A Few Thoughts on the Final Four

Much has been written in these forums about the attitudes shown by the various celebrities, a lot of it ill-informed and spiteful in my opinion. Bearing in mind that the programme is as much about popularity as it is about dancing, has anybody considered that they were doing what they had been advised to do?

Susanna is a prime example. In her day job, she sits on a couch in a studio and deals with serious topics on the morning news. In Strictly, however, completely different. I think she had been encouraged to show the fun side of her nature, which would move her away from her Breakfast TV image. Actually, I think she rather overdid it and I found her a little irritating at times. A little of Natalie's restraint might have helped her. She did, however, enjoy massive public support, which was what carried her into the final. Although I don't think she deserved to be in the last four on merit, she certainly had a journey and emerged a much better dancer than she was at the beginning.

Natalie has divided opinion like no other this year. Remember that she wasn't the only actor in the competition. Precious few actors have no dancing experience because the parts they play can require them to dance. That is not to suggest that they are professional dancers, though. That is a specialist job. She is also possessed of considerable natural ability - and that cannot be taught. You either have it or you don't, same as any other talent. There again, she played the vile Kirsty in Corrie, and there are some people stupid enough to believe that she and her character are the same, so she had to distance herself from that. Far from being smug, aloof or having no connection with Artem, I thought she behaved with quiet dignity throughout. It is also just possible that she is a quiet, reserved person in real life (a not uncommon trait among actors) and this is what came across.

Sophie, with her double-barrelled surname and aristocratic looks, was always likely to be landed with the 'posh tottie' tag, which was something she would have to live down if she was to stand any chance. What could she do? Come across as nice is the answer, and that is exactly what she did. I am sure she is nice anyway. I thought she deserved her place in the final, but she was always a little too stiff to seriously challenge for the title.

Abbey. The only one who didn't have a pre-determined image to overcome. She is a WAG, she speaks with a Scouse accent you can cut with a knife and she has done some modelling. That is all I knew about her, and I don't think I am in a minority of one. On the other hand, she had an excellent teacher in Aljaż, who saw the latent ability in her and brought it out. Once she realised that she was a genuine contender, she went for it with all guns blazing. Hers was the greatest journey of all. She is a worthy winner.