STRICTLY 2013 THE FINAL

Picture Courtesy of the BBC

Strictly first ever all girl final, it only seems like two minutes since we were meeting our celebrities for the first time, I remember predicting that Natalie & Artem were the ones to watch, but now I think it could be anyone’s game, all week I have being asking people who they would be voting for on Saturday night and the replies were really mixed, it is just going to go to the lady who performs her heart out the most.

A slick cheeky Cha Cha opened the first part of our Final from all our professional dancers and the four remaining finalist Natalie, Abbey, Susanna and Sophie.

Susanna & Kevin Judges Choice Quickstep C8  D9  L10  B10  T37

Susanna danced very high on her scatter chasse’s and looked so relaxed throughout the whole routine, her timing and footwork were excellent and made me smile from start to end.

Show routine C9  D9  L9 B9 T36

A beautiful American Smooth Waltz very emotionally portrayed, Susanna you started this competition sat on a sofa and have become a beautiful dancer.

Abbey & Aljaz Judges Choice WaltzC10  D10  L10  B10  T40

For me this has to be the most perfectly danced Waltz ever to grace our screens, beautifully styled, the simplicity, poise and control was unbeatable and a real tear jerker.

Show Routine C9  D10  L9  B10  T38

Great drama, great performance, great dance, I did not understand the bit when they stood on the giant BBQ and were smoked but a very powerful Paso.

Natalie & Artem Judges Choice Cha Cha C9  D10  L10  B10  T39

A lovely Cha Cha performance with amazing strict timing on the syncopations coupled with amazing arm lines finished in true professional style, I personally did not understand why the judges chose this dance for them as it was not one of their strongest and I personally would have liked to see a slightly straighter leg at times from Natalie  but it did give Artem a chance to wear his traditional costume again.

Show Routine C10  D10  L10  B10  T40

This has to be the performance of the night a true show dance performed with pizazz, poise and perfection, amazing changes of rhythm danced with ease and a relaxed style that made every movement look perfect.

Sophie & Brendan Judges Choice Viennese Waltz C9  D10  L10  B10 T39

Maria Von Trapp’s favourite things and Sophie this was one of my favourite Viennese Waltzes of the series, a much improved Top Line than we have seen in previous weeks, there was a little stumble on the rotary reverse turns towards the end of the routine but effortless and beautiful.

Show Routine C8  D9  L9  B9  T35

Sexy Samba show dance time! A wonderful light and airy routine maybe a little careful when approaching the lifts but they really were wowalicious!

Then came the part nobody wanted to watch, who was going to leave at the very last hurdle?

She has had an amazing time on Strictly but we said goodbye to Sophie who I know will continue dancing and will treasure her time on the dance floor for years to come.

Susanna & Kevin Own Choice Paso Doblé C9  D10  L10  B10  T39

I loved this routine the first time and loved it even more the second, an amazing traditional Paso creating all the drama of the bullfight, Susanna whatever happens you should be very proud of all your performances.

Abbey & Aljaz Own Choice Quickstep C9  D10  L10  B10  T10 

This has to be the liveliest Quickstep routine of the series, full of pure technique with very advanced step patterns and an energy level that was off the scale.

Natalie & Artem Own Choice American Smooth C10  D10  L10  B10  T40

PRICELESS!!!!

Before our 2013 champion was crowned we were joined by all our series eleven celebrities, one last time, It has been the highest standard series ever, with routines that would look at home on any competition floor, but there could be only one winner and the 2013 Champions were Abbey & Aljaz who were very deserving but to be honest any of them could have lifted the trophy.

So for 2013 it is just left for me to say thank you, for reading, have a wonderful Christmas and I wish everybody all the luck in the world for 2014, do not forget the best of series eleven highlights BBC Red button, satellite and cable viewers, Monday 23^rd December, the Festive Special Christmas Day at 5pm BBC1 and the Live Strictly tour at an arena near you early next year, do Keep happy, Keep healthy and Keeeeeeep dancing!!!!

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