Strictly Come Dancing Series 5 - Saturday 22nd December - Matt and Alesha battle it out in the FINAL!

Finally the moment had arrived! The reason for all the tension, all the hard work, all the time… the FINAL! Tonight one couple would be going home with the winning trophy for Strictly Come Dancing 2007!

Both dancers had to perform one of their ballroom dances which they had previously danced. Matt and Flavia opened the show with their American Smooth which proved a big success the first time round. Len claimed that he had a lovely hold and his movement was beautiful, despite a few minor footwork errors. They were given straight 9s, leaving them with a total of 36. Alesha and Matt performed their Waltz next. Bruno exclaimed: “It sends shivers down my spine!” And Craig added that it must be catchy as he also had goosebumps! They were awarded three 10s and a 9 from Len! < (Someone must have annoyed him!)

After this, viewers were treated to a visit from the first 6 dancers that had left the competition along with their partners: Brian, Stephanie, Willie, Gabby, Dom and Penny. They each performed one of their routines from the show - (slighty edited!)

The finalists then had to dance one of their Latin dances from the series so far. Matt performed his unforgettable Salsa! All judges praised him and Len commented that it was an improvement on the amazing performance last time. They received a 9 and three 10s, giving them a total of 39. Alesha and Matt performed their Cha Cha Cha next and Len told her: “When people ask me who the best female celebrity we have had on Strictly is I used to say ‘Jill Halfpenny!’ … But from now on: Alesha Dixon!” They were awarded 38 points, a 9, 9, 10 and 10.

The last 5 dancers who had left the competition (Kate, Kelly, Kenny, Letitia and Gethin) then performed one of their dances. It was good to see Kelly back again and dancing beautifully with Brendan!

The next task for the finalists was to dance, one after another, to a piece of music chosen by the judges. Matt and Flavia had chosen to dance a quickstep to it and Alesha and Matt, a jive. Of course the judges were very fair and awarded them both equal marks: 35.

This left Alesha and Matt with a total of 112 and Matt and Flavia, just two points behind on: 110. That was the end of the first show, however the results show also brings us two long-awaited dances. The SHOWDANCE! Don’t forget to watch the second programme at 9:25pm.

Meanwhile, join in the discussion on our forum. All welcome! 

Visit the Strictly Come Dancing Forum!