Strictly Come Dancing 2021: the Grand Final – live

On It Takes Two last night John said this was a manic medley of lifts and tricks, which is exactly what we need to wrap up tonight’s dancing. Their music choice is ‘You’ve Got the Love’ by Florence and the Machine, and I have high hopes for this being a fitting finale to this year’s Strictly.

Scores: 10,10,10,10 – I mean, it couldn’t possibly be anything else.

Rose has melted Shirley’s heart and she entralled. It was serene, scintillating and will leave a mark on her heart forever. Anton loved watching Rose dance and feels blessed to have been able to witness it. Craig though it was just tremendous, and Motsi feels like an improved person because Rose was on the show.

I’m like Anton, I can’t even look at these two without crying. WHAT a Strictly journey.

Forget the Strictly Gazebo, Rose and Giovanni have a giant Romeo and Juliet balcony festooned with pink flowers.

I’m not really sure what to make of this – Rose and Giovanni’s connection has never given us romance vibes, and I’m really surprised they would go down the sugary sweet route for their Showdance. Don’t get me wrong, it’s gorgeous and balletic and Rose has lovely musicality. I guess I was hoping for a Showdance glitter cannon. But like Rose, it’s heartfelt and beautiful.

And finally for tonight, It’s time for their Showdance, which is to ‘The Rose’ by Bette Midler. It’s a beautiful song featuring more metaphors than you can shake a glittery stick at, but it’s not the kind of thing I’d usually associate with a Showdance. After their lyrical Couple’s Choice, I guess I’d kind of hoped for a high camp jazz hands razzle dazzle finish. But perhaps less is more?

Scores: 10,10,10,10 – a full house for John and Johannes. It’s totally even, with only one dance to go! EXCITING.

There’s a lot of love in the Strictly ballroom tonight. Worth noting that in the case of Rose and Gio and John and Johannes, I actually believe the whole ‘friends for life’ thing.

Motsi thought John smashed it – everything about it has improved. Shirley thought everything came together – John nailed it, and he really felt it. Anton thought it was stupendous, then goes full Len Goodman. Craig pretends to be annoyed by John’s little finger, but he actually thought it was brilliant. OH CRAIG.

With all this heavy emotion, what we definitely need right now is a big old filthy pirate Paso. Like the Rumba earlier, you can see how much John’s confidence has grown since Week 3 – he’s giving this both barrels and absolutely smashing it. Just brilliant.

They’ve picked their Movie Week Paso, which bagged them three tens in Week 3 and set their pirate ship on course for the Grand Final. I loved it then, and I can’t wait to see them perform it again ten weeks on.

Everyone’s crying, including me. Keep rehydrating, everyone, we’re going to be HUSKS by 9pm.

Craig loved how Rose used the floor – it was stunning. Motsi loved Rose’s ability to connect with herself and the audience and Giovanni – she is sensational. Shirley loved how Rose wore her heart on her sleeve, she did it for Strictly, for the country and the world. Okaaay. Anton thought it was just perfect, and he’s welling up. DRINK.

This hasn’t got any less beautiful with the passing of time. Still gives me goosebumps, and I’m so glad Rose and Giovanni have had the chance to dance it again. An incredibly special dance that will go down in Strictly history. Sheer joy from start to finish.

Next up Rose and Giovanni dancing their favourite dance of the series. They’ve chosen their Couple’s Choice from Week Eight, which was one of the most special moments of this series, so it’s only right that we should all get to enjoy it again.

So much sobbing. DRINK.

We’ve still got two dances to go, so you might want to hold off for a while longer. Time for the shortest recap in Strictly history.