Strictly judges reveal verdicts on remaining celebs as Tess Daly opens up on show’s most unpredictable final ever

AS Strictly’s first ever blind contestant, Chris McCausland   had  already won a place in the show’s history books.

But thanks to his incredible progress on the dancefloor he looks almost certain to lift the Glitterball Trophy tonight.

The comedian is partnered by Dianne Buswell.

He has endeared himself to viewers with his wise-cracking, self-deprecating humour, despite never topping the leaderboard and scoring a full ten just twice, trailing behind his competition Tasha Ghouri, Sarah Hadland and JB Gill.

Ex-Love Islander Tasha, 26, could become the BBC One dance contest’s top-scoring contestant if she hits a score of 115 out of 120, outranking the previous best performer, Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts, in 2018.

JLS singer JB, 38, could make the all-time top 20 if he achieves three perfect 40s, while Miranda star Sarah, 53, might make the top 30 if she gets 114 out of 120.

But even with a perfect 120, Chris could only make the top 80.

Despite all that, the 47-year-old Liverpudlian funnyman waltzes into tonight’s spectacular as the overwhelming favourite, with odds of 1/33.

And the show’s dance experts are in no way surprised.

Chris would not be the first to triumph after making less of a dent on the leaderboard.

Cricketer Darren Gough’s personality-packed journey helped him beat athlete Colin Jackson in 2005.

BBC Breakfast’s Chris Hollins won over Ricky Whittle in 2009. Then in 2020, viewers embraced comic Bill Bailey over the more-adept HRVY and Maisie Smith.

Judge Craig Revel Horwood said: “I am so pleased Chris McCausland got through to the final. I think all four finalists are worthy winners.

“You don’t have to be the best dancer to win, you just have to get the audience on your side.

“When it gets to the final, 100 per cent of the vote comes from them. The final this year is going to be so rewarding, dance-wise, as they are all great, so it’s all very exciting.”

Head judge Shirley Ballas added: “The cast have been truly wonderful and the dancing has been off the chart.”

Motsi Mabuse said: “All of our finalists have brought something so unique to the competition and it’s been a joy to watch them grow. It’s going to be a tough decision because each finalist brings magic to the dance floor.”

And Anton Du Beke added: “It’s been such a magical series, up there with the best ever.”

The BBC threw everything at it to mark the show’s 20th anniversary, including a new Icons-themed week.

But other contestants also brought a new twist, including opera singer Wynne Evans, who sang to close one dance, while telly medic Dr Punam Krishan performed the show’s first Bollywood routine.

It has not been without its drama too, with Wynne grabbing headlines after his and dance partner Katya Jones’s jokey “grope” incident on camera fell flat.

‘So much fun’

JB’s partner Amy Dowden was forced out of the competition with a foot injury, just months after beating cancer, and was replaced by Lauren Oakley.

But the show is still going strong, and host Claudia Winkleman said: “The cast are simply spectacular and have worked so hard and they do it with real wit and enthusiasm.”

Fellow presenter Tess Daly added: “This series has been full of joy. It’s been emotional at times, but most of all, the dancing’s been phenomenal.

“The partnerships have been so tight — and the secret behind them, I believe, is laughter.

“Our couples have had so much fun this year.

It genuinely feels like this final is going to be unmissable, as it’s just so unpredictable. None of us can guess who’s going to be lifting the trophy. It’s anyone’s game.”

Here Tess, Craig and Shirley give their final feedback on the four finalists ahead of the Strictly Come Dancing live final, tonight at 6pm on BBC One.

• Data with thanks to Strictly Stats, odds from Paddy Power.

Tasha Ghouri

Judges’ Pick: Couple’s Choice to What About Us by P!nk.
Show Dance to Sing, Sing, Sing by Benny Goodman.
Couple’s Favourite Dance: American Smooth to Someone You Loved by Lewis Capaldi.

TESS said: “Tasha has dreamed of being on the show from when she was a little girl.

“And it’s been so lovely to see her live it out and embrace every single moment and every dance with such style and grace.

“She is so balletic and so beautiful to watch, so incredibly talented. Goose pimples every single time.”

Craig said: “I think Tasha is a worthy winner.

“She is an exceptional dancer, she has all the technique to get through the final and I think we’ll see really a truly spectacular show dance from her.”

Shirley said: “From week one, Tasha has been incredible.

“Her work ethic has been second to none and she has shone on the floor, week in, week out. She has become a beautiful ballroom dancer.

“And of course, it has been great to have Aljaz back in the ballroom.”

ODDS: 50/1

Chris McCausland

Judges’ Pick: Couple’s Choice to Instant Karma! (We All Shine On) by John Lennon
Show Dance to You Get What You Give by New Radicals
Couple’s Favourite Dance: Waltz to You’ll Never Walk Alone by Gerry And The Pacemakers

TESS said: “Chris has had us all in stitches, he’s brought tears to our eyes, all within about two minutes.

“I have loved seeing him and Dianne work this whole journey out and they’ve done that with the biggest smiles.

“I am in awe at what Dianne has achieved and I have loved watching Chris fall in love with dancing, having never done it before, from an absolute novice to a brilliant dancer – what an achievement.”

Craig said: “I think Chris has fantastic rhythm and is a joy to watch.

“He has every chance of winning the entire show, I think he’s absolutely brilliant.

“I can’t wait to see Chris and Dianne’s show dance, it’s going to be spectacular.”

Shirley said: “Chris is superhuman, he has improved enormously throughout the competition.

“I don’t know how he has managed to master his routines to the level he has, without being able to see anything.”

ODDS: 1/33

JB Gill

Judges’ Pick: Viennese Waltz to Let’s Go Fly A Kite from Mary Poppins.
Show Dance to a Motown Medley
Couple’s Favourite Dance: Samba to Mas Que Nada by Sergio Mendes.

JUDGE Craig said: “JB has come a long way. He’s really come out of his shell, he’s gained in confidence and he is thrilling and delighting absolutely everyone, audiences and judges alike.

“He got his first 40, which I was really pleased about, which was amazing.

“We haven’t had a salsa get a 40 for six years, so that’s pretty good going.”

Tess added: “What a sweetheart. He has taken everything in his stride.

“He built up all the technique and groundwork with Amy, then received his first perfect 40 with Lauren.

“After every dance, he comes over with the biggest smile on his face and it’s been wonderful to watch him flourish. He is such a brilliant dancer.”

And Shirley said: “JB’s been on a real journey this year and has blossomed into a fabulous dancer.

“He had rhythm coming into the competition and with the help of both Amy and Lauren he is shining brightly.

“A big well done to Lauren for stepping up to the plate midway through.”

ODDS: 16/1

Sarah Hadland

Judge’s Pick: American Smooth to Proud by Heather Small.
Show Dance to Cabaret by Metropole Orkest
Couple’s Favourite Dance: Cha Cha to Like A Prayer by Madonna.

SHIRLEY said: “Sarah entered the competition with no fear. Vito’s had her doing anything and everything – her routines have been fabulous and she has taken each one and made it her own.

“Hats off to Vito for teaching so passionately.”

Tess added: “The dances that Sarah has delivered have been mind-blowing – the jumps and lifts have been jaw-dropping.

“She is so incredibly brave and so fit. I watch her ability with complete awe.”

Craig said: “Sarah is our showbizzy gal, who I think is amazing. I particularly loved her Fosse number – she’s really great at doing all the theatrical stuff where there’s lots of acting and technique as well.”

ODDS: 33/1