Thank you! I had heard about this before. I just thought I was missing something in CarolUK's calculation thread because of the way the last paragraph reads to me, as it doesn't mention about how the public vote was made up ( the 3/5 million bit)!

I had rooted for Colin all the series, and when I saw that dance I was horrified. I just knew that could well mean they wouldn't win. I just couldn't believe it...

Put your fingers in front of your eyes and watch if you dare!

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-_ceoJYufg

Luckily, the clip is really bad quality!!

I'm sorry, i tried to watch it but only managed 33 seconds, shaking my head throughout. It brought back too many bad memories.
I'll try again later.

The bit where they clump on stage with dolls attached does make me snigger every time I watch it, sorry
I would absolutely love to see a really top notch ballroom showdance, if Austin gets to the final it would make sense since his ballroom is stronger than his latin anyway. I've seen some ballroom routines by professionals which create such a lovely atmosphere that I really think that sort of thing could win it for the right contestant.

When I watch the series three final though, something like two million votes were cast between the end of Colin's showdance and the lines closing, so in theory there might have been time for Colin to turn it around if he'd done an amazing showdance and Darren had sucked.

I managed 20 seconds before my stomach started lurching. I've ordered a pizza so it better calm down soon.

it was the first time my dad commented on Strictly, he came in whilst Colin and Erin danced with their dolls and said "oh dear they've blown it!"
it was painful to watch wasnt it!

I daren't watch it, it would make me cry! The stupid thing is instead of being mad with Erin I have spent the last six years being livid with Lilia, for being so loveable that that up himself oaf won!

I felt the same way...I took against Lilia after her win with Darren G for no reason... though the love is returning

Poor Colin and Erin. I rooted for Zoe and Ian that year but when they were knocked out I was so sure Colin would win up until that dance. Like others have said, it's understandable why they did it but you don't quite get the full effect of something until you're watching a minute and a half of it! There was that Strictly Story programme on last year where they raked this dance up, and Colin mentioned how upset Erin was at the judges comments Hope she gets back up there this year! Austin and Erin to win!

I remember Karen saying on ITT last year that after the high splits he did at the end of his quickstep the couldn't wait to see his showdance, then they didn't even dance together.

It's a shame that it's what most people remember Colin for, after some of the great dances he did.