3:57PM, Dec 19, 2008
With shocks, strops and scandals galore, this has been the most memorable series of Strictly in years.
But when it came to choosing this year's winner one man's moves put him in front to become Strictly champ 2008.
Tom's A Champ
Following last week's voting fiasco, Tom Chambers was favourite to win Strictly Come Dancing 2008, and he partner Camilla Dallerup finally realised their dream.
After Lisa and Brendan were the first couple to be out of the running, it left Rachel and Vincent to face off against Tom and Camilla in their final fling around the floor.
The public had the final say, and the winning couple were in floods and all smiles as they lifted the trophy before performing their final dance amongst their colleagues.
But it was a stormy run up to the final showdown...
Following last week's voting fiasco Tom and Camilla were faves to win the show, but it seems the backlash has upset the dance duo after some fans called or them to walk out.
A show insider told The Mirror: "Things have turned sour for Tom since [last] Saturday. He and Camilla wanted to get through properly, not be given a free ride. They feel they could have won a dance-off.
"Camilla is really upset and has been crying. She doesn't want anyone to think they have cheated in any way."
It looks like the pair will have to pull themselves together and work hard to hang on to the top spot. Rachel Stevens is planning a racy rumba to make sure she gets the viewers' vote.
"It's very physical, which was quite disconcerting at the beginning," Rachel admitted to The Sun. "But now it's fine, by far my favourite dance. I'm looking forward to doing it again."
Meanwhile, Lisa Snowdon insists she's feeling confident about Saturday night's performances, and 'Queen Of Mean' Arlene Phillips gives her good reason to. The judge told The Sun that Lisa had improved the most and was most likable.
Rachel's Setback
Rumours that Rachel Stevens needed emergency surgery after falling in training have been disputed by show representatives.
Reports suggested that the singer was having to undergo emergency surgery, but a Strictly spokesperson described the claims as "simply untrue".
"Like all other contestants, Rachel is suffering from aches and pains due to the intense rehearsals," said the representative last night. "She does have a slight problem with her back and is taking painkillers and physio - not surgery or other medical treatment."
Rachel herself is concentrating on the final. "It's been an incredible experience," she told The Sun. "I would absolutely love to win.
"To come this far and to be crowned champion with Vincent, who I love, would be amazing - the best Christmas present ever."
Robbie's Christmas Come Dancing Wish
Former Take That star Robbie Williams has made a surprising confession.
The singer revealed that he'd be tempted to let loose on the dance floor, but (rather embarrassingly) there was a bit of confusion about the name of the show.
Robbie wrote on his official website: "You can expect me on Celebrity Come Dancing towards the end of the summer next year." Err, sorry to point this out Rob - but are you sure you've got the right show?
A Brucie Bonus
We're big fans of Bruce Forsyth, so we're pleased to see him stand up for himself after the tabloid press have blasted him for a few gaffes.
The TV veteran told Heat: "Watch any live newsreader and they're always making mistakes - but if they do, it's fine. If I make a mistake it's headline news and that is not fair.
"We all watch sanitised TV - TV that is recorded. If anyone makes a mistake, they re-record it. I don't have that luxury - I'm working live.
"I'd like to get some of these people who criticise to do an hour-and-a-half live auto cue every Saturday and see how they get on," he continued.
"They have picked on me and that's why I have my new catch phrase, 'I am not doddery, doddery I am not!'"
Good on you Brucie, Strictly wouldn't be the same without you.
Find out when Strictly Come Dancing is showing on TV.
