Will there be four couples in the final? By my calculations there will still be 4 couples left on Saturday December 18th which I presume is the last show before Christmas - or is it?
Or have they built in a contingency in case anybody drops out and then if nobody does drop out, they will eliminate 2 couples at the semi-final stage?

That sounds likely.

The website says -

If there are still five couples left in the competition at the Semi Final stage there will be a double elimination with the bottom two couples eliminated as only a maximum of three couples will be able to go through to the Final. There will be no dance off.

For the first time there is a contingency plan.

Con-tin-gen-cy plan? How eminently sensible and overdue.

just wait for audience howls of protest the moment it gets put into action!!

But I have strong suspicion Ann's heart and hip joints can't stand up to more than three rounds of dancing - it's the solid weeks of training that cause the damage, not the 90 seconds on the floor. I really hope she doesn't have to pull out for medical reasons. everybody knows she definitely won't do a Sergeant walk-out.

i think its harsh to do it at the semi final !, i think quarter final fair enough !

I think it's agood solution.

Does Ann have a heart and hip problem ?

She has a knee problem and was unable to spend time trying to get it better shape as she had a detached retina in the summer and was forced to lie with her head kept in one position for 10 days , she was only allowed to compete on her consultant's says so . .

did you cout the Friday show before the Semi final?

Providing nobody goes early, the semi-final will be AMAZINGLY exciting!

Are we guaranteed a 3 couple final then?

If so....YES!!! No more snooze-worthy 2 couple finals

I saw a marked improvement in her climbing the stairs after her dance on Saturday - even Anton raised his eyebrows at her improved agility - so it looks like the exercise involved in training is doing her the world of good.

I wish they would let me have a go!

I think so provided two couples don't pull out before the semi-final!