Live blog: Rose competes for the Glitterball in the Strictly Come Dancing final!

Posted on December 18, 2021 by



Tonight, deaf actor Rose Ayling-Ellis takes on the FINAL of Strictly!

Charlie Swinbourne will be live blogging every dance and on the Twitter feed! And Donna Mullings and Rebecca-Anne Withey are back as guest dance judges!

Refresh this blog for regular updates, or follow our Twitter account! Most recent updates posted first – scroll down to go back to the beginning!

21.00 – Here’s our report on Rose’s groundbreaking victory!

Thanks for following us through the last 13 weeks – it’s gone so fast! Not sure what we’ll do on Saturdays from now on.

Well done to Rose and Gio. Thank you to Rebecca and Donna, our deaf judges.

Have a great Christmas and new year, and stay safe, everyone!

20.59 – ROSE WINS!

After 13 weeks and 16 dances, Rose is crowned the winner of Strictly 2021!

Rose says Gio is a wonderful teacher and wonderful friend.  She says he will always have a piece of her heart!

Referring to the silent moment, she adds: ‘lots of the time [deaf people] can make small changes, but I feel we made a big change, and a big change is what the deaf community have been asking for for years.’

Then she lifts the Glitterball!

What did our two Deaf Dance Judges think?

Rebecca-Anne Withey, says: “I feel like I’m joining countless deaf people around the world squealing and clapping in joy as I see Rose crowned the champion of Strictly 2021. Immensely proud and elated for them both. Well done Rose!!!! We knew you could do it!”

Donna Mullings said: “It was the BEST news ever to watch Rose WON! I jumped for joy and shout my heart out from the roof top!!!! Very very proud indeed!!!!!”

Here’s the moment Rose won!

20.53 – There’s a big group dance with many of the celebs from the series, to Take That’s Relight My Fire. Nice to see all the old faces back again. Dan, Rhys, Adam, Sara, Judi!

Then there’s a plug for the Strictly Christmas special. The decision is approaching…

20.45 – The decision is minutes away now. Anyone else feeling nervous? Or is it just us??

There’s now a round-up with all the celebs in…

20.39 – Now a VT about AJ and Kai.

AJ is interviewed and says how heartbroken she is not to be on the dance floor. It’s impossible not to feel for her.

She says she didn’t know their last dance in the semi final would be their last dance. She then thanks everyone for her experience.

She says Kai is the most genius, patient teacher she could have had. And she’d rather this had happened than nothing at all.

20.30 – The scores are in and it’s even stevens.

Both Rose and John have scored 39, 40 and 40 in the three dances.

The judges can’t divide them. Now it’s up to the audience to decide…

20.27 – Baker John Whaite dances with pro dancer Johannes Radebe.

It’s their third dance of the night, and their showdance! It’s to ‘You’ve Got the Love’ by Florence and the Machine.

Charlie says: That was pure joy and energy, with an emotional end. Shirley and Motsi are on their feet, Motsi is in tears!

The judges say: Anton says it was an explosion of a dance and he thinks John is magnificent. Craig says it was terrific – the first time he’s come out and said ‘BAM!’ Motsi, speaking through tears, says he’s changing so many lives with this dance show. Shirley says what a way to end the show, she then thanks everyone to took part this year. They stand up and clap.

Rebecca’s verdict: This was a funky mix up for John and Johannes show dance. So much pizzazz and glamour, highly enjoyable! Will miss seeing these dance. 9

Donna’s verdict: Score: 9

Beautiful beautiful beautiful dance!

Again, I feel every dance they do, always seem to be similarities dance style. I wants to see the random versatile dance but overall they did brilliant!

Judges scores:

Craig Revell-Horwood 10
Motsi Mabuse 10
Shirley Ballas 10
Anton Du Beke 10

Total: 40

(final second dance: 40 | final first dance: 39 | semi final: 39 + 39 | quarter final: 32 | wk 10: 39 | wk 9: 32 | wk 8: 38 |wk 7: 35 | 6: 33 | wk5: 38 | wk 4: 29 | wk 3: 39 | wk 2: 31 | wk 1: 30)

Watch it:

20.15 – Deaf actor Rose Ayling-Ellis dances with Giovani Pernice.

Their third dance of the night is a new one – a show dance connected to Romeo and Juliet to the song ‘The Rose.’

Charlie says: A very romantic final dance there! They have a huge hug as they finish with their last dance of the series.

What the judges say: Shirley says this performance shows Rose’s love of dance. It was serene and beautiful. Anton says he’s sad this is her last dance. He can’t speak. He loves watching her dance and feels blessed to share this experience. Craig says she is just tremendous. Motsi says she loves her.

Donna’s verdict: Score: 10

Beautiful elegant emotional, romantic, heartfelt dance I have ever seen in a Romeo and Juliet style! Love the ‘roses’ everywhere to show it is about Rose seeing as it is her last dance!

They have got me into emotional goosebump tears!

Rebecca’s verdict: What a sweet, sweet show dance. Loved the song “the rose” and the setting was beautiful. Rose looked glorious. Would’ve liked a little surprise mid-routine perhaps 😉 9

Judges scores:

Craig Revell-Horwood 10
Motsi Mabuse 10
Shirley Ballas 10
Anton Du Beke 10

Total: 40

(final second dance: 40 | final first dance: 39 | semi final: 40 + 39 | quarter final: 39 | wk 10: 33 | wk 9: 37 | wk 8: 39 |wk 7: 32 | 6: 40 | wk5: 37 | wk 4: 27 | wk 3: 36 | wk 2: 26 | wk 1: 22)

Watch it:

20.03 – Baker John Whaite dances with pro dancer Johannes Radebe.

Their second dance of the night is the Paso Doble from movie week.

The judges say: Motsi says they smashed it. Shirley says they nailed it, John’s posture was beautiful. Anton says he loved it, it was brilliant. Craig jokes that John’s little finger wasn’t right. Then says it was brilliant.

Rebecca’s verdict: This is actually one of my fave dances of the whole series!! Such a powerful paso doble, so much intention and passion. John is so strong and attacking here, this really is his dance. I LOVE IT! 10

Donna’s verdict:

Score: 9

I love the Pirate Caribbean dance if only Johnny Depp was in it would be a dream come true! Lol..

Fantastic dance, love the costume, and love the way throw in the energy!!!

Judges scores:

Craig Revell-Horwood 10
Motsi Mabuse 10
Shirley Ballas 10
Anton Du Beke 10

Total: 40

(final first dance: 39 | semi final: 39 + 39 | quarter final: 32 | wk 10: 39 | wk 9: 32 | wk 8: 38 |wk 7: 35 | 6: 33 | wk5: 38 | wk 4: 29 | wk 3: 39 | wk 2: 31 | wk 1: 30)

Watch it:

19.53 – Deaf actor Rose Ayling-Ellis dances her second dance of the final with Giovani Pernice.

They’re doing their favourite dance of the series… and it is the dance with the silent moment!

Charlie says: Just as powerful as the first time! And I think they performed it even better this time round! Rose’s boyfriend is there and signs ‘I love you!’

Afterward, Rose says this dance changed everything and said everything about her Strictly journey. She says it changed people’s perception because

What the judges say: Craig says it was stunning. Motsi says it was special and stunning and she’s proud. Shirley says Rose’s heart is on her sleeve and she shares every single emotion in her body. Anton breaks down in tears!

Donna’s verdict: Score: 10 10 10 10 all the way through!!!

This is one of my favourite ‘couple choice!!’ And love the silent dance that give me the goosebump!

I’m glad they choose this one for the second time round as it is the most beautiful sensual dance!

Rebecca’s verdict: Although we were seeing this for the second time around I enjoyed it just the same and in fact I felt the FUN element more than ever. Such a powerful message in this dance – the joy of loving yourself and accepting yourself as you are really shines through with Rose’s beaming smile. Wish i could score higher than a 10!

Judges scores:

Craig Revell-Horwood 10
Motsi Mabuse 10
Shirley Ballas 10
Anton Du Beke 10

Total: 40

(final first dance: 39 | semi final: 40 + 39 | quarter final: 39 | wk 10: 33 | wk 9: 37 | wk 8: 39 |wk 7: 32 | 6: 40 | wk5: 37 | wk 4: 27 | wk 3: 36 | wk 2: 26 | wk 1: 22)

Watch it:

19.44 – You can now vote! Do so online here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006m8dq

19.42 – Baker John Whaite does his first dance of the night with pro dancer Johannes Radebe.

The judges give them a rumba! They’re dancing to Shape of my Heart by Sting.

Charlie says: Beautiful dance. Looked like Johannes was more prominent than John there – how will that translate in the scores?

The judges say: Anton says it was the best rumba he’s ever seen on Strictly! Craig says it was classy and stylish. Motsi says she appreciated it, well done. Shirley says it was a narrative of hope and she wants to dance the rumba with John one day.

Rebecca’s verdict: A lovely rumba, beautiful free arm sways and fantastic musicality. I’m missing some tension though still and I wanted more dynamic through the routine. 9!

Donna’s verdict: Score: 8

I felt that Johannes give a lot more effort than John and he should give John the spotlight to do the work rather than Johannes.
 
I don’t feel the strong vibe from them…but overall it is beautiful.

Judges scores:

Craig Revell-Horwood 9
Motsi Mabuse 10
Shirley Ballas 10
Anton Du Beke 10

Total: 39

(semi final: 39 + 39 | quarter final: 32 | wk 10: 39 | wk 9: 32 | wk 8: 38 |wk 7: 35 | 6: 33 | wk5: 38 | wk 4: 29 | wk 3: 39 | wk 2: 31 | wk 1: 30)

Watch it:

19.30 – Deaf actor Rose Ayling-Ellis dances her first dance with Giovani Pernice.

They’re doing the Quickstep from musicals week. It was the judges choice. Rose says she’s going to ‘go for it.’

Charlie says: Rose is usually strongest at the slower dances, but this looked like a solid start to the final for her and Gio!

What the judges say: Shirley says it was Strictly magic, phenomenal. Anton says they need more lady celebrities like Rose in the future. Craig says it was great seeing it in real life and he loved it. Motsi says it was everything you want, a great opening!

Donna’s verdict: Score: 10. Beautiful foxtrot quick step.. she had improved so much and her dance skill is fantastic and their signing is so cute!!

Rebecca’s verdict: Awwww! What an immaculate quickstep. They absolutely glided across the floor! It was tidier and tighter in all the out of hold sequences too – sublime! Loved the cute signs too. Can’t fault it! 10!!!!

Judges scores:

Craig Revell-Horwood 9
Motsi Mabuse 10
Shirley Ballas 10
Anton Du Beke 10

Total: 39

(| semi final: 40 + 39 | quarter final: 39 | wk 10: 33 | wk 9: 37 | wk 8: 39 |wk 7: 32 | 6: 40 | wk5: 37 | wk 4: 27 | wk 3: 36 | wk 2: 26 | wk 1: 22)

Watch it:

19.20 – It’s such a shame that AJ injured her ankle and can’t compete tonight. But the show must go on!

The show starts with a very colourful and energetic group dance, with Johannes and Gio appearing in front of huge – literally – stars. Apt!

Then Rose and John come out, the two couples at each side of the dance floor.

Rebecca says: “Even in the opening dance Gio is transfixed on Rose, guiding her, encouraging her – the best partnership!”

The judges come out and Craig does a very exaggerated deaf clap!

This feels massive… because it is!

19.05 – Tonight, deaf actor Rose Alying-Ellis returns to the dance floor for the FINAL of Strictly Come Dancing!

And this time she’s dancing three times!

Sadly, AJ has to withdraw after an ankle injury, so it’s just Rose and Gio up against John and Johannes tonight.

Whoever wins will be breaking new ground: Rose would be the first winner, while John would be the first winner dancing as part of a same-sex partnership.

So, after 13 weeks, how did we get to this point? Rhys left after last week’s semi finals, following Dan, Tilly, Tom, Sara, Judi, Ugo, Greg, Katie and Nina in leaving the show. Robert also withdrew due to health issues.

We have two Deaf Guest Dance Judges this week, Rebecca-Anne Withey (right) and Donna Mullings (left)!

They will be giving their own scores for each of the acts, as they happen!

What will this week bring? We’ll have all the updates here, written by Charlie Swinbourne.

We’ll also be posting videos of each dance shortly after they’ve left the dance floor, via the Strictly twitter account.

If you’ve missed our previous blogs, you can check out the semi finals’ live blog here, the quarter finals here, week 10 here, week 9 here, week 8 here, week 7 here, week six here, week 5 here, week 4 here, week 3 here, week 2 here, week 1 here and the introductory week here.

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