Strictly Come Dancing Grand Final | Part One

December 17, 2011

Strictly Come Dancing

Strictly Come Dancing in Blackpool for the final in 3D

Chelsee and Pasha dance their Show Dance to One Night Only by Beyonce Photograph : BBC Pictures

Chelsee Healey. Harry Judd. Jason Donovan.

Three finalists.

Four dances.

One glitterball.

Final Contestants Kristina Rihanoff, Jason Donovan, Chelsee Healey, Pasha Kovalev, Harry Judd, Aliona Vilani Photogrpah : BBC Pictures

Spartacus meets Frankie Goes to Hollywood opens the show; or rather, the Strictly professional men, later joined by the Gladiator girls complete with fishing nets. And then the three finalists arrive by chariot through the flaming gates of Rome. Only in Blackpool folks, only in Blackpool.

No chariot for Bruce, who prefers to skittle on with Tess twinkling in the opposite corner. How do all those sequins look in 3D ?

Harry & Aliona Quickstep their way through a great routine and the audience reaction is quite something. Len loved it, saying “all guns blazing”, Alesha said it was one of her favourites and Bruno said “you came and you danced and you conquered Blackpool.” Craig has found improvement in Harry’s lazy left foot and he loved the routine.

They score (for guidance only – it’s all down to viewer votes tonight) 40

Pro dance Photograph : BBC Pictures

Jason & Kristina have to follow that with their Tango with a taste of Priscilla. It’s another really great routine. Alesha loved the clever choreography and the fun in the routine. Bruno said Jason pushed himself to the limit in this Tango with a split personality. “Incredible and barking mad but I loved it.” Craig picked up on Jason’s bottom sticking out but he loved the number. Len said “you give those other two 20 years in age and yet you’ve got energy to burn.”

They score : 38

Harry and Aliona dance their Show Dance to Great Balls of Fire by Jerry Lee Lewis Photograph : BBC Pictures

Chelsee & Pasha return with their Shrek routine, complete with Donkey and tower. Another cracking routine! Bruno said it was a first class Premium Jive. Craig said “a complete bundle of joy to watch” and “a thousand steps a minute in there.” Len enjoyed watching Chelsee dance as much as judging the world championships.

They score : 39

The lines open for voting after this first round of dances – next up, the Show Dances! Anything goes!

Harry & Aliona are first up with their dance without rules. Rock n’ roll vibe, “quite rebellious” according to Harry. It’s certainly got everything packed in there, including the drums. The lifts were very strong and secure, though they were dangerous and difficult. Len said ” if you were a stick of Blackpool rock you’d have talent running right through you. It was fantastic.” One slightly sticky entrance to a lift, but Bruno loved the sleeveless segment and he too found one tiny problem with a lift, as did Craig.

They score : 37

If you have a 3D enabled TV, or you are in one of the cinemas showing Strictly tonight, you’ll be part of a first for the show – broadcasting in 3D. Let me know if you enjoy the experience !

Jason And Kristina dance their Show Dance to Dancin' Fool by Gary Wilmot Photograph : BBC Pictures

Jason & Kristina plan to take full advantage of having no rules. Suited and booted, canes aloft, they are soon whisking through a routine that sees Kristina revealling a pink dress, that ends in her trademark feathers and sequins, ie very little. Not sure it’s really a great routine, and Jason looks so tired. Alesha loved the routine, Bruno said it was a “showbiz extravaganza.” Craig said “ferocious and full on. Amazing.” Len said it was the perfect combination of showman and show dance.

They score : 40

Chelsee & Pasha round off this first part of the final, with a routine filled with dangerous lifts. Chelsee has been waiting for this dance all series. Chelsee emerges as Beyonce on the podium, alone, and after a shaky start they are off through a million difficult lifts. Bruno said it was a vision of seductiveness emerging through the mist. There were a couple of moments where she nearly lost it but she covered it well. Craig loved all the lifts, especially the lobster claw. Len liked the hussle elements, and that Chelsee and all the contestants have given their all tonight.

They score : 36

Overall, has it been as good as billed ? I’m not sure. Silly mistakes crept in again – as they have throughout this series. Showmanship is there in spades, but the dancing itself isn’t quite up to speed. The lines will close in half an hour and the results show begins at 9pm.

Tonight’s music was :

Jason & Kristina

Jason And Kristina dance the Tango to I will survive by Gloria Gaynor

Jason And Kristina dance their Show Dance to Dancin’ Fool by Gary Wilmot

Chelsee & Pasha

Chelsee and Pasha dance the Jive to I’m a Believer by Smash Mouth

Chelsee and Pasha dance their Show Dance to One Night Only by Beyonce

Harry & Aliona

Harry and Aliona dance the Quickstep to Don’t get me Wrong by The Pretenders

Harry and Aliona dance their Show Dance to Great Balls of Fire by Jerry Lee Lewis