Louis seals a great night of dancing
Lisa Riley bouncing across the dance floor, Phil Tufnell's amazing gyrating hips and Artem's perfect pecs on permanent show for those of us who made it to the NIA – Strictly live was the perfect winter warmer after ferocious weather and impossible car journeys, writes Becky Woods.
The professionals burst onto the dance floor in their sequinned skimpies to the tune of Spandau Ballet's Gold, a nod to the shimmering staircase, stage and chandeliers hanging above the makeshift ballroom.
Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood took their places behind a glittering judges panel and Kate Thornton as host, a welcome change from the tired duo that is Bruce and Tess, with much less cheese and actually funny jokes.
Lisa and partner Robin Windsor performed their first ever routine and taught us big girls can dance, their cha cha to Think. Children's TV star Dani Harmer paired up with Pacha instead of Vincent Simone and performed seamless routines.
Denise Van Outen and her partner James Jordan were simply amazing, performing their 'dance of the series' charleston to Walk Like an Egyptian, picking up a full set of perfect 10s. But despite them coming top of the judges leader board, the biggest cheers of the night were saved for series winner Louis Smith who teamed with Ola Jordan to perform ther Dirty Dancing routine, and eventually won the coveted glitterball trophy after winning the audience's vote.
All three judges got up to strut their stuff rounding off a great night despite the snow.
