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compiled by: Emili TK
After weeks of rigorous competition, the Strictly Come Dancing finalists are ready to take the floor for the last time.
Four celebrities remain in the race for the glitterball trophy in the show’s 20th anniversary season: comedian Chris McCausland, JLS singer JB Gill, Miranda actress Sarah Hadland, and Love Island alum Tasha Ghouri.
McCausland, the show’s first blind contestant, has become the bookmakers’ favorite after consistently impressing judges and audiences alike.
The grand finale airs on Saturday at 18:00 GMT on BBC One and iPlayer. Each finalist will perform three routines, including a judges’ pick, before the public votes for the winner. The night will also feature a performance by the professional dancers alongside singer Raye and a final group routine by the full 2024 cast.
“The Scariest Thing I’ve Ever Done”
Ahead of the final, McCausland described the experience as “relentless” but also transformative.
“It’s been exhausting and the scariest thing I’ve ever done, but certainly the most rewarding,” he said. “It’s given me a lasting impact on my outlook on life and the opportunities I have.”
The 47-year-old and his professional partner, Dianne Buswell, will reprise their waltz to You’ll Never Walk Alone by Gerry and the Pacemakers and their viral couple’s choice routine to Instant Karma by John Lennon.
In their iconic performance, McCausland covered Buswell’s eyes as the stage dimmed to black before spinning her around amid dramatic pyrotechnics. The routine earned them 33 points out of 40, with Craig Revel Horwood calling the “poignant blackout moment” a highlight.
McCausland, who lost his sight due to retinitis pigmentosa in his 20s and 30s, revealed that his 11-year-old daughter initially worried he might embarrass himself. But as the competition progressed, her confidence in him grew.
“When we reached the semi-finals, she told me, ‘Daddy, I’ve changed my mind. I think you can win this thing.’”
JB Gill’s Journey
JB Gill reached the final despite his original partner, Amy Dowden, withdrawing due to a foot injury. Lauren Oakley stepped in, and the duo has performed consistently well, earning top leaderboard scores.
The pair will deliver a Viennese Waltz to Let’s Go Fly a Kite from Mary Poppins and a Motown-inspired show dance.
Reflecting on his journey, Gill praised both his partners, saying it’s been an “honor” to work with Dowden and calling his partnership with Oakley “incredible.”
Although he entered the competition with some dance experience from his time with JLS, Gill admitted he has been challenged each week. “It’s not just about the steps; it’s about feeling the dance and enjoying it,” he said.
Sarah Hadland: Breaking Limits
Miranda actress Sarah Hadland has inspired fans with her empowering messages about self-belief. Ahead of her routines—a Cha Cha to Madonna’s Like a Prayer and an American Smooth to Heather Small’s Proud—Hadland reflected on the personal growth she’s experienced during the series.
“I’ve realized how much I’ve been limiting myself in life,” she shared. “You shouldn’t ever reach a point where you say, ‘That’s my limit.’”
Her journey has resonated with viewers, particularly women her age who rediscovered their love for dance. One fan commented online, “Sarah Hadland melts my heart. I love her so much.”
Tasha Ghouri: Representation Matters
Former Love Island star Tasha Ghouri, Strictly’s second deaf contestant, has also shined this season. Partnered with Aljaž Škorjanec, the pair made history with the series’ first perfect 40 for their American Smooth to Someone You Loved by Lewis Capaldi.
They’ll reprise this routine in the final, along with a show dance to Benny Goodman’s Sing, Sing, Sing.
Ghouri has celebrated her time on the show by “bedazzling” her cochlear implant with diamantes, matching her costumes each week.
“The messages I’ve received from younger people saying they feel represented because of me—it’s incredible,” she said.
Reflecting on her experience, Ghouri described the competition as “magic.” “Representation is so important, and I feel so passionate about being part of that.”
The Grand Final
As the contestants gear up for the last dance, the competition is tighter than ever. With a mix of inspiring personal stories and outstanding performances, any of the four finalists could walk away with the glitterball trophy.
