Thanks Huph. It is lovely to take a break from the Xmas rush but I have to be very focussed when I return.

Can't say I am very excited about the final. I suppose out of the three I like the Ore/Joanne partnership most of all but I would be reasonably happy with Danny/Oti. She has done a great job hiding the faults he does have. He is at his best when he is out of hold. Oti deserves the trophy just for that leap of faith at the end of the AS alone. I am most looking forward to seeing Laura/Gio and the rest of the gang returning to the dance floor. I just hope the judges do not create the negative atmosphere they did last year in their bid to manupulate things. I was a Jay/Aliona fan but did not feel all that joyous when they won. The final used to be just a celebration with the judges in a very positive mood.

Great poster of Gio and Joanne on Twitter. advertising Donahey's weekends. I don't know how to post the link.

Hangs head in shame!

I was a Jay fan too and did not enjoy the final at all last year. I thought after last year the judges couldn't get any worse but they went close on Saturday with their marks and favouritism showing

Thanks Fatskia I have recorded the whole series, but haven't watched it yet.


Most of my shopping done, but I have got so much more to do. Going to be very busy.



Hi Lou I am jealous, but very happy that you have 3 weeks off. I am so pissed off, even seeing Laura again is not calming me down.

Here is the link to the lovely photo of Gio advertising the Donahey's weekend

https://twitter.com/donaheys/status/808676651714351105

Hope it works as I have just learned how to post a link from twitter.

Same here. It's getting worse, but my only hope is that without Len, next year things might get better........ can only hope.

I fear the judges are just the puppets of the production team these days.☹️️

I have just put some money on Louise to win, if she wins, I make some money or I will lose the money, but will be happy. Small price to pay, I only got 11/8, should have placed a bet long ago.

Incredible series, on my Christmas wishlist for Mr Ochre.

Really appreciate Laura's interest in Wildlife.


Lou Sorry I've only read this now, presume you're finished for Christmas hurray! Hope you have a lovely festive holiday. I have a very excited household, 12 more sleeps til Santa

On Ore, perhaps now isn't the time to mention I thought he and Jo should have scored a perfect 80 on Saturday Very sorry to lose Claudia though, she really became the most beautiful dancer and deserved to be a Finalist. 4 days til we see Laura back for the Final

You've got a good chance of making some money I reckon Sarah

There was a poster on the tennis thread that always put a bet on whoever played her favourite. It's a win win either way . I would prefer to lose the money, as long as it's not that much

BIB - Same here, happily lose. I thought I will place a bet and jinx them or make money.

Normally the horses I pick never finish, let's see how this turns out.
It's fairly big, but will be worth it.

I had a feeling that Giovanni was going to be announced as the winner!

http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/strictl...pro-challenge/

https://twitter.com/Bellelondontown/...96780933197824

Good morning all


Thanks Fatskia I am happy for him, but I haven't watched ITT since Laura left,
so I didn't see it. Giovanni loves the Jive, I guess no surprises there.

Laura and Giovanni in the Mannequin Challenge - starring Katya!

https://twitter.com/Mr_NJones/status/809103590430273536

Laura did a little radio interview today on the subject of Strictly with Marian Finucane of RTE - live from hair and makeup at Elstree.

http://www.rte.ie/radio1/marian-finucane/

If you scroll down, you can see a link to the 7 minute clip.

She talks about overtraining causing her injury, life in the Strictly bubble, how close the contestants are this year, Ed Balls Ed Balls singing , the group dance, Len Goodman, and a bit about her play.

Apparently her physio session this week was the last one and she recovered and is fit and well again.

Thanks for the links.

I haven't watched the show, so I haven't seen Laura. Hope everyone enjoyed the final.
I am happy Ore won. I don't know how everyone danced, will comment on that later.
Happy that I lost the bet.

Going to be busy next week.

Wish all of you a very happy X'mas, enjoy life and stay safe.

So disappointed with the result

Sorry about your bet Sarah

Wish everyone a Merry Christmas, been lovely chatting on the thread

Hi Hugh I haven't seen the show, but I was firmly on the anyone but .... , so I am happy. The lost bet is worth it. I have only watched the ending, when they announced the winner, Danny was the first person to run and congratulate Ore and Jo.

I am assuming you were supporting Danny, I also would have liked him to win, but
I am sure he will do well. He is an amazing dancer. Be happy that we avoided the worst case scenario.

https://twitter.com/laylatango/statu...68226610106368

Laura has posted a lovely photo of the wrap party.

Laura got her wish!

She said she hoped Ore would win, so she could say she lost the dance-off to the winner!

Thanks Issfan


Hi Fatskia True, I think she can say that.

DM and Mirror are quoting Laura's Snapchat covering Len's farewell, anyone seen it??.

https://twitter.com/updatesstrictly/...56747312197634

Vote for your favourite Laura/Gio dance

Who left too soon?

https://twitter.com/updatesstrictly/...96993923571712

Good morning all

Thanks for the links Issfan I will vote later.

Ochre Busy celebrating with Jo??. I am happy for Jo and Ore. I still think Laura would have smashed it. May not have won it, but given a good run.

Have a lovely week.