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Strictly Come Dancing It Takes Two Season 23 Episode 60
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00:00:00Hey!
00:00:05Hey!
00:00:10Ho!
00:00:12Ho!
00:00:14Ho!
00:00:16Ho!
00:00:18Ho!
00:00:20Ho!
00:00:22Ho!
00:00:24Ho!
00:00:26Ho!
00:00:28Ho!
00:00:30Ho!
00:00:32Ho!
00:00:34Ho!
00:00:36Ho!
00:00:38Welcome to our last day takes of the series, live on BBC2 and I'm Laura.
00:00:42Yes, over 13 extraordinary weeks, we've seen 125 couples' dances light up the Strictly Ballroom.
00:00:49We've shared the nerves, breakthroughs and magic.
00:00:52And now, as the 23rd series draws to a close, it all comes down to one final night,
00:00:58three last dances and one last chance to give everything.
00:01:02Yes, that is right.
00:01:04In just 24 hours and 29 minutes,
00:01:08our remaining three couples will step onto the floor for the biggest night of the competition,
00:01:13all with one dream in mind, to lift the glitter ball trophy.
00:01:17Whoa!
00:01:18And of course, it wouldn't be a final without these fabulous faces.
00:01:22It's your Strictly Come Dancing finalists!
00:01:25Yeah!
00:01:26Karen George and Amber, they're here tonight with their pros to talk about those pre-final butterflies
00:01:31and what it would truly mean to be crowned the Strictly Come Dancing champions of 2025.
00:01:36And it may be the final, but of course, we couldn't resist one last Friday panel.
00:01:41Joining us to share their thoughts on our Strictly finalists,
00:01:44it's Dilly Carter, Jenny Ryan and reigning Strictly champ Chris McCausland.
00:01:50But let's not forget, this series wouldn't be complete without the rest of the class of 2025.
00:01:55Here's Tasha Guri catching up with some familiar faces in the ballroom.
00:01:58And first up, she's joined by Vicky, Lavoie and Alex.
00:02:03It's so great to see you all again.
00:02:05How does it feel to be back in your dancing shoes?
00:02:07Well...
00:02:09None of us are in adults.
00:02:10Trainers and an orthopaedic boot, but it's...
00:02:12No, it's lovely to be back.
00:02:13To be back all together is heaven. It's lovely.
00:02:15I have to ask, are the sparkles coming back?
00:02:17Yes, I'm saving the sparkles for the finale.
00:02:19You are not getting sparkles now, unfortunately.
00:02:21You've got to build these things up.
00:02:23Of course you do.
00:02:24He's in the glamour.
00:02:25And Vicky, you've formed a really close bond with the finalists.
00:02:28How does it feel to see them all together in the final?
00:02:30Honestly, I wouldn't want to be the person who has to make a decision
00:02:35because they're all so incredible and they're all so deserving.
00:02:38I've obviously got a bit of a soft spot for George.
00:02:41I have.
00:02:42I'm not calling any favourites, but it sounds like I just did there.
00:02:47Subtle.
00:02:48Subtle.
00:02:49They're all great.
00:02:50I love girls.
00:02:51I love Emma.
00:02:52You had an amazing journey.
00:02:53You did the amazing tango.
00:02:54Your coppice choice was iconic.
00:02:55What was your favourite moment?
00:02:57You're so sweet.
00:02:58Honestly, I think I speak for all of her when I say,
00:03:00every time you get on that dance floor, it's just amazing, isn't it?
00:03:03But yeah, I think for me, the tango was incredible.
00:03:06It was so good.
00:03:07Top of the leaderboard was a moment I never thought it would be mine
00:03:10and something I'll remember forever.
00:03:12Yeah, you should.
00:03:13It was amazing.
00:03:14Thank you, beautiful.
00:03:15And it was Taylor Swift.
00:03:16Yeah, we love it.
00:03:17I was 50.
00:03:18Yes.
00:03:19And New Holland fans.
00:03:20Absolutely.
00:03:21New Holland you are.
00:03:22And you've given us such amazing moments.
00:03:25You're a pigeon lady.
00:03:27You're a pig pony.
00:03:28Pigeon lady.
00:03:29I have to bring it up.
00:03:30I'm doing this official title, but we'll go with that.
00:03:32What was your favourite performance?
00:03:34My, I think it was Passo.
00:03:36For me, it was the Passo.
00:03:37For me, that was a turning point when the fear would dial down just a little bit, not completely gone.
00:03:42And you suddenly go, oh, actually, when you feel like you've really nailed it and you're with your partner, it can be good fun.
00:03:46Yeah.
00:03:47And that was a nice turning point for me.
00:03:48And you loved it, didn't you?
00:03:49I so loved it.
00:03:50And it was interesting because you had it the week after and you hated it, didn't you?
00:03:53Yeah, I know.
00:03:54I really did.
00:03:55But you also, you looked so amazing.
00:03:56Yeah.
00:03:57The costume.
00:03:58It was.
00:03:59Of course, it was Halloween week, wasn't it?
00:04:00Yeah.
00:04:01Gosh.
00:04:02We started this in the summer and now it's Christmas decorations.
00:04:04Isn't it?
00:04:05Well, I heard for the grapevine, you're closing.
00:04:07It takes two tonight.
00:04:08Can you tell us a little bit more information?
00:04:10I am.
00:04:11I am performing my Christmas number one hit.
00:04:13Woo-hoo!
00:04:14Magic of Christmas.
00:04:15I'm not a Taylor Swift fan because she knocked me off the number one.
00:04:17Well, I knocked her off for about 30 seconds.
00:04:19But I've got the screenshot.
00:04:20It's proof.
00:04:21And I'm featuring some pros.
00:04:23We've got Neil, Kai and Aliash doing something they said they'd never done for anyone else
00:04:28on Strictly ever before.
00:04:29It's camp as Christmas.
00:04:30Oh, I love camp as Christmas.
00:04:31Well, we're all very excited to see.
00:04:32I'm sure it's going to be extra Christmassy.
00:04:34Yes.
00:04:35And Alex, how's it been reunited with Jojo?
00:04:38Oh, my gosh.
00:04:39It's just, oh, it's amazing.
00:04:41I just, seeing his face and his smile and giving me a big hug and, oh, I'm super excited
00:04:48to be back with Jojo again.
00:04:49And we have to talk about your husband.
00:04:50Yes.
00:04:51He's been doing salsa lessons in secret so he can dance with you.
00:04:54Yes, he has.
00:04:55He's been taking salsa lessons and he just finished yesterday his final lesson.
00:04:59And so, yes, he's going to take me in the kitchen.
00:05:03Take me in the kitchen?
00:05:04I mean, he's going to take me for a spin in the kitchen.
00:05:07Perfect.
00:05:08Perfect.
00:05:09Take me for a spin.
00:05:10Clarity is always helpful, I find, in these situations.
00:05:12I look forward to seeing the salsa.
00:05:14The salsa.
00:05:15The salsa.
00:05:16The salsa.
00:05:17We want to see the salsa.
00:05:18Thank you so much for chatting to me.
00:05:19Back over to you in the studio.
00:05:22All right.
00:05:23Thanks, Tasha.
00:05:24Looking forward to seeing that kitchen salsa, I'll say.
00:05:27Now, for George, joining Strictly Life meant swapping content creation for choreography,
00:05:32stepping well outside his comfort zone.
00:05:34But with Alexis by his side, that first daunting step quickly turned into a journey of growth,
00:05:39laughs and plenty of hip action.
00:05:41Before I chat to them, let's remind ourselves of George and Alexis' journey.
00:05:45I just love a challenge.
00:05:47I want to look back in 20, 30 years and be like, oh, that was cool that I did that.
00:05:52It's both our first times.
00:05:54We're in the same boat.
00:05:55I don't know if we're in the same boat.
00:05:56You can dance.
00:05:57For someone that has never danced, you have amazing potential.
00:06:03Could we be looking at a front runner here?
00:06:07I think you really just have to sort of channel the whole meaning behind Strictly that is just let go of everything and just fully embrace it.
00:06:18When we saw you at the beginning, you know, you look kind of reserved.
00:06:23You have come out of your shell.
00:06:25I just want him to fully embody that taking charge attitude.
00:06:30No, we just started.
00:06:32I'm hoping I end up being a tango boy.
00:06:35You are actually leading the dance, even in the mistakes you recovered.
00:06:40You're really impressing me.
00:06:42Oh, what? No, I want you to kick your bum. Oh, one.
00:06:46It turns out the jive's quite hard.
00:06:48Don't growl.
00:06:50I've seen this whole process as a sort of challenge for myself.
00:06:53So when I can't do something, it starts to get to me a little bit.
00:06:58George cares so much, and that's why he's getting frustrated.
00:07:03I think you need to work on your consistency.
00:07:07Really concentrate when you're on the dance floor.
00:07:09It just went a little bit like, oh.
00:07:12We ended up at the bottom of the leaderboard.
00:07:14I am disappointed.
00:07:16Just hoping to sort of put things right this week.
00:07:19I don't think you realise just how good you are.
00:07:23I need you to believe in your soul that you can go far in this competition.
00:07:27Oh!
00:07:29Hello!
00:07:30Hey, guys!
00:07:31You're making yourself proud.
00:07:32You're making your friends and family proud.
00:07:33You guys are going to kill it, I'm sure of it.
00:07:35Thank you, man.
00:07:36I think George can go all the way.
00:07:38And I know deep down he knows that he can as well.
00:07:40You want to feel that you believe in you.
00:07:44We need to feel this.
00:07:46And this is much more like it.
00:07:48I loved it.
00:07:49Well done, you.
00:07:50My mum's going to be there on the night.
00:07:54Unfortunately, recently she got diagnosed with cancer.
00:07:57I tell her all the time about her lover.
00:07:59There's one thing telling someone and then I guess this is more showing it.
00:08:04So to give her this is special.
00:08:05Sometimes it's about the music, the feeling, and the message, and you delivered it with
00:08:18all of you.
00:08:19I will leave you home.
00:08:21Alexis is my hype man.
00:08:23So when I don't believe in myself, I think she always does.
00:08:27I'm so proud of you.
00:08:29George and Alexis, Blackpool 2025.
00:08:32Here we go.
00:08:33I will leave you home.
00:08:36And you, George, that's your best dance so far.
00:08:39Those lifts were absolutely incredible.
00:08:42You are the true star.
00:08:44Like I'm definitely seeing him grow and it's really special to watch.
00:08:57You are controlling the dance.
00:08:59The dance is not controlling you anymore.
00:09:01This is the George I really love.
00:09:05At the beginning, I thought he does not care and you proved me completely wrong.
00:09:12This choreography was not easy and you danced beautifully.
00:09:17This dance was the best of you.
00:09:20Well done.
00:09:21James!
00:09:25It means the absolute world for me to have made it to the final.
00:09:29George has been the most incredible partner.
00:09:32And he is a dancer now.
00:09:34So that for me, it just makes me such a proud teacher and proud friend.
00:09:38My main thing throughout has been battling myself.
00:09:44Up until very recently, I'd never had a lot of confidence.
00:09:48I've realized what's the worst that can happen when someone sees you're trying your best.
00:09:53And that's not something that's taught in a ballroom Aladdin textbook.
00:09:57Please welcome Team Walkie, George and Alexis.
00:10:04We're emotional already.
00:10:06We're emotional already.
00:10:07It's been 13 weeks since you stepped out into the ballroom floor.
00:10:12How do you feel when you compare George then to George now?
00:10:16I mean, it's very different.
00:10:18I mean, watching that back there, that was...
00:10:20That was quite a tough idea.
00:10:22I think I was very...
00:10:25I mean, Alexis said it before.
00:10:26I was very hesitant with everything I did.
00:10:28I thought I was giving it everything because I was trying my best.
00:10:32But I think it was...
00:10:35I was changing things in terms of technique.
00:10:39I wasn't changing things in terms of internally.
00:10:41Like, I need to give it more.
00:10:43I need to just believe and go for it.
00:10:45And I think you saw then in that sort of switch happened after the cha-cha and the Viennese waltz.
00:10:51And since then, I've really loved every week.
00:10:55And I think the main change wasn't anything that I applied in the changing room.
00:11:01It was just more just changing room.
00:11:04Changing rooms?
00:11:05I mean, yes.
00:11:06The red plucker coat.
00:11:07Yes.
00:11:08Yeah, looser trousers.
00:11:10No, it was...
00:11:11Listen, since you found the confidence, you've been unstoppable.
00:11:14Unstoppable.
00:11:15Yeah, no.
00:11:16It was more just in my head, I think.
00:11:18Yeah, yeah.
00:11:19Yeah, I think that's something I'll take outside of the sort of ballroom and the changing room.
00:11:24Yes.
00:11:25Out of all the rooms.
00:11:26Alexis, your first year as a Strictly Professional and you're in the final.
00:11:29How does that feel?
00:11:30Oh, yeah.
00:11:32It feels wild.
00:11:34Unbelievable.
00:11:35Just an absolute dream.
00:11:37I cannot believe it, but I feel so incredibly grateful, honored, just overwhelmed with just so much love and gratitude.
00:11:46It's been the best experience.
00:11:48Yeah, what a ride.
00:11:49Let's move on to your dances.
00:11:51So, you've chosen to repeat your week two Paso.
00:11:53You said the last time you did it was when dance felt fresh.
00:11:56Yeah.
00:11:57Doing it out on the ballroom floor today.
00:11:59How does it feel now?
00:12:00It was weird.
00:12:01It was like taking a step back in time, because it was so long ago.
00:12:04It felt like a bit of nostalgia, which is weird, considering it's literally the same series.
00:12:12But it was really just quite nice, because I remember learning those steps then.
00:12:19As I said, it did feel so fresh.
00:12:21And I remember really struggling with a lot of it.
00:12:25But it feels much more natural.
00:12:28And I wasn't aware I was changing much out there.
00:12:31I was like, I'm doing the steps.
00:12:32What else do I need to do?
00:12:33And you were like, you've kind of done it.
00:12:35Yeah, you're like, it's within.
00:12:37Yeah.
00:12:38You found it, man.
00:12:39You found whatever that thing is.
00:12:40Yeah, for sure.
00:12:41And the judges have called George a ballroom boy in the past.
00:12:44And they've chosen your Viennese Waltz for the final.
00:12:47Now, George has grown in confidence so much.
00:12:49And what has it been like doing this dance with him now, with this George?
00:12:53It's amazing, because when we did the Viennese Waltz, that was when a big shift in George's approach and how he saw himself and how he tackled trials changed.
00:13:04And so even dancing it today, it just was just as magical as the first.
00:13:10And it's amazing to see him elevated.
00:13:12And I feel like he's taking every step with more confidence and drive.
00:13:16And it's really beautiful to be a part of.
00:13:19Yes, and onto your show dance, the final routine you've learned on Strictly.
00:13:23What went through your mind rehearsing it on the ballroom floor?
00:13:26I don't know.
00:13:28It was...
00:13:29I've tried not to think of it as, like, our last, well, our last new dance.
00:13:34But it's been really special just learning it, because I think it's much more personal than a lot of the other dancers that we've done.
00:13:44It really does feel like it carries that weight of the journey.
00:13:50And I'm really happy with it, yeah.
00:13:53Well, we have seen your confidence blossom and grow throughout the series, and the people closest to you have seen that too.
00:13:59Here's what they've made of your Strictly experience.
00:14:02George is such a special, special person.
00:14:07He was this shy, nervous little boy in the corner.
00:14:13And it's just so nice to see him blossom into this confident, funny, happy boy that he is now.
00:14:21What I admire about him the most is he is just always 100% himself.
00:14:27Seeing my little Georgie coming down the stairs, it was absolutely incredible.
00:14:33You sit back and think about it, and you still can't believe it's him doing it.
00:14:37I think it's given us all something to look forward to in quite a tricky end of our year.
00:14:42As the experience has gone on, George has definitely become more open and let his emotions out.
00:14:51In the rumba that he honoured Mum with, he was vulnerable.
00:14:56I'm just so, so unbelievably proud of him.
00:14:59It's been lovely watching him embrace it each week and just grow and grow in confidence.
00:15:05He's just learnt that he is enough.
00:15:08That's all you could ever want to see as a big sister.
00:15:11I think he just now feels that actually he can conquer anything.
00:15:16Good luck, George and Alexis. Have fun. Enjoy it. You've got this.
00:15:21Just go for it. We're all behind you.
00:15:23Put your everything into it, and I know you will absolutely smash it.
00:15:28You've made it through 12 weeks with great scores, zero dance-offs.
00:15:38What would it mean to you to lift that glitter ball trophy?
00:15:41I don't think we've... Sorry.
00:15:44I don't think we've really thought about it.
00:15:49I've tried not to this week as well, just because I feel like that's why we've enjoyed the process so much,
00:15:56because we've been so present and... Sorry, this is awful for me.
00:16:01It's fine.
00:16:02Because we've been so present and just sort of focused on each week,
00:16:06I've really enjoyed that.
00:16:09So it would be incredible to lift the glitter ball trophy.
00:16:14It feels... I've got like insane amounts of imposter syndrome just coming this far.
00:16:19But I think no matter if we go home with the glitter ball or not,
00:16:23it won't be sort of like a week of celebration afterwards,
00:16:27because I think Sunday and especially Monday will hit incredibly hard,
00:16:31just not going into the...
00:16:33Well, let's not even think about that right now, OK?
00:16:35Have the best time tomorrow. Enjoy every single minute of it.
00:16:39It's George and Alexis, everybody.
00:16:41Over to you, Jeanette.
00:16:46Thanks, Fleur.
00:16:47It's back to Tasha, who caught up with three celebs whose tricky journeys were short but sweet.
00:16:52They're now back in the ballroom to perform one final dance.
00:16:55It's Stefan, Chris and Ross.
00:16:58Hi, boys. Lovely to meet you for the first time.
00:17:01You too.
00:17:02How does it feel to be back all together on the ballroom floor?
00:17:04Well, I'm so surprised that I got a buy-in to the final,
00:17:07which is great, which is why I'm sweating,
00:17:09because, I mean, the competition is fierce.
00:17:11For me to come in at the final stage, that's making it a little bit hard for us.
00:17:16But it's great to be back with my old pal, Steffi, who I've known for so many years,
00:17:20and my new pal, Chris, because we're one big team, aren't we?
00:17:22Yes, the band's back together.
00:17:24The band's back together.
00:17:25And, Stefan, how does it feel to be back with your fellow Aussie, Diane?
00:17:28Oh, absolutely brilliant.
00:17:29You know, for two reasons.
00:17:30One, because I just adore her and she's such a great teacher
00:17:33and becomes such a good friend.
00:17:35But also, she's so more pregnant.
00:17:37The bump's growing, isn't it?
00:17:39Yeah.
00:17:40And, you know, you left sadly due to an injury.
00:17:42Is there one dance you would have loved to have done?
00:17:45Actually, there's two.
00:17:46I would love to have done the tango, but the one, my favourite, I think,
00:17:50that I wanted to do was the Paso Doble.
00:17:52Why is that?
00:17:53Why the Paso?
00:17:54Just because it's so tight.
00:17:56I want to say a manly dance, but you can't say that, can you?
00:17:59It's just a strong, yeah, it's a strong dance.
00:18:02Give us a sign.
00:18:03Give us a sign.
00:18:04And Chris, after you sorted your way out of week four,
00:18:10you know, what did you really enjoy about the whole experience?
00:18:13You know what?
00:18:14You met a load of people from different walks of life
00:18:16and we never would have met.
00:18:17But it was also having that kind of shared feel of going on the dance floor
00:18:20and challenging yourself and the camaraderie between everyone.
00:18:24Like some of us, we've been at a while.
00:18:26But now we've come back and it's like nothing's changed.
00:18:28So we've had a laugh.
00:18:29We get to dance again for the group number.
00:18:31No pressure.
00:18:32Everyone's relaxed.
00:18:33Whereas normally we're all a little bit tense on Friday and Saturday.
00:18:36But no, it's great to see everyone again.
00:18:38A little bit different when we did the launch show, isn't it?
00:18:40He's taller.
00:18:41He's got taller.
00:18:42It's the posture.
00:18:44Jojo posture.
00:18:45Oh, yeah.
00:18:46Of course.
00:18:47He's got great posture.
00:18:48You know, throughout the competition,
00:18:49you really see this element of team spirit.
00:18:51The former England rugby captain.
00:18:53What do you make of seeing that?
00:18:54You know, it's that fear.
00:18:56It's that fear.
00:18:57It's the unknown, the uncomfortable, but also the joy.
00:19:00This show brings so much happiness to people.
00:19:02And I'm sure you guys have both witnessed it and experienced it.
00:19:05You walk to a local coffee shop and kids or parents are talking about the show and how much happiness it brings them.
00:19:11And it's been an honour to be part of it.
00:19:13It's so magical, isn't it?
00:19:15And Ross, you know, it's been 10 weeks since you did the competition.
00:19:18It was last year.
00:19:19I wouldn't say I've been out for a long time, but the security stopped me trying to get into the studio and said,
00:19:23Sorry, who are you?
00:19:24What are you doing here?
00:19:25When I said I'm coming into dance, I went, no, you're not.
00:19:28How excited are you to be back though?
00:19:30I am so excited again to see Jovita, my unbelievably brilliant partner.
00:19:35She's just absolutely everything.
00:19:37It's like as if we've never been away.
00:19:39I loved every single element of the show.
00:19:43No regrets, no complaints whatsoever.
00:19:45And just to show you how much I love this show.
00:19:47This is so exciting.
00:19:49I have actually bought my shirt that I did my first, my cha-cha in.
00:19:53Look at that.
00:19:54Look at that.
00:19:55I actually bought it today from wardrobe.
00:19:57So this is going back to L.A. with me.
00:19:59So there we are.
00:20:00My memory.
00:20:01That's lovely.
00:20:02You won't look at a place at all.
00:20:04And you get to keep that forever though, which is super, super special.
00:20:07Absolutely.
00:20:08And the memories I will keep forever.
00:20:10And again, just with you, Vita, what we went through, it was just such a beautiful time.
00:20:15Well, thank you so much for chatting with me, boys.
00:20:17Looking forward to group number tomorrow.
00:20:18Take it all in.
00:20:19It's the final time.
00:20:20Dance away.
00:20:21It's going to be fun.
00:20:22Thank you so much.
00:20:23Back over to you in the studio.
00:20:24Next up, it wouldn't be a Friday show without this lot to give all their praise for this
00:20:31year's finalists.
00:20:32From one last time, it's our Friday panel.
00:20:35First up, he's our reigning champ and a BAFTA winner.
00:20:40Here to give all his advice to our finalists before he hands over the title.
00:20:44It's Chris McCausland.
00:20:45She's a presenter, author and professional organizer ready to help us sort through all the fine
00:20:52details ahead of the big finale.
00:20:54It's Dilly Carter.
00:20:55And finally, Rudolph is very busy currently, but there's no need to fear.
00:21:01The vixen is here.
00:21:03The chase for the glitter ball is on.
00:21:05It's Jenny Ryan.
00:21:06Hello, hello.
00:21:08I know.
00:21:09Chris.
00:21:10Did she send you a red nose?
00:21:12Makeup covers that.
00:21:13I know.
00:21:14Thank God for the makeup team, Chris.
00:21:16Thank God.
00:21:17But Chris, it's been a year since you lifted the glitter ball trophy.
00:21:20You know what they're all feeling right now.
00:21:2224 is in the lead up to the final.
00:21:24What emotions are you feeling?
00:21:25I literally just cried at the drop of a hat all week.
00:21:28I found it quite emotional.
00:21:30But when you get to the final, I think you just get to the point where you go,
00:21:33I'm just going to enjoy it.
00:21:34I'm just going to enjoy it because you can't be sent home.
00:21:37You've completed it.
00:21:38You've done it now.
00:21:39Yeah, so just enjoy it and have a laugh.
00:21:42And if you have a laugh, it'll look good on the telly, won't it?
00:21:44Yeah, exactly.
00:21:46And Dilly is strictly a staple in your household.
00:21:48Yes.
00:21:49What are you going to do with your Saturday night is done?
00:21:50Will you watch it all again?
00:21:51Yes.
00:21:52On BBC iPlayer.
00:21:53Yes.
00:21:54Yeah, I know.
00:21:55Watch it all again.
00:21:56Why not?
00:21:57Exactly.
00:21:58I mean, it's been so emotional.
00:21:59It's been such a roller coaster.
00:22:00We were just saying, hasn't it?
00:22:01It's just been incredible this series.
00:22:02Yeah.
00:22:03So I'm going to miss it.
00:22:04I know.
00:22:05And Jenny, 13 weeks later, here we are in the final.
00:22:07I mean, what have you loved the most about the series?
00:22:10It's been quite risky, hasn't it?
00:22:11Yes.
00:22:12It's been a bit deadly.
00:22:13We've had injuries.
00:22:14We've had, you know, people with bi-weeks.
00:22:16Are they going to make it to the final?
00:22:17So who knows what's going to happen tomorrow?
00:22:20If a lift goes wrong, we're all here.
00:22:23Don't say that.
00:22:24Don't say that.
00:22:25Good luck, good luck, good luck.
00:22:26If a lift goes wrong, they'll use the stairs.
00:22:28Yay!
00:22:29All right, let's talk about our finalists.
00:22:31We're going to start with Amber and Nikita.
00:22:33You can't help yourself, Chris.
00:22:34Yeah.
00:22:35But, Dilly, your favourite dance of Amber and Nikita
00:22:37was the Charleston that they did for Musicals Week.
00:22:39Oh, gosh.
00:22:40Why was it one of your favourites?
00:22:41Because musicals, I'm obsessed with musical theatre.
00:22:43Yes.
00:22:44So seeing them on Musical Week, I was crying, literally.
00:22:47I thought, oh, my God.
00:22:48I think it was the standout performance of the series.
00:22:50Yes.
00:22:51Amber is just mesmerising.
00:22:53She really is.
00:22:54She really is mesmerising.
00:22:55I just think she's just, everything she does is insanely good
00:22:58and I just can't keep my eyes off her.
00:23:00I know.
00:23:01I'm so pleased she's in the final.
00:23:02And, Jenny, they've chosen their jive to come back and do again.
00:23:05Now, it was a perfect score the first time around.
00:23:07So what do they need to do to Tina turn it up?
00:23:10Oh, can you?
00:23:11You're welcome, everyone.
00:23:13What do they need to do tomorrow night, though?
00:23:15Can they make perfection even better?
00:23:17They will have to pray to Saint Tina for just an extra little bit
00:23:20of sparkle because it was incredible.
00:23:23I was out of my seat dancing watching that at home.
00:23:26Me too.
00:23:27It was so full of joy and it felt like you were invited to the party.
00:23:31So just more of the same mesmer.
00:23:32Just bring us to the party.
00:23:33Just bring us to the party.
00:23:34Yeah.
00:23:35But, Chris, three dancers they need to rehearse this week.
00:23:38How did you and Diane allocate time this week in the final week
00:23:41for three numbers?
00:23:42It's hard because, like, you lot, when you're making the show,
00:23:45you've got to do this, you've got to do the three VTs,
00:23:49you've got to do an interview for them.
00:23:51You're like, do you realise we've got dancers to learn here?
00:23:53Is this show about dancing or is it about talking about dancing?
00:23:57You know what, Chris?
00:23:59Just don't make it easy.
00:24:00No, but I forgot how much you love to moan.
00:24:03It's nice to have you back.
00:24:05It's nice to have you back.
00:24:07All right, let me pick this up.
00:24:09Let's keep it calm.
00:24:11All right, let's go now to George and Alexis.
00:24:13We just had a lovely chat with them now.
00:24:14But, Chris, George and Alexis are going to be doing their Paso Doble.
00:24:18That's the one they've picked to do again in the final.
00:24:20This surely is a good dance to show George's fighting spirit, right?
00:24:23I mean, listen, speaking as the world's foremost expert on dancing,
00:24:27which is why I'm here, I can tell you with authority
00:24:31that Paso Doble is a load of nonsense.
00:24:33Who would pick that to do again?
00:24:35It's not dancing.
00:24:37It's like some kind of amateur dramatics kind of...
00:24:40But, Chris, it's a fighting dance.
00:24:42It is, but it's not dancing, is it?
00:24:44Okay, right.
00:24:45Well, let's say a lot of people would disagree,
00:24:48but we're going to go with it anyway.
00:24:50But, Jenny, George's dances that stood out for you
00:24:52was a salsa that he did in Blackpool.
00:24:54Yes.
00:24:55What was it about Blackpool? Why that one?
00:24:56I think this was the moment when we saw a little bit more
00:24:59of the real George.
00:25:00Like, he let go.
00:25:02He's been very well placed.
00:25:04He's learned all the steps and it's been very precise.
00:25:06But this just looked like fun, fun, fun.
00:25:08And he was selling it.
00:25:10Yes.
00:25:11All the way.
00:25:12Really joyful.
00:25:13It was a little hip moment as well.
00:25:14Oh, he's having fun with that one.
00:25:15All right.
00:25:16Let's now talk about Karen and Carlos.
00:25:18Dilly, Karen and Carlos started this competition
00:25:20by topping the leaderboard on week one.
00:25:23Did you ever imagine that she was going to be in the final?
00:25:25I don't think anyone ever imagined what her journey has been.
00:25:28I feel like she is the epitome of what Strictly is about.
00:25:31She is what we love about Strictly.
00:25:33Her growth, her journey from where she started to where she is now.
00:25:37Gliding across the dance floor with elegance, with grace.
00:25:40She, I just absolutely am so in love with her.
00:25:44She's had such a journey as well.
00:25:46And the loveliest, loveliest, loveliest person ever.
00:25:48But Chris, she used to be your neighbour.
00:25:49How fun is that?
00:25:50I mean, this is going to do wonders for the house prices where we live.
00:25:54If she can get that glitter ball.
00:25:56Because we met during lockdown, we had the same communal garden
00:25:59and she lives around the corner.
00:26:01But listen, I mean, Karen's an amazing fan.
00:26:03But you really enjoyed the Paso Doble that she did in Blackpool.
00:26:05Do you know what?
00:26:06Like, I've taken the mickey out of the Paso Doble
00:26:07because I struggled to learn it.
00:26:09Yeah.
00:26:10You know, I really struggled with that one myself.
00:26:11She did a wonderful Paso.
00:26:13You know, everyone was talking about it.
00:26:15But it's the problem with having a wonderful Blackpool.
00:26:18Yes.
00:26:19Is that you can't recreate those dances in the final.
00:26:21Like, I loved Our American Smooth.
00:26:23But you need the extra dancers to recreate into the same.
00:26:27No, you just need the magic of Blackpool, I think.
00:26:29Yeah.
00:26:30So it's kind of like it's a one-time deal, isn't it, Blackpool?
00:26:32Yeah, it really is.
00:26:33Chris, before you go, and be nice, okay?
00:26:36I'm being nice.
00:26:37How are you feeling about releasing the title of Strictly Come Dancing Champion?
00:26:42Do you know what?
00:26:43I'm feeling good about it, yeah.
00:26:46I feel good, you know.
00:26:47Doesn't sound good.
00:26:48Because, you know, it'll still live long, you know.
00:26:53I've still got the glitter ball at home.
00:26:55And I'm feeling good about it, you know.
00:26:57Yeah.
00:26:58You can't keep on with it forever, can you?
00:26:59No, we can't.
00:27:00We have to move on, Chris.
00:27:01But you know what?
00:27:02You gave us some good memories.
00:27:03Yes, exactly.
00:27:04You have been fabulous.
00:27:05Thank you so much for joining us for our last Friday panel.
00:27:07Can you believe it?
00:27:08Let's hear it for Chris, Dilley and Jenny.
00:27:11Oh, I've missed Chris.
00:27:14Back over to you, Fleur.
00:27:16Thanks, Jeannette.
00:27:17Now, one Wednesday evening, this celeb picked up the phone and took a leap into the unknown.
00:27:22And just 48 hours later, was thrown head first into a glittering whirlwind Strictly adventure.
00:27:27They've topped leaderboards, broken records and built a friendship that will last a lifetime.
00:27:32Let's take a look at Amber and Nikita's Strictly journey.
00:27:35I think this is a very unique way to start a Strictly journey, but I feel like I can do it.
00:27:42Are you ready?
00:27:43I'm ready.
00:27:44Welcome to the show.
00:27:45I didn't think this was going to be my Saturday night.
00:27:48This is a dynamite package and I can't wait to see what you guys are bringing.
00:27:57The fact that I've gone from a fan to a contestant in a night's sleep is the best feeling in the world.
00:28:04I loved, loved, loved that.
00:28:15You had fluidity throughout and that six o'clock punchy, darling, was Oscar winning.
00:28:21Teaching Amber to dance is really, really rewarding.
00:28:27I love spending time with her.
00:28:31She's working so hard every week.
00:28:36The more emotionally invested we get and the harder we work, the more you don't want it to slip through your fingers.
00:28:44I just want a little bit more ooze and fluidity and flexibility.
00:28:48So a little bit stuck for me.
00:28:50Being in the dance-off was one of the worst feelings I felt.
00:28:58It reminds you that this experience can end so quickly.
00:29:03I'm going to embrace every single second of it.
00:29:08Your movement across the floor is exquisite, it's big and it's bold.
00:29:12I loved it.
00:29:14I love being here.
00:29:15I'm besotted with the whole experience and I need to have fun.
00:29:20There's nothing to say after that.
00:29:24That was absolutely spectacular.
00:29:28Ten!
00:29:29Ten!
00:29:31You are the ten!
00:29:34Amber, she's improving week by week.
00:29:36She's slowly becoming ballroom and Latin queen.
00:29:41The drama in that was absolutely magnificent.
00:29:43I thought it was brilliant.
00:29:45To have made it this far is a dream come true.
00:29:53Nikita is so confident that I can be the best version of myself every single week.
00:30:02To see her shine every single week, to see her come out of her shell, I'm really, really proud of her.
00:30:07Your performing is outstanding. Your footwork was outstanding. You were sensational.
00:30:13It's just one of the most incredible feelings.
00:30:27I don't think I've ever been as fulfilled than being on Strictly.
00:30:32You, Amber, are an absolute star in every sense of the word.
00:30:40Time!
00:30:42We did it!
00:30:45It doesn't matter where you are on the leaderboard.
00:30:52Me and Nikita got a 40, but we were in the dance off.
00:30:56I hit every single emotion possible.
00:31:01It's every little girl's dream to make it to the Strictly Come Dancing final.
00:31:06It's been so incredible and yet so tough all at the same time.
00:31:12I didn't think Strictly would come into my life and it has been a blessing.
00:31:19Nikita has brought the best version of me to the surface and it has just given me such a boost of confidence.
00:31:29To see her progress each week, to see her smile, to see her enjoy her time on the dance floor, it's been the best reward in the world.
00:31:40It's honestly been the greatest few months of my life and I'll never ever forget them.
00:31:49This finalist, Amber and Nikita, the tissues are already out. We're just starting, honestly.
00:32:01Oh my goodness, I wasn't expecting that.
00:32:04Well, the start of your Strictly experience was slightly different to the other finalists.
00:32:08Yeah, madness.
00:32:09If you could rewind to day one, what would you say to yourself?
00:32:13You're going to have the best experience of your life.
00:32:15Go for it. Go for it. You're going to meet an incredible human and you're going to have the best experience of your life.
00:32:22Yes. We touched on this a little on Tuesday showing Nikita, but this is your second time in the final.
00:32:27How does it compare though, given the unique start of your journey with Amber?
00:32:32I never really compare. Do you want another one?
00:32:34No, I'm good. Thank you guys. No more tears. No more tears.
00:32:38I don't believe you for a second. Why do you think I have them here next to me instead of down there?
00:32:43No, I don't compare nothing at all. I think it's a completely different experience.
00:32:50I think with Amber, we kind of just took...
00:32:54I don't know if by experience, by being on the show already since quite some time,
00:32:59but I really tried to apply to us the rule of just taking one week at a time.
00:33:03Yeah. And I feel like we generally lift every single week because everything came as a surprise.
00:33:10And we sort of cherish that one week as it's the last one every single week.
00:33:14Yes. Well, let's talk about tomorrow night. You've both chosen to repeat your week 10 jive, your first 40.
00:33:18Yeah. You wanted to bring the positive vibes to this start. How did it feel rehearsing at the ballroom again today?
00:33:25A little bit easier, honestly.
00:33:27OK. Because when we did it in week 10, I had a bit of a cold. I couldn't breathe through my nose. Do you remember?
00:33:32Yeah, I do. So I actually had full lungs and full nostrils today.
00:33:36Oh, that's a good sign. Positive. It was really positive. Positive experience.
00:33:41You love talking about your nostrils, don't you?
00:33:44It was lovely. We were having loads of fun, weren't we?
00:33:47I'm still thinking about your nostrils.
00:33:50Moving on from the nostrils. The judges have picked your week 8 Paso Doble.
00:33:54Yeah. After having the chance to refine it, how confident are you that this is going to be a dream on Saturday night?
00:34:01We love the dance, don't we? Yeah, we do. We love the drama. We love the drama.
00:34:05It's a complete different energy than our other two dances, which is nice because we can tap into, like, a different us, you know?
00:34:13So we can give a bit of everything.
00:34:16Well, finally a show dance, which you'll be performing to Rain On Me, Lady Gaga, Ariana Granite. Great song.
00:34:21I know. What do you want one of your last performances on the ballroom floor to say?
00:34:27Oh, for me, it's, I don't want it to say anything. I want us to be present and have fun.
00:34:34I want us to put ourselves in the bubble, go for it. Whatever happens, if we go wrong, we go wrong.
00:34:40If we miss a lift, we miss a lift. I just want it to be me and this incredible man on that dance floor having a ball.
00:34:47I love that. Amid the noise, the support of those closest to you has never wavered through the highs and the lows.
00:34:54No. They've been right there and here's what they have to say.
00:34:57Oh, gosh! Dishes coming.
00:34:59Amber as a person is just the most amazing girl.
00:35:04She's full of life, she's full of fun.
00:35:07As a child, she grew up always performing.
00:35:12I don't think she can believe herself she's on Strictly.
00:35:16As the competition's gone on, she's definitely grown in confidence.
00:35:22She gets better and better every week and I just love it.
00:35:27She's made my life worth living.
00:35:29I look at her on that dance floor and I cannot believe that she's mine.
00:35:36She's really surprised me in how strong she has been the whole time.
00:35:42Amber always takes everything in her stride.
00:35:46She deals with it as it pops up and she just amazes me. She really does.
00:35:51Amber and Nikita's partnership is a beautiful one.
00:35:53The first time I met him and I just said,
00:35:57listen, Nikita, thank you for looking after my daughter.
00:36:00Gosh.
00:36:02You know, I know she's in safe hands with you.
00:36:06Whatever happens, we're so very proud of her.
00:36:10Amber and Nikita, we're wishing you all the luck in the world for the final.
00:36:15We are so unbelievably proud of you.
00:36:18I hope you go and smash it and enjoy every moment.
00:36:20I love you, darling.
00:36:23I hope it all goes well for you.
00:36:28Thank you so much.
00:36:31I can't.
00:36:33Honestly, thank you so much for giving me that gift, honestly.
00:36:36We're all losing it.
00:36:38Earlier this week you said you didn't want your Strictly experience to end.
00:36:42Why do you think it's meant so much to you?
00:36:44I think I have learned so much about myself.
00:36:48Like mentally and I've learnt how to be in control of my body and my mind.
00:36:59It's brought so much happiness and joy into my life, into my family's life, into my partner's life.
00:37:05And I've met you and your incredible family and your girlfriend and it's just, honestly, I will never have a moment like this in my life again.
00:37:17So tomorrow I just want to enjoy every single second of it.
00:37:20What do you think it would mean to be crowned?
00:37:232025 champ.
00:37:24I mean, it would be lovely to lift the glitter ball trophy, but it's so much more to me than that.
00:37:30I never thought I'd do Strictly in my lifetime.
00:37:32And this has been a joy and I feel so honoured to have been able to take part in this experience.
00:37:39Well, we wish you all the best for tomorrow night.
00:37:42I can't believe we've still got tissues left.
00:37:43For one last time, Amber and Nikita.
00:37:47Thank you, everybody.
00:37:49Over to you, Jeanette.
00:37:51Thanks, Fleur.
00:37:52It's time to catch up with Tasha once again, who's joined by another three from our fabulous Strictly class of 2025.
00:37:59It's Ellie, Jimmy and Harry.
00:38:01Hi, guys, let's kick things off with exciting news.
00:38:04You will be joining the Strictly tour.
00:38:06Yay!
00:38:08How excited are you to be doing the Strictly tour?
00:38:10I'm so excited to be doing my couple of stories and myself on the tour.
00:38:15We love a couple of stories.
00:38:16It's amazing.
00:38:17So, like, golden and baby flies and pink nails, again, maybe.
00:38:22Yes!
00:38:24Can't wait, and I'm going to be giving all ten, beginning knots off for fun.
00:38:29Yeah, no going to home on a tour.
00:38:32It's all fun and all good.
00:38:34But I think on tour is such a privilege.
00:38:37And Ellie, happy birthday for yesterday.
00:38:39You know, Team Cheeky have been doing amazing dances on social media every week.
00:38:42It's been so beautiful to see.
00:38:44How does it feel to be back in the ballroom?
00:38:46It was quite great to be back in the ballroom.
00:38:50But to be fair, it's quite good.
00:38:52And I've been with Harry and Jimmy.
00:38:56Everyone, like, is equal.
00:38:58I've been with Vito.
00:38:59Oh, my.
00:39:00Best guy in the world.
00:39:02Got a good pairingship.
00:39:04Got a partnership.
00:39:05I don't want this to end.
00:39:06You have a beautiful partnership and you've had amazing performances.
00:39:09Yeah.
00:39:10What was your favourite one, Ellie?
00:39:11So, Tango for Halloween Week was a lovely series for Halloween Week.
00:39:16I like the charming one and I think I like my drive.
00:39:21Yeah, the drive was amazing.
00:39:23Yeah, it was great.
00:39:24And you know, Jimmy, we have a fellow professional athlete in the final.
00:39:28How does it feel to see Kaz doing her thing in there?
00:39:31Well, absolutely amazing.
00:39:33And she's doing absolutely amazing.
00:39:36We stayed in touch, hearing their text messages, powering her on.
00:39:41Very proud of her.
00:39:43Obviously, I knew her from before.
00:39:46We have worked together.
00:39:48So, for me to see her in the final, yes, well done.
00:39:52And have Hassel Banks been keeping up with the series?
00:39:54Of course.
00:39:55Of course.
00:39:56We have watched every week, every programme.
00:40:02If I could not make it at home, they taped it and they didn't watch it.
00:40:06They waited until I was home.
00:40:09So, we watch it together.
00:40:10So, that's what we do.
00:40:12So, yeah, stayed in touch.
00:40:14Nothing better than family time, right?
00:40:16Exactly, exactly.
00:40:17And Stuckley has always been in our family, so we kept it going.
00:40:21And Harry, I have to ask you, are we going to be seeing hip action tomorrow night?
00:40:25Are we going to be seeing the hips?
00:40:27It's there.
00:40:28It's there.
00:40:29It's there.
00:40:30Only a little bit.
00:40:31Only a little bit.
00:40:32I can see it.
00:40:33You've still got it.
00:40:34Have you still been doing dances with your daughter ever since?
00:40:36Oh, gosh.
00:40:37I've been dancing so much more with my daughter.
00:40:38You'd think that I'll dance more with my daughter than Karen, but we've loved it.
00:40:42We genuinely appreciate everything Stuckley has given us and it carries on, you know?
00:40:46That's beautiful to see.
00:40:47And thank you so much for chatting to me.
00:40:49Enjoy it tomorrow.
00:40:50Go out there, dance away.
00:40:51Back to you in the studio.
00:40:52Thank you so much, Tasha.
00:40:55Now, Karen and Carlos entered the competition with a bang, storming to the top of the leaderboard
00:41:01in week one.
00:41:02And with that early victory, everyone wondered, could this lioness keep it up?
00:41:06But with Carlos as her perfect teammate, these two tackled every challenge head on and danced
00:41:12their way into the final.
00:41:13Let's take a look at Karen and Carlos' Strictly journey.
00:41:17I want to live and breathe every single moment of this, however uncomfortable I might feel.
00:41:24Oh, dear!
00:41:25My goal is for Karen to transform from Caterpillar into Butterfly.
00:41:31In all the years of my being on this show, I have never seen a female dancer be able to do that.
00:41:36I don't think I've ever seen myself that happy since I played.
00:41:43Look, I get emotional.
00:41:48I would describe myself as shy and not confident.
00:41:51But this is why I was doing Strictly, to put myself out there.
00:41:55This week I could feel the nerves with everything that you did.
00:41:59Oh!
00:42:03Ha!
00:42:04Yes!
00:42:05Carlos is really supportive, really encouraging.
00:42:07Surf to wait, I want to see that.
00:42:08Yes!
00:42:11It was spiky.
00:42:12You have fantastic potential.
00:42:14I don't want you to lose faith in that.
00:42:17Walk, walk, nice!
00:42:18Seeing how much she's pushing herself, her commitment is everything.
00:42:24There was a little bit of gapping, but some of the footwork here was much, much better.
00:42:28Well done.
00:42:31I realise I love dancing on that dance floor.
00:42:34Every week I learn more about myself.
00:42:37I love the leg action that you use.
00:42:39That's really difficult to get.
00:42:41You just need to be more confident and let your body go.
00:42:46Beautiful.
00:42:47I'm really looking forward for the judges to see that Karen is improving.
00:42:52I've worked relentlessly hard.
00:42:54We've got to nail the performance.
00:42:58Tonight you've gone.
00:42:59I'm back, everybody.
00:43:00This was extraordinarily good.
00:43:05I think I've started to grow in confidence and show a different side to people at home away from football.
00:43:16You just have this type of energy that is contagious.
00:43:20Tense!
00:43:21Birthdays are dreaming.
00:43:24One, two, three, one, two, nice!
00:43:26Learning to dance with Carlos has been an absolute joy.
00:43:29You need a lot more expression in your arms and hands, but you know, I just adore this partnership.
00:43:41You have no idea how hard you've been working this week.
00:43:44I do not have a pedal that can express how good that dance was.
00:43:51No one will dance better than that.
00:43:52You are wonderful!
00:43:53You are wonderful!
00:43:54You are wonderful!
00:44:00Strictly's made me not have to wear like an arm.
00:44:03It's helped my confidence so much.
00:44:05I can be my true authentic self.
00:44:08I'm on top of the world.
00:44:11I love a strong woman.
00:44:12I mean, we watched you develop from the beginning of the competition.
00:44:15You are a superstar.
00:44:16Hey!
00:44:17It is your first ever 40 for both of you.
00:44:21Thank you so much!
00:44:27You are quite the force to be reckoned with, in my opinion.
00:44:30I don't know life without dancing anymore.
00:44:34You got out there and you thought, I'm giving everything I'm capable of.
00:44:39Dang!
00:44:44I never thought you could do that quality, that sensitivity.
00:44:47This is your journey.
00:44:52Oh, darling.
00:44:54Oh, thank you for being everything.
00:44:56Hello!
00:44:59My Strictly experience has been...
00:45:04Life-changing.
00:45:11She never took anything for granted.
00:45:12I am really, really proud of Karen.
00:45:16Carlos, it's made me believe in myself, is my dream partner.
00:45:20We will always be there for each other.
00:45:25And being you, Karen Khan, is enough.
00:45:35It's Karen and Carlos.
00:45:37Karen, you said it there in the video we just watched.
00:45:39You joined Strictly for your confidence.
00:45:41Yeah.
00:45:42So what has this experience given you, and how has it changed the way that you see yourself?
00:45:46I mean, that's emotional, wasn't it?
00:45:49I think Strictly has given me joy.
00:45:52It's given me so much happiness.
00:45:56I beam every single day.
00:45:58I've got teammates that I haven't had for six, seven years.
00:46:02And I walk into It Takes Two Strictly to the training rooms, everything.
00:46:07And with this guy, I feel like I've got a team.
00:46:10And I'm so grateful for that.
00:46:13Like, I can't articulate that enough.
00:46:16Oh, my gosh.
00:46:17And Carlos, you have been in this position before.
00:46:20What have you taken from your past experience and carried through to this time around?
00:46:23I mean, that was my first year, actually.
00:46:24I didn't know much about the show.
00:46:25I just know how to come in and give everything.
00:46:26I was a bit of self-centered.
00:46:27I was, like, I was strict as a teacher.
00:46:28And Molly, she was incredible as my first partner.
00:46:29But this time, I've learned so much about being a human because of this woman.
00:46:32And to be a team player and to be a grounded person and to be a better person and to grow
00:46:40out and help each other, ups and downs, has the biggest lesson I've learned through this journey.
00:47:00Yeah.
00:47:01And when you look back to week one, how has this partnership changed and evolved through the last few weeks?
00:47:06I think, like, just with him, he's my partner.
00:47:11And, you know, we were two people that never met.
00:47:14And maybe we would never have connected.
00:47:17And I have got to know and grow and to love and to adore this human.
00:47:22And, dancings aside, like, I can talk to him about anything, connect to him.
00:47:27We can have long chats.
00:47:28We can, you know, we chat in the car and I know he's desperate to sleep and I just want to talk to him.
00:47:32But he's such a special person and he's tried to build my confidence.
00:47:38And in that he said, ah, Karen Carney's enough.
00:47:41But I've said a lot to him this week, being Carlos Gu is enough.
00:47:45Because it's a team and, you know, he's had his struggles and it's not easy being away from home.
00:47:50And I've learned so much about him as a human being.
00:47:53And he's enough.
00:47:54And we are a team.
00:47:56And we stick together through thick and thin.
00:47:58And we have developed over the course as a team.
00:48:01Oh, there's tissues here, Carlos.
00:48:03We know what you like.
00:48:04Come here, baby.
00:48:05We got you.
00:48:06That's the most important thing.
00:48:07But, right, let's talk about your dances that you're going to be doing tomorrow.
00:48:09Because you've got some good ones coming up.
00:48:11We're going to start with the jive.
00:48:12Now, the first time around, Karen, you needed to bounce a ball.
00:48:15Yes.
00:48:16Because you were that nervous about it.
00:48:17Yeah, yeah, yeah.
00:48:18Are you a bit calmer the second time around?
00:48:19No.
00:48:20No, okay.
00:48:21No.
00:48:22I did it again today in the...
00:48:24Because, I mean, I don't know how many people that are fortunate to get to the final would ever pick their first dance.
00:48:30It was 13 weeks ago.
00:48:32And, you know, it's trying to remember it and to try and do, you know, three dances.
00:48:37So, I'm a little bit nervous about it.
00:48:39But we'll just give it everything.
00:48:40Well, you just keep bouncing that ball.
00:48:41You'll be fine.
00:48:42You'll be fine.
00:48:43Exactly.
00:48:44But now, let's go to the judges pick.
00:48:45They picked your Argentine tango.
00:48:46Carlos, you scored a 38 the first time around.
00:48:49After rehearsing it today in the floor, how confident are you about 10s across the board?
00:48:54I mean, to be really frankly, Karen, she did do so much better this time than with six.
00:48:59I was so proud.
00:49:00Good.
00:49:01And she implied some techniques that she learned along the way.
00:49:04And in the past 12 weeks, she's been danced.
00:49:07Yeah.
00:49:08And she did so well.
00:49:09And she was so calming too.
00:49:10Mm-hmm.
00:49:11And to be able to do an Argentine tango in such calm energy is a gift.
00:49:15So, I'm very positive.
00:49:16Yeah.
00:49:17Nice.
00:49:18Good.
00:49:19And now the show dance.
00:49:20Now, you said to me earlier in the week that this felt like a full circle moment for you, this number.
00:49:24So, when you rehearsed it earlier today in the studio, did you feel like, oh my gosh, look how far we've come?
00:49:29What thoughts came to mind?
00:49:30Um, don't get it wrong.
00:49:32Um, but no, like, I love it.
00:49:35I love the track.
00:49:36The choreography again is from Jake, who we absolutely adore.
00:49:39And it's just an upbeat song.
00:49:40And I just think it's perfect for us.
00:49:42We just go after it, go get it, enjoy it, smile.
00:49:45Yes.
00:49:46A celebration.
00:49:47A celebration.
00:49:48Speaking of go get it, you've traded the pitch for the ballroom and you have really pushed yourself.
00:49:52And those that have been really close to you have seen it too.
00:49:55So, here's what they've made of your Strictly journey.
00:50:00Karen is a very shy young lady.
00:50:02She's very sweet.
00:50:04So, for myself and mom to watch her go out there and to perform the way she has, for me, it's incredible.
00:50:09And I'm really, really proud of her.
00:50:12When she was in my class, she was just a very kind, sharing person.
00:50:19She's someone that I reach out to regularly to ask advice.
00:50:21She's just a great part of the family and another person you can rely on.
00:50:27When we first saw Karen come out, we had no idea how good the dance was going to be.
00:50:32And she was absolutely amazing.
00:50:35She just reminded me of that little six-year-old girl, full of enthusiasm but anxious at the same time.
00:50:40One of the standout dances for me was Karen's couple's choice.
00:50:45For her to say that was for me, it was so sweet and especially at the end when she blew me a kiss and gave me the heart.
00:50:52That was quite emotional for me.
00:50:54Every part of this has changed her personally and professionally as well.
00:51:00She's just such a positive role model.
00:51:05We're so proud of you and you're going to make us even prouder.
00:51:08Bring us back another trophy, Karen.
00:51:10Keep doing what you've done all series and go and enjoy it.
00:51:13You've got this!
00:51:14I'm really, really so proud of you.
00:51:20I'm proud to be your mum.
00:51:23I can't say any more, sorry.
00:51:25What are you trying to do to us?
00:51:29I know.
00:51:30The Caz win tomorrow and you will be the first footballer ever to lift the glitter ball trophy.
00:51:38What would that mean to you?
00:51:40Um, I don't know if I'm honest.
00:51:43Honestly, hand on my heart, I feel like I've already won, like, forever.
00:51:47Honestly, like, this experience, I'll tell you enough, I'm a fan.
00:51:51I've sat on the sofa and watched it at home.
00:51:53To be here now is more than enough for me, honestly.
00:51:56And like you said before, you are enough.
00:51:59Carlos, how proud are you of Karen and what she's achieved?
00:52:02She's going to be in the final, could possibly win.
00:52:05I mean, how far she's come.
00:52:08We all witnessed her journey.
00:52:11She's become a woman.
00:52:12She is now with confidence and she can dance!
00:52:15She can dance!
00:52:17But also for me and Karen, yeah.
00:52:19We can't wait to watch you perform three dances.
00:52:21Good luck, you're going to be amazing.
00:52:23Let's hear it though for one final time.
00:52:25For Karen and Carlos.
00:52:28All right, Fleur, back to you.
00:52:30Thanks, Jeanette.
00:52:31Still to come, we'll be closing the series in festive style
00:52:33with a song from La Voix.
00:52:35But before that, time for one last visit to the ballroom with Tasha.
00:52:38She's with our final two celebs of the night, Valvinda and Lewis.
00:52:42Hi, you two.
00:52:43It's been a while since we've seen you both.
00:52:45How's life been since Strictly?
00:52:47I've had a nice...
00:52:48Well, I've had two weeks.
00:52:50I haven't had any time, actually.
00:52:51Well, I've had a couple of days.
00:52:52A couple of days.
00:52:53Yeah, yeah.
00:52:54It's been all right, but I did miss it.
00:52:55I did want to come back on a Monday and just be like, hi!
00:52:59It does feel weird after being so full on for like months and months and months to then stopping.
00:53:04But it's quite nice being back now.
00:53:05Yeah, yeah.
00:53:06And yeah, ready to do the last little show.
00:53:08Well, on that note, Val, you know, what's it been like reuniting with everybody on the dance floor?
00:53:13Ah, it's been wicked.
00:53:14It's just taken me right back to the beginning.
00:53:16But then we've had this whole lifetime of experience and we've all come back as better dancers.
00:53:22You know, and it just feels, it feels really wonderful to just finish it off in that way.
00:53:28I think it would have been really harsh if we didn't have this moment together just to sign it off, I think.
00:53:33Yeah.
00:53:34Yeah, it's a nice way to end it.
00:53:35Absolutely.
00:53:36Strictly family coming back together for one last time.
00:53:38And Lewis, will your family be watching the final on Saturday night?
00:53:41Yeah, so we're obviously doing a big group routine as well.
00:53:43So they'll still get together and they'll watch it and they'll celebrate it because it's been a big part of their lives as well for the last couple of months.
00:53:49And with the big family, I have to ask you, are you doing a secret Santa or have you bought everybody presents?
00:53:55Well, there's about 50 of us.
00:53:57So we do do a secret Santa.
00:53:59Yeah, it's just a lot easier.
00:54:00We can't be doing that many presents.
00:54:02It does sound a lot easier.
00:54:03Yeah.
00:54:04And with the group number, is there anything you can give us a little tease, what to expect?
00:54:08I think you'll see a little bit of everything that we've experienced on our journey.
00:54:13So we're going to give you a nice variety and it's going to be obviously quite banging and in your face.
00:54:20We look forward to seeing it tomorrow night.
00:54:22Thank you for chatting to me and go out there and just enjoy it one last time.
00:54:25Thanks very much.
00:54:26Back over to you in the studio.
00:54:28And just like that, we're nearly at the end of the show.
00:54:33And it's fair to say this series has taken us on a real emotional rollercoaster.
00:54:37There have been a few tears, but plenty of joy and a lot of laughter, especially here on It Takes Two.
00:54:42So let's rewind and enjoy some of our most memorable moments.
00:54:47Welcome to It Takes Two!
00:54:49Pirogras.
00:54:50Glitterballs, anyone? Anybody want some glitterballs?
00:54:53So it's hot and some food.
00:54:55It's so...
00:54:56That looks fantastic.
00:54:58Straight home to bed with it.
00:54:59You winked at Craig.
00:55:01Twice?
00:55:02Yeah.
00:55:03I didn't know that.
00:55:04No, no.
00:55:05Scrap.
00:55:06Scrap.
00:55:07Don't care about the dance, darling.
00:55:09I want more jokes.
00:55:10Oh, gosh, I don't know if any of it's appropriate for the baby.
00:55:13No!
00:55:14No!
00:55:15Cut the music.
00:55:16You'll never take a freedom!
00:55:19In the house of Madrid.
00:55:21Pinky Gill, everybody.
00:55:24Whoa!
00:55:25Well, as an expert in the south side.
00:55:27We're wearing that tomorrow.
00:55:30My Friday panel.
00:55:32Do you have any tips for Ban?
00:55:33Yeah, watch me.
00:55:34You know, because I'm an expert.
00:55:35You're asking me like I know about dancing.
00:55:37The winner of the pro challenge...
00:55:40It's Nia!
00:55:41It's Nia!
00:55:42It's incredible when the leads cast correctly.
00:55:44We are going to slay this.
00:55:45I am going to lie.
00:55:46I nicked the hat.
00:55:47Are you like a very spicy chicken?
00:55:48Hip bump?
00:55:49Mm-mm.
00:55:50Will it fit with my hand?
00:55:51I'm relaxing.
00:55:52Chill there in your pleated beige.
00:55:53I'm not leaving.
00:55:54I'm not.
00:55:55I want to draw.
00:55:56I got stuck in an air vent.
00:55:57It's a lot of story.
00:55:58This is all so much fun.
00:55:59Ooh, straight in with that.
00:56:00Excuse me, that was mine.
00:56:01I'm going to miss it so much.
00:56:02What a series it has been.
00:56:03Wow, can you believe it?
00:56:04It's gone in a flash.
00:56:05If you want the job done right.
00:56:06It takes two.
00:56:07Thank you so much to all our guests this series and all of you for watching our show every
00:56:28weeknight.
00:56:29And of course, thanks to these guys, our 2025 finalists.
00:56:32We wish you the best of luck.
00:56:35Well, the Australia grand final is on BBC One tomorrow night at 7 o'clock.
00:56:38Now to get us all well and truly in the Christmas spirit with her song, The Magic of Christmas,
00:56:43here's Lavoie with the help of a few mischievous elves.
00:56:46Goodnight.
00:56:47We did it.
00:56:48Snow is falling down.
00:57:03Gather round.
00:57:04I got something very special.
00:57:05It's true.
00:57:06Stand is on its way.
00:57:07Honestly.
00:57:08Santa's on his way, on his sleigh
00:57:11Bringing every kind of present for you
00:57:15Just hear those old familiar sleigh bells ring in the night
00:57:21It's the most wonderful time, oh side by side
00:57:28For the lights are guiding us home
00:57:31Oh, the family knows where to go
00:57:35Little house all covered in snow
00:57:38Cause when you hear that knock on the door
00:57:42It's the magic of Christmas
00:57:44Hitting especially onto the tree
00:57:53Everything to make your dreams all come true
00:57:57Get a kiss below the mistletoe
00:58:00Gonna celebrate the season with you
00:58:04Now hear those old familiar carol singers outside
00:58:10Throw the door open and we'll bring them inside
00:58:16For the lights are guiding us home
00:58:21Oh, the family knows where to go
00:58:24Little house all covered in snow
00:58:28Cause when you hear that knock on the door
00:58:31It's the magic of special moments so bright
00:58:35Singing carols throughout the night
00:58:38All the stars are shining so bright
00:58:42Cause when you hear that knock on the door
00:58:45It's the magic of Christmas
00:58:47It's the magic of Christmas
00:58:49It's the magic of Christmas
00:58:50We're gonna dress the Mr. Snowman up
00:58:53We're gonna style him with Christmas cheer
00:58:56I wanna see the magic reindeer fly
00:59:00Cause Santa's on his way
00:59:02It's the time of the year, yeah
00:59:04Lights are guiding us home
00:59:07Family knows where to go
00:59:10House covered in snow
00:59:13House covered in snow
00:59:14Cause when you hear that knock on the door
00:59:17It's the magic of special moments so bright
00:59:21Singing carols throughout the night
00:59:24All the stars are shining so bright
00:59:28Cause when you hear that knock on the door
00:59:31There's something quite special for sure
00:59:35When you hear that knock on the door
00:59:39It's the magic of Christmas
00:59:42Would you please send the celebrities in?
01:00:01I'm sorry
01:00:02I'm sorry
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