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STRICTLY COME DANCING FINAL LIVE: Fleur East breaks down into tears as she pays tribute to her late father after scoring perfect 40 for their impressive Samba

This is MailOnline’s live blog for the Strictly Come Dancing 2022 final: 

Host commentator

Helen and Gorka were ecstatic as they were awarded their first 40 of this series for their Couple’s Choice this evening.

Yes! Helen and Gorka's first 40 of #Strictly 2022 for their INCREDIBLE Couple's Choice!@HelenSkelton @gorkamarquez1 pic.twitter.com/j56ImEKKV2

Regardless of who wins tonight, Hamza and Helen are reportedly in line for some six-figure presenting deals after the series.

Helen looked sensational for her Couple’s Choice as she took to the dance-floor with Gorka.

Commenting, Motsi said: ‘What a night, what a final, what a dance. Helen you closed the show, girl. That was amazing.’

Shirley told them: ‘It was polished, it was clean, it was everything we need for a final dance.’

Craig said: ‘You want it to go well, you’ve got three dances, you want them all to go well. If you want a good one, make it last one. The reaction in the room! This is the reaction we live for… You, my love, are a performer and what a performer you are.’

While Craig concluded: ‘That was a dance that should win a final. That was incredible.’

The pair were given a 10 from all of the four judges, with the couple scoring a perfect 40.

An iconic routine from the very first step. We never want to say farewell to Helen and Gorka's Couple's Choice! #Strictly@HelenSkelton @gorkamarquez1 pic.twitter.com/z1qPjLuWUW

Dedicating her late dance to her late father, Fleur put in a passionate performance for her final dance.

Giving his comments, Craig said: ‘You gave Vito a run for his money… It was absolutely phenomenal.’

Shirley told the pair: ‘It’s absolutely pure magic, not just only to watch Fleur but to watch you as a team… Fleur you have been a marvellous student because you fought back week after week… Thank you for the hard work, thank you for the memories.’

Anton said: ‘I wish I had a 12 paddle. There’s nothing to say, everything has been said. In 10 years time we’re still going to be talking about that dance.’

Fleur and Vito were awarded a 10 from each of the judges, with the pair scoring their second perfect 40 of the evening.

With a dance this epic, the #Strictly Final was always Fleur and Vito's destiny 🤩 @FleurEast @Vito__Coppola pic.twitter.com/4iOlvkGQMt

Speaking ahead of this weekend’s final, Molly revealed she is planning a big career change after the show.

Performing the Rumba for their final dance of the series, Molly looked glamorous in a black bejewelled dress with an asymmetrical hem. Carlos was dressed in a black dress shirt which he wore open to show his toned torso and matching trousers.

Giving his comments, Anton said: ‘You’ve got this wonderful, womanly mature character that you’ve brought to the dance now… It’s a great dance, you’re a terrific dancer. I don’t know what’s going to happen tonight, it’s not for us to decide but, whatever you choose to do in your future, you’re going to be a great success at it.’

Craig said: ‘It was so controlled and measured, I really loved it. Fantastic.’

Motsi added: ‘This was class and I want to repeat what Anton says, what you learn on this show, you are going to take on, and I know one day we will be looking and we will say, “Look at that girl, she started on Strictly.”‘

Shirley concluded: ‘You fully deserved your place in the final today. You also chose the Rolls Royce of the Latin dances which is extremely difficult to dance… She was absolutely smack bang on her feet and I loved it.’

Craig gave the pair a nine while Motsi awarded a 10, Shirley and Anton also both awarded a 10. The pair scored 39 out of 40.

For their final dance, Hamza and Jowita performed their Couple’s Choice.

Shirley told the pair: ‘Take a moment, take it in, you are what I call the true competitor… We are going to miss you, you are a star in your own right. Jowita, you are just beautiful. What a wonderful partnership.’

Tearing up, Anton said: ‘I get a little emotional watching you dance because it’s like the clouds part and the sun comes out. I’ve watched a lot of people dance in my life and I’ve found a lot of joy in watching you.’

Craig joked: ‘You’re everything I’m not. You spread joy to everyone.’

Motsi added: ‘I’m going to try in the final not to cry but you broke me… You spread joy, you made us forget just for a millisecond. What ever happens tonight I want to thank you for that joy.’

All four judges awarded Hamza and Jowita a 10 each, meaning they scored 40 out of 40.

The Couple's Choice that changed the game. Hamza and Jowita are bringing those Afrobeats back even better than before! 🙌 #Strictly@HamzaYassin3 pic.twitter.com/oqfs8Xkjbp

Before taking to the stage for their Show Dance, Helen thanked her professional partner Gorka for helping her ‘find myself again’.

The star has credited Strictly for helping her find her confidence again after the breakdown of her marriage from her ex-husband Richie Myler earlier this year.

After her performance, Motsi said: ‘You were shining from the outfit to that smile. I could see the joy in your dancing, I could see you really opening your heart out and I enjoyed that.’

Shirley said: ‘I could really see you enjoyed it, it was light, it was bright and it said, “I have set myself free.”‘

Anton told Helen: ‘I am absolutely thrilled that you were able to do that dance because I want you to celebrate you.’

Craig concluded: ‘You know what I love about you is the dynamic you had together as a team, working a partnership.’

Craig awarded the pair an eight while Motsi gave them a 10, Shirley gave them nine and Anton gave them a 10. The pair scored 37 out of a possible 40.

It's Helen's time to ✨shine✨ brighter than ever before. This Show Dance is a dazzling display of her and Gorka's #Strictly story 💖 @HelenSkelton @gorkamarquez1 pic.twitter.com/j4yRK7g6vV

Fleur looked glamorous in a black dress with a top half of red and orange hues while Vito left his toned torso on display for the pair’s Show Dance.

Giving his remarks, Craig said: ‘It was striking and bold, it was definitely something you want to see in a Show Dance.’

Motsi said: ‘This time I feel like you showcased your power… I can see that you’re an active type of woman, you make it happen. No matter what happens today, you are a queen.’

Shirley said: ‘When you want it all to come together, tonight is the night it’s come together… I thought it was steady, I love the moments of passion… well done darling.

Anton told them: ‘It was intense, it was dynamic, it was strong… The thing I’m most impressed with is your skill as a dancer… I now see complete performances in front of me… you are a very, very good dancer. Well done.’

Craig awarded the pair a nine while Motsi gave them a 10, Shirley and Anton also gave them 10, meaning the pair achieved 39 out of 40.

Capturing the mood, the emotion and their power, Fleur and Vito gave us everything in their Show Dance 🔥 #Strictly@FleurEast @Vito__Coppola pic.twitter.com/FNJfmxwphq

Molly and Carlos performed their Show Dance to Prince hit 1999, with Molly wearing an edgy black outfit while Carlos whore a see-through shirt and PVC trousers.

Giving his comments, Anton said: ‘It was the attitude, it was the you, I haven’t seen that before. That was tremendous, edgier, a little darker. Sold!’

Craig said: ‘It suddenly went into a world that was a little bit too cutesy for me. I wanted to see fierce. You danced it very well, don’t get me wrong.’

Motsi told the pair: ‘I feel you have matured so much in this competition. With this commercial type of styling, you represented your own generation and you were so powerful with that.’

Shirley told them: ‘There were one or two tiny things that were out of sync but this number was a change from everything that we have seen in the series from you and, Molly, you were wonderful.’

Craig awarded the pair an eight while Motsi gave them 10, Shirley award a nine while Anton awarded a 10. They achieved 37 out of 40.

Partying like it's 1999, Molly and Carlos' Show Dance served us all their strengths from start to finish 👌 #Strictly@mollyrainford pic.twitter.com/u1iTlBVjaD

Returning to the dance-floor for his second dance, Hamza performed the Show Dance.

Giving her comments, Shirley said: ‘It was the first time that I saw a little panic. It went wrong and it just took a few seconds, which I know felt for you like a lifetime, to get going. I applaud you for that high lift at the end which is really hard. There were a few mistakes which was unfortunate but you are a beautiful dancer.’

Anton told them: ‘Jowita never looked under any pressure at all… you are brilliant, well done.’

Craig said: ‘I thought it was a little bit rocky and underwhelming if I’m honest. It did go a little bit wrong which took you off balance. It was classy and classic like yourself.’

Motsi said: There is a lot of pressure in the final, you did choose one of the most difficult dances to dance. Most importantly you showed us you are a human, you made a mistake and you went on. The most important thing is did you touch us, did you move us, did you bring us joy and you most certainly did.’

Craig awarded the pair an eight while Motsi gave them nine, Shirley gave them eight while Anton gave them nine. They scored 34 out of a possible 40.

From their Week One Foxtrot right up to their Show Dance, Ballroom boy Hamza and the dazzling Jowita always create magic 👏 #Strictly@HamzaYassin3 pic.twitter.com/pg6WPpl1nm

Helen and Gorka were next to take to the dance-floor with their Jive, with the pair wearing matching black and white suits.

Giving her comments, Motsi said: ‘This routine is all about detail. Every movement, you got this under control. You were fabulous.’

Shirley added: ‘I can tell that you are so comfortable in your own skin, what a huge improvement. No missteps at all but what you gained this time was your attitude… you absolutely deserve everything you get, well done.’

Anton said: ‘You had both styles of the Jive there and you did them both with great smoothness. I loved it.’

Prompting boos from the audience, Craig said: ‘It could have done with a little bit more attraction. It was clean, it was precise and you danced it brilliantly.’

Craig scored them nine while Motsi awarded 10, Shirley and Anton also awarded 10 each, meaning they scored 38 out of a possible 40.

It's a sharp, slick Jive once again from cool couple Helen and Gorka 😎 #Strictly@HelenSkelton @gorkamarquez1 pic.twitter.com/emFOQfAn8w

Fleur and Vito were the third couple to perform, with radio DJ Fleur looking glamorous in a green and red skirt which was embellished with crystals and sequins. Vito wore a white vest under a green shirt which was teamed with red trousers, to match the colours of the flag of his home nation Italy.

Giving his remarks, Craig said: ‘I’m furious actually because I couldn’t find anything wrong with it.’

Motsi added: ‘Wow! Listen, what is so beautiful about this Samba is I feel you didn’t lose yourself in the competition. You became a stronger Fleur, you learned how to use that skill. You smashed that Samba!’

Shirley said: ‘I said after week eight you’d mastered your craft and I really do not have a paddle high enough for that Samba. It was good enough for a world class final.’

Anton concluded: ‘It was better the second time around. We all know about the Samba and how difficult it is. I’m stunned you were able to do that in the amount of time you had to do it. It’s about the best Samba we’ve ever seen on Strictly.’

All the judges awarded the pair a 10, meaning they scored 40 out of a possible 40.

Fleur and Vito were the second couple in Strictly history to score a perfect score for the Samba.

Even spicier than the first time 🌶️ A Hot, Hot, Hot Samba from Fleur and Vito! #Strictly@FleurEast @Vito__Coppola pic.twitter.com/QWpz6HHyL3

Molly and Carlos were next to perform, with the pair dancing the Quickstep.

Former Britain’s Got Talent contestant Molly wore a pastel yellow trouser suit while Carlos donned a sky blue suit.

Giving his comments, Anton said: ‘I’m delighted. It’s so improved! It was smooth as a Werther’s Original!’

Craig added: ‘There is a marked improvement. I can see you’ve been working really, really hard. I absolutely loved it.’

Motsi told them: ‘This is what quality looks like. Well done you!’

While Shirley said: ‘Molly you’ve really taken instruction well… for me that was absolutely superb, well done.’

Craig awarded the pair nine while Motsi gave them 10, Shirley and Anton also gave them 10, meaning the couple scored a total of 39 out of 40.

Quickstepping into the #Strictly Final in style, put your love on top for Molly and Carlos 🫶 @mollyrainford pic.twitter.com/2gVfSpb01e

Hamza and Jowita put on an energetic performance as they took to the dance-floor.

These lifts will never not be amazing 😱 Hamza and Jowita's Salsa slays again! #Strictly@HamzaYassin3 pic.twitter.com/dnxqDyscJv

Each of the couples will perform three dances this evening and Hamza and Jowita were the first pair to take to the dance-floor.

They performed their judges’ pick of the Salsa, with hamza wearing an eye-catching multi-coloured shirt while Jowita donned a matching mini dress with a glitzy sequinned top half and a ruffled skirt.

Head judge Shirley said: ‘What a way to open the final of Strictly 2022. I particularly wanted to see this dance again because I wondered if there was a possibility you could improve it anymore an you did!’

Anton told them: ‘You’re the last man standing but what a man! I completely agree with Shirley, there was a freedom to this dance that you didn’t have when you first did it. You are joyous.’

Craig said: ‘It was smooth and silk, armography to die for. How you did that with all that hair, I don’t know.’

While Motsi said: ‘Watching it a second time, I thought, ‘Will I love it?’ I loved it more. It’s like you’re watching music in your body.’

Giving their scores for guidance only, Craig gave the pair a nine, Motsi offered a 10, Shirley gave them 10 and Anton also awarded 10, meaning they achieved 39 out of a possible 40.

During an appearance on Strictly spin-off show It Takes Two on Friday, Hamza revealed the heartfelt words he whispers into the ear of his professional partner Jowita each week before they take to the dance-floor.

Helen expressed her doubts over winning this year’s show during an appearance on Strictly spin-off show It Takes Two on Friday.

Appearing with her professional partner Gorka, she said she felt as if she had come as far as she could in the competition.

The four remaining contestants and their professional partners were in good spirits today as they enjoyed a party ahead of the live final…

Happy #Strictly Final Day!

See you at 7.05pm @BBCOne for the party of the year. 🥳 pic.twitter.com/7NpV03vNJB

While Hamza has been the bookies’ favourite to win the series in recent weeks, Helen Skelton was given a boost on Saturday ahead of the final.

Ladbrokes made her just 7/4 to win this year’s glitterball trophy, meaning she’s closed the gap on Hamza who is at 1/2.

Elsewhere, Molly is at 40/1 while Fleur is at 66/1.

Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: ‘Hamza has led the betting for months, but the latest odds suggest he could just be pipped to the post by Helen this weekend.’

Ahead of the Strictly final, MailOnline enlisted the help of former series professional AJ Pritchard, 28, and his brother Curtis, 26, who appeared on the Irish version of the show, as well as one-time contestant Ann Widdecombe, 75, to share their wisdom.

For everything you need to know about the Strictly Come Dancing final watch Rebecca Lawrence’s video guide by clicking HERE.

Welcome to MailOnline’s live coverage of Saturday night’s Strictly Come Dancing 2022 live final.

This evening, the four remaining celebrities and their professional dance partners will compete to win the prestigious glitterball trophy.

Remaining in the contest is wildlife presenter Hamza Yassin, 32, and his partner Jowita Przystal, 28, television presenter Helen Skelton, 39, and her professional partner Gorka Marquez, 32, singer and actress Molly Rainford, 22, and her partner Carlos Gu, 28, and pop star Fleur East, 35, and her professional partner Vito Coppola, 30.

While the contestants will be tasked with impressing judges Shirley Ballas, 62, Craig Revel Horwood, 57, Anton Du Beke, 56, and Motsi Mabuse, 41, their scores this evening are for guidance only and the winner will be chosen by the public.

Strictly Come Dancing: The Final begins on BBC One this evening at 7.05pm.

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