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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.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. At the end of the first of the evening's two shows, Whittle led the judges' leaderboard with 93 points to BBC sports presenter Hollins' 90.
Hollins and his dance partner Ola Jordan performed a foxtrot which scored them four nines and a 10. The winner will be decided by audience votes.
The results show is due to start at 2040 GMT. The winner will be decided by audience votes. Bookmakers have made Whittle the favourite to win, with odds of 4/6, compared to Hollins on 11/10.
Hollins and his dance partner Ola Jordan began with a foxtrot which scored them four nines and a 10 - their first in the competition.
Judge Bruno Tonioli told Jordan: "You've turned a frog into a prince."
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 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.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.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.Bruce Forsyth teamed up with judge Alesha Dixon to perform a duet of the Frank Sinatra standard Something's Gotta Give.
'Different flavours' Hollins and Jordan began the results show with a Charleston which scored them a full set of 10s.
The judges often remarked on Hollins's facial expressions during his dances Judge Craig Revel Horwood told Hollins: "Your mouth being open so wide really did suit that whole thing."
Through the series, Hollins has been more popular with the public than with the judges. Bussell said: "You transported me to the golden era of the movies."
Asked before the final whether he deserved to win, the presenter said he was trying not to think of the show as a competition. Whittle and Lowe returned with a cha cha cha which Alesha Dixon called "one of the best dances I've ever seen on Strictly".
"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. Bussell added: "I wouldn't mind doing a cha cha with you one day, Ricky."
"Every dance we thought would be our last. Both couples produced energetic final showdances. Hollins ended his dance standing on the judges' table. Whittle pulled off a series of lifts that impressed the judges.
"There is no doubting that Ricky is in a class of his own," he continued. The scores from the judges after the final dance gave Whittle and Lowe 190 points and Hollins and Jordan 186 - but these do not affect the final result.
"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.
"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.
"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.
The actor has spent most of his time training in Liverpool with his dance partner, Natalie Lowe, due to his Hollyoaks filming commitments.