This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/entertainment/8422140.stm
The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 1 | Version 2 |
---|---|
Stars battle for Strictly crown | Stars battle for Strictly crown |
(about 1 hour later) | |
Strictly Come Dancing finalists Chris Hollins and Ricky Whittle are battling it out to be king of the ballroom. | Strictly Come Dancing finalists Chris Hollins and Ricky Whittle are battling it out to be king of the ballroom. |
The final began with Hollyoaks actor Whittle and his partner Natalie Lowe gaining a full set of top marks from the five judges for their quickstep. | |
Judge Darcey Bussell said they had "set the standard" for the grand final. | Judge Darcey Bussell said they had "set the standard" for the grand final. |
Bookmakers have made Whittle the favourite to win, with odds of 4/6, compared to BBC Sports presenter Hollins, on 11/10. | Bookmakers have made Whittle the favourite to win, with odds of 4/6, compared to BBC Sports presenter Hollins, on 11/10. |
Hollins and his dance partner Ola Jordan performed a foxtrot which scored them four nines and a 10. | Hollins and his dance partner Ola Jordan performed a foxtrot which scored them four nines and a 10. |
The results show is due to start at 2040 GMT. The winner will be decided by audience votes. | |
The first show of the evening featured the return of the athlete Jade Johnson, who had to withdraw last month due to a ligament injury during dance training. | |
The Great Britain long jumper performed a tango with dance partner Ian Waite. | |
Other previous contestants also had a turn on the dance floor, with the exception of Phil Tufnell who has flu. | |
Bruce Forsyth teamed up with judge Alesha Dixon to perform a duet of the Frank Sinatra standard Something's Gotta Give. | |
'Different flavours' | 'Different flavours' |
The judges often remarked on Hollins's facial expressions during his dances | |
Through the series, Hollins has been more popular with the public than with the judges. | |
Asked before the final whether he deserved to win, the presenter said he was trying not to think of the show as a competition. | |
"I've seen it as us having lots of fun, trying to make sure I don't make myself look like a complete wally and put in a performance we both enjoy. | "I've seen it as us having lots of fun, trying to make sure I don't make myself look like a complete wally and put in a performance we both enjoy. |
"Every dance we thought would be our last. | "Every dance we thought would be our last. |
"There is no doubting that Ricky is in a class of his own," he continued. | "There is no doubting that Ricky is in a class of his own," he continued. |
"If you speak to any of the professionals they say he's probably the best male celebrity they've ever had - but it is a dance competition and it's also a TV programme." | "If you speak to any of the professionals they say he's probably the best male celebrity they've ever had - but it is a dance competition and it's also a TV programme." |
Whittle and Lowe received a standing ovation for their Argentine Tango | |
Speaking in defence of his rival, Whittle said: "Me and Chris are bringing different flavours to the table. | Speaking in defence of his rival, Whittle said: "Me and Chris are bringing different flavours to the table. |
"I think it's quite insulting for Chris that people are saying that he can't dance - he wouldn't be here if he couldn't. | "I think it's quite insulting for Chris that people are saying that he can't dance - he wouldn't be here if he couldn't. |
"Chris can dance, he can entertain, he's got great moves, he's got great personality and he's going to be a massive challenge. | "Chris can dance, he can entertain, he's got great moves, he's got great personality and he's going to be a massive challenge. |
"If I don't bring my 'A' game and perform four great dances he's walking away with this," he said. | "If I don't bring my 'A' game and perform four great dances he's walking away with this," he said. |
Whittle added that both finalists should be "very proud" of their achievements, considering they have both had to juggle full-time jobs while competing. | Whittle added that both finalists should be "very proud" of their achievements, considering they have both had to juggle full-time jobs while competing. |
The actor has spent most of his time training in Liverpool with his dance partner, Natalie Lowe, due to his Hollyoaks filming commitments. | The actor has spent most of his time training in Liverpool with his dance partner, Natalie Lowe, due to his Hollyoaks filming commitments. |