Strictly Come Dancing Xmas Special

The annual sparklefest, with six of the best couples - I still maintain it shouldn't be scored and the audience just choose the winner, but they don't listen! Kicking off with Ricky & Natalie's trademark fabbie quickstep, pure Hollywood glitzy start, full of musicality and fun, dancing to Jingle Bells, with some samba thrown in for good measure - brilliant! Len not keen on that, but as Ricky says "It's Xmas in Brazil as well!" Apparently there were a couple of sticky moments; I was enjoying it too much to notice - their score: 36, Alesha's 10 cancelling Craig's miserly 8. I'd give it 10.

Austin and Erin Paso Doble to Bohemian Rhapsody and there's a lot more content for Austin than in their Series 6 routine and delivered with power and aggression; I loved it, so did the audience - 9's across the board from the judge, even though Craig's comments threatened to turn into a proposal; Len credits the band for a fantastic performance; Austin milks it backstage, lol - total 36 (I can't help wondering what got him 10's from them before but not this time!?)

Ali and Brian Viennese Waltz to Bells Will Be Ringing , which I'd heard today and thought, this would make a lovely VW. It's gorgeous and perfect, full of sparkle. Full score of 40, well deserved. Even better than in the series I think. The nerves not in evidence! Tess has her outfit already for the wedding!

Gethin and Flavia dancing an American Smooth to Baby, It's Cold Outside and it's a lovely routine from Flavia with some awesome, smooth lifts, very enjoyable, he's clearly loving it - nice touch with the 'Merry Xmas' on the waistband - but, much as I loved Gethin back in series 5, he doesn't have quite the rhythmic flair of a Tom or Ricky to deliver the pizazz that choreography required. Well executed, nice routine, but didn't wow me. Score: 38.

Rachel and Vincent dance the rumba to Miss You Most, it still doesn't do much for me, although Rachel is more connected this time around and it's a beautiful song. But I think it's probably the rumba I have a problem with, not being technically trained, I can't appreciate the lines - it's just too still for Christmas! I'm sure the judges will love it - yes, they do score: 39 (Alesha found it a bit posey too!)

Finally, Chris and Ola foxtrot to Santa Baby, and I think even Team Cola would be hard pushed to admit this is their finest - bearing in mind this is only two days after the final, I think we can forgive them for being a little lacklustre! Not sure what the something special was that Ola mentioned in the VT, because nothing that special materialised! There was a highpoint in the brass section in the band that the audience cheered, but it didn't correspond with anything on the dance floor! Score: 33.

I wish they'd gone in the opposite order - I much preferred the first three to the last three! Never mind - here's the Rat Pack with White Christmas, with Darren and Lilia and Flavia and Vincent accompanying. No soppy VT's though (no recap either) the result is immediate - with the vote dissipated amongst them all though, I can't see anyone below third being able to overtake: Ali/Brian and Rachel/Vincent top two: Ali and Brian take it, Yay! Very pleased for them, they deserve it!

And that's Strictly over with for this year! Tickets for the tour are on sale though, with a very strong line up! Can't wait!