, made it sensual, powerful and gripping, I've never seen a Viennese waltz like it". 

Judges' scores: 10, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 40 points. Joint top with Ashley so far, Stacey just a point behind. 

Faye and Giovanni's Viennese waltz
Faye and Giovanni's Viennese waltz

6:51PM

Stacey and Kevin's foxtrot  

The bookies' favourites now and the judges have opted for their foxtrot from week four. You might remember Kevin shoving his face into his 36th birthday cake up on the Clauditorium to celebrate them topping the leaderboard for the first time. Stacey's riding a motorbike up to Grimsby. Retro feel, monochrome outfits and a sparkling Sixties routine. Less gapping and an improved frame. Heel leads to please the judges. It got 33 points at the first attempt, I strongly suspect they'll improve on that. 

Music:  'Hi Ho Silver Lining' by Jeff Beck

Judges’ verdict: Bruno says "unbelievable improvement, vibrant character and better technique, you're a contender". Craig says "you've worked on the frame absolutely gaw-jus". Darcey says "strong centre, natural charm and elegance, perfect". Shirley concludes "beautiful footwork, stayed glued to his right side, musicality second to none". She also uses the j-word not once but twice, just in case you're playing the journey drinking game. 

Judges' scores: 9 (still no Craig 10 for Stacey), 10, 10, 10 for a total of 39 points

Stacey and Kevin's foxtrot
Stacey and Kevin's foxtrot

6:43PM

Ashley and Pasha's salsa  

The triple dance-offs survivors open the show. The judges have chosen their  Dirty Dancing salsa from week three’s Movie Special. It scored 35 points first time around, although Craig said it was too straight-legged and lacked a little hip rotation. Full of spins, arm-ography a little clumsy in places early on. But fleet footwork and, yes, "that" lift, held for a long time. Another big lift to finish. Nobody puts Ashley in the corner. 

Music:  '(I’ve Had The) Time Of My Life' by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes 

Judges’ verdict: Shirley says "you managed to take it to the next level: fearless, spirited, brilliant". Bruno nearly takes Shirley's eye out for the umpteenth time this series and says "the girl can dance". Craig says "you took all the notes on-board and made it live, a-may-zing". Darcey concludes "you nailed it, you're a joy". Tens a-coming?

Judges' scores: 10, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 40 points. Her third maximum of the series. 

Ashley and Pasha's salsa
Ashley and Pasha's salsa

6:38PM

Our Strictly stars  

Here come the four couples. The dressing-up box hasn't been ransacked as thoroughly as it often is. For that, we should be thankful. 

6:37PM

Frockwatch

Time for the last round of our weekly co-presenter fashion face-off. Claudia Winkleman's in a midnight blue sequinned trouser suit, Tess Daly's in a white Grecian one-shouldered drapey satin gown. For one last time, Claudia wins.

6:35PM

Joe Sugg's gone red

He's stuck to his word and dyed his hair red to match Dianne's for the final. Will it be lucky for the scarlet-topped YouTube star?

6:34PM

Group dance to open

A group dance from the pros kicks things of, in front of a giant glitterball. Skimpy outfits. Disco soundtrack from Donna Summer.

6:32PM

Clapalong credits  

Ah, the last time we'll see this title sequence. There's always a couple of celebrities who we'd forgotten were ever in the contest. Vick Hope and Lee Ryan are the ones I'm always surprised to see. 

6:30PM

And we're off!   

Roll portentous pre-credits VT. 

6:27PM

Stacey vs Sugg

There has apparently been a surge of late bets on Joe Sugg to win, bringing his odds closer to those on bookies' favourite Stacey Dooley.

With Faye Tozer and Ashley Roberts way behind, it looks like a two-horse race but anything could still happen. Just a couple of minutes until the grand glitterball final...

6:24PM

Strictly showdancing

The spectacular showdances are always a series highlight. The only rule is there are no rules. Anything goes, lifts and tricks are positively encouraged, and the showdance can make all the difference to who wins title.

No pressure, then. Five minutes until that ba-ba-da theme tune...

6:19PM

Battle of the pros  

It's not just the celebrities slugging it out for that glitterball trophy, of course. On the professional side of the partnerships, can Grimsby’s own Kevin Clifton finally triumph after four runners-up finishes?

Or will the pro winner be an Australian (Dianne Buswell), an Italian (Giovanni Pernice) or a Russian (Pasha Kovalev)?

Just 10 minutes until we go over to the Elstree Studios ballroom...

6:14PM

Who wins? We decide

Tonight's result is entirely in the lap of the public, with all power removed from the hands of judges Craig Revel Horwood, Dame Darcey Bussell, Shirley Ballas and Bruno Tonioli.

Their scores are merely a guide. Viewer votes are what count. Fifteen minutes to wait...

6:09PM

Glitterball girl power

With three women among the four finalists, could we see the first female Strictly winner for four years?

Caroline Flack was the last, back in 2014. Twenty minutes until showtime...

6:05PM

Three dances is the magic number  

The couples will perform three full routines apiece for the first time tonight: a Judges' Pick, the Couple’s Favourite (not revealed until tonight) and, of course, the razzle-dazzle Showdance.

Minds have been melting in the training rooms this week with so many steps to take in. Just 25 minutes until we see the fruits of their footwork labours... 

5:59PM

It’s time for the big one 

After 13 weeks of steps, sequins and snog scandals, glitterball glory beckons. We’ve reached the grand final of Strictly 2018 and, with four closely matched finalists, it’s all to dance for.

Last weekend’s tense semi-final saw plucky Paralympian Lauren Steadman and her pro partner AJ Pritchard depart the dancefloor. It was sad to see the popular pair go but the right decision. 

Now we’re down to our four finalists and although the judges will mark the routines as usual, their scores are just a guide. The winning couple will be decided by viewers votes alone.

If they thought that mastering two full routines last week was tough, they’ll now be on an even steeper learning curve because it’s three dances apiece: the judges’ pick, the couple’s favourite and, of course, the anything-goes showdance. Expect lifts, tricks and all manner of razzle-dazzle. 

Michael Bublé is the musical guest and we’ll also see the Strictly class of 2018 back in the ballroom for one last group number.

So who will succeed Joe McFadden as champion? Will it be bookies’ favourite Stacey Dooley, last man standing Joe Sugg, the consistently high-scoring Faye Tozer or even the prodigiously gifted but seemingly unpopular Ashley Roberts

The last live show  of the year airs at 6.30pm on BBC One. We'll be liveblogging from 6pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, recaps, analysis and seasonal sarcasm. Please join us - and join in too. You can email me on michael.hogan@ telegraph.co.uktweet me on @michaelhogan or leave comments at the bottom of this blog. I'll keep an eye on them all and report the highlights here. 

Who’ll become Strictly's 16th champion? Nearly time to staaaaart glitterball-lifting…