Congratulations to both. I feel that Aljaz contribution to the show, his choreography, his development of Abbey, has been one of the most under-stated and under-rated aspects of the show over the past few weeks on these boards. They have both danced with energy and joy. Their joy of dance, especially Abbey's has been infectious.

My only regret is that I became caught up in the "Natalie" bickering on these boards over the past week and a bit, and the "Natalie - Susanna" best dancer vs most popular celebrity debate. It meant that there was less comment and debate on Abbey and Aljaz's progress. However, the bickering was relatively mild and between people passionate about dance and the show.

So congratulations to Abbey (her determination, her joy, her passion, her down-to-earthiness) but I'll reserve my biggest congratulations to Aljaz (he never pushed himself into the limelight, for him it seemed it was all about Abbey - getting everything right for her, while he himself seemed to stay in the background) - one of the most under-rated efforts and skill sets of the series.



I should add congratulations to Natalie and Artem, and Susanna and Kevin. I think Natalie & Artem could have equally been worthy winners. I think the bond and respect they have for each other was obvious. Artem said that Natalie was one of the strongest women he ever met. I think he really could see Natalie's passion and love for dance and wanted the best for her hence his emotion at the end. No wonder Kara was in the audience to make sure her man didn't get carried away. Ps I hope to see Natalie performing in the West End in future (her acting & dance skill sets should make her a natural for it - as long as her back can cope with the exertion).


Happy Christmas and a Good New Year to all - and I'll see you all again in September!

Great post Sally, thank you and see you soon.

Ah lovely post OP.

I thought Aljaz did a fantastic job and Abbey worked her socks off.

They were my winners on the night although I'd have struggled not to be overjoyed for Natalie had she won.

I agree Natalie could be a West End star. Hope her singing is as good as her dancing!

I also loved the final as a show. I thought it would be missing something without a femal pro and a male celeb in the final, but I actually adored the all girl final.

All four girls did brilliantly, and I loved that final.

My only gripe is please no smoke and pyrotechnics next year.

We missed most of Susanna's footwork and one of Abbeys lifts.

I agree - there was too much smoke in Abbey's show dance I couldn't see what was happening! And great point about the smoke hiding Susanna's footwork - I am no dance expert so didn't realise the significance until you pointed it out.

Sober reflection is always the best reaction, great post, thoughtfully considered.

I do agree, well done Abbi, sorry my favourite didn't win, but life is like that.

Yes well done to both of them.
They were a joy to watch and Abbey truly did have a 'journey'.

Yes well done Abbey and Aljaz.

Must say that as a ballroom fan, I am pleased that the waltz and QS were so enjoyed by the public. The showdance was enjoyable too despite Guns 'n' Roses music choice.

This is such a nice threat and I totally agree with what you said about Aljaz. Until I read your post I really didn't realize how hard he had worked. There was so much fuss about his looks but in the background he was working just so hard - as was Abbey.

They are great champions for me, perfect for what has been a really, really good series. And their joy at winning was totally infectious.

Can't wait

Really was not a fan of WAG Abbey but I thought she was lovely on Strictly. She is very natural and the other female contestants really liked her. She worked hard, improved each week and was a real beginner to dancing who discovered she had a talent for it! Great. I thought it was hilarious that she jumped up and down and screamed with joy until Bruce told her to shut up as he was trying to interview the Natalie and Artem!! Thought she would go running off into the audience to hug Peter!!

It came as a surprise I will admit, but well done indeed to them.