Get ready for one of the biggest nights on TV as the Strictly Come Dancing final is only days away, bringing more glitz and glamour than ever before.
After BBC viewers bid farewell to Annabel Croft last weekend, it was Ellie Leach, Layton Williams and Bobby Brazier who made it even closer to lifting the famous glitterball trophy for 2023.
But along the way there have been a few bumps in the road for some contestants, forcing them to withdraw from the competition.
Most recently we saw Casualty star Nigel Harman leaving Strictly due to a rib injury he sustained during rehearsals for musical week.
Why did Amanda pull out of Strictly?
Meanwhile, weeks before Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington left the dancing programme due to “personal reasons.”
Posting on Instagram at the time, she said: “It is with deepest regret that I had to leave Strictly. I did not come to this decision easily or lightly but for personal reasons I am unable to continue.
“It was an absolute joy working with my fellow contestants, they are a beautiful, hardworking and talented group of people who I love and who I will miss seeing every Friday and Saturday and competing alongside.
“I want to thank the incredible Production team and everyone on Strictly who looked after me and who are so kind and caring. It’s a wonderful bunch of people and I’ll miss all of them.
“I’m so sad that I am unable to go any further. Thank you to everyone who voted and who sent wonderful messages and inspiring support. You are all amazing. Truly. Thank you. xxx”
The announcement came after there were several reports of a “feud” rumour between Amanda and her professional dancing partner Giovanni Pernice.
However, for those wondering if she will be returning for the final this weekend along with the rest of the cast, a BBC spokesperson told The Mirror: "Amanda decided to withdraw from the competition, therefore she will not be returning for the final."
What are the final dances on Strictly?
All the finalists on Strictly will be performing three routines throughout the night, including their favourite dance from the series.
Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell
- Judges pick: Samba to Young Hearts Run Free by Candi Staton
- Favourite dance: Couples Choice to This Woman's Work by Maxwell
- Show dance: La La Land medley
Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola
- Judges pick: Paso Doble to Insomnia by 2WEI
- Favourite dance: American Smooth to Ain't That A Kick In The Head by Robbie Williams
- Show dance: Jennifer Lopez megamix
Recommended reading:
- Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special 2023 – line-up, judges and TV date
- Full line-up for Strictly Come Dancing Live UK Tour 2024 - how to get tickets
- Amanda Abbington 'will not return' for Strictly finale amid rumoured clashes
Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin
- Judges pick: Quickstep to Puttin' on the Ritz by Gregory Porter
- Favourite dance: Argentine Tango to Tattoo by Loreen
- Show dance: Friend Like Me by Ne-Yo
When is the Strictly final on TV?
The Strictly final will air on Saturday, December 16 from 7pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Cher will also be performing and the cast of 2023 will return for one last fab-u-lous routine.
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