Thought there was a slight slip up in the middle, but otherwise a very good performance, will the judges overlook the lift at the end though?

Technically it seemed perfect but have to knock off a mark for the lift so will give them a 9.

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On winning the competition with his professional partner Ola Jordan, Chris said:

‘I’d just love to thank everyone so much especially you two (Ricky and Natalie) you’ve made it a wonderful final, a very wonderful final. I’d love to thank all our family and friends, our loved ones because without you we wouldn’t have been able to do half the training, and I’d also like to thank all our fellow professionals, they are so generous with their time they are absolutely brilliant! And I’ve got to say last, and definitely not least, little Ola chops – thank you so much for believing in me all the way along, I did test you a little bit, the jive and the quickstep come to mind! Thank you so much you lovely little girl.’

Ola Jordan said of lifting the coveted Glitterball trophy: ‘I just want to say you’ve been the best partner, you’ve been a dream to work with – thank you so much because that experience was fantastic for me.’

Runner up Ricky Whittle said of his Strictly experience:

‘I’ve had an absolutely amazing time; I’ve had the time of my life. I want to thank all of our supporters firstly for getting us here and getting this far – we’ve had a great time and the opportunity to dance on the biggest show out there in Great Britain. I’m going to keep dancing. I want to say thank you to a lot of people, my family here at Strictly, everyone back on Hollyoaks who helped us out – the press team, Vicky, Rachel, Lucy, Anne. Natalie (Lowe) who has been absolutely amazing! My Mum and Dad who are here, my friends, my family.’

In the climax to a thrilling seventh series, both couples performed their highest scoring Ballroom and Latin dances plus a group Lindy Hop and a ‘no holds barred’ show dance in a bid to be titled Strictly champion 2009.

There was a special performance by Strictly’s very own Bruce Forsyth and Alesha Dixon, singing a sparkling rendition of ‘Something’s Gotta Give’.

The final also saw the return of many of this series’ eliminated couples who took to the floor one final time, performing their most memorable dance from the show.

In a poignant moment, athlete Jade Johnson who was forced to withdraw from the competition because of injury, returned to the dance floor with her professional partner Ian Waite to dance the Tango – the fateful dance they never got to perform in the live show.

As an added treat, last years finalists, singer Rachel Stevens and model & presenter Lisa Snowden paired up with their professional partners from last series; Brendan Cole and Vincent Simone to dance a Cha Cha/Tango to ‘Sister’s are doin’ it for themselves’ by Aretha Franklin/The Eurhythmics. As one final Brucie bonus Strictly Professional dancers Kristina Rihanoff and Brian Fortuna dazzled the audience with a magnificent Cha Cha Cha to Lady Gaga’s ‘Just dance’.

Strictly Come Dancing returns for a one off festive Christmas special, featuring previous celebrities’ Rachel Stevens, Austin Healey and Gethin Jones plus this year’s semi finalists Ali Bastian, Ricky Whittle and 2009 Strictly Champion Chris Hollins. Tune in BBC One 7.00pm Christmas Day.

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I think it’ll be Chris and Ola due to the phenomenal public support they’ve had over the whole series – and that confirms it.

Congratulations Chris, you’ve definitely been the most entertaining couple (once Ricky Groves left anyway).

I agree with the result, but how about you?

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1. Ricky & Natalie…50…43…48…49…Total 190 points
2. Chris & Ola…46…44…50…46…Total 186 points

A lot closer than I think many people would have predicted, but Chris definitely deserves to be that close to Ricky.

Although Ricky is, on the whole, the better dancer I do think Chris just has the most entertaining personality and I really do think he’ll win this one.

But you’re the public, what do you think, who are you voting for?

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There’s still moments when I wish Ricky would think about his free hand, however I must say a no-hands lift definitely makes up for that.

Shame they were a little bit off balance at the end. Lots of lifts but I actually found Chris’ to be more daring.

I think having a Cha Cha based showdance was a little bit of a cop-out but I can’t fault the dancing, just wish the dance had wowed me a bit better.

Only a 9 I’m afraid Ricky.

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Some of Ricky’s forward locks are really good, and then some appear to have no hip action whatsoever, and he does need to look at those hands.

It still didn’t wow me i’m afraid, but I can’t really fault it too much, will give this a 9.

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1. Ricky & Natalie…50…43…Total 93 points
2. Chris & Ola…46…44…Total 90 points

Not unsurprising that Ricky is top, though Chris is catching up after getting one more point from Dary than Ricky in the Lindyhop.

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Little stumble at the start from Ricky there. Chris does need to keep his head up though.

However Ricky can definitely lift Natalie easily over his head…up until that spin over the head.

Is it my imagination though or are Ricky and Natalie having more individual dance moments in the choreography?

An entertaining routine, shame Ricky very nearly had a disastrous drop.

It’s difficult to compare between the two as Ricky and Natalie’s routine appeared to have more content to it, and Chris did have the odd timing issue.

I’d give Chris and 8 and Ricky a 9 (though I might have to go back and count the on-screen couple-solos for both of them)!

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Looking very good so far. Ricky’s head is very much improved over what i’ve seen in recent weeks, needs to make sure he keeps looking up and doesn’t look at the floor when they’re apart though.

I would say a faultless performance and I’m going to have to say a 10!

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1. 96 points – Ricky & Natalie
2. 92 points – Ali & Brian
3. 80 points – Chris & Ola

Overall a fair reflection I think on the performances though I think there’s less of a gap between the three of them than the 16 points suggests.

However Ricky’s popularity hasn’t been as high as the other two the last couple of weeks, and with no dance-off tonight he could be in for a shock exit!

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