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As it happenedended

Strictly Come Dancing final 2020 - live: Bill Bailey crowned winner after closest race in years

It was a heartwarming conclusion to an impressive series

Jacob Stolworthy
Saturday 19 December 2020 18:54 GMT
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Bill Bailey and Oti Mabuse dance to 'Rapper's Delight' on Strictly

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Strictly Come Dancing 2020  has been a shorter but no less entertaining run of the BBC competition.

The series began in September having adhered to Covid safety regulations, and has entertained viewers weekly since.

As with every series to date, there have been ups, downs and bizarre performances (here’s looking at Max George and Dianne Buswell’s dance to the Simpsons theme).

With the final four in place, the stage was set for what was being touted as the closest finale in years – and ended in the most heartwarming manner possible.

Follow along with all the live updates as they occurred below

Hello, and welcome to our live blog for the Strictly 2020 final!

Jacob Stolworthy19 December 2020 12:53

It’s hard to believe yet another series – the 18th! – is ending, but here we are. 

Things will be kicking off on BBC One at 6pm, but we’re on hand for those wanting to start the festivities a bit early.

Jacob Stolworthy19 December 2020 13:18

It’s been a weird old year, but Strictly has helped keep up some form of normality – and in doing so, it seems to have rekindled Britain’s love of Saturday night live television. 

Strictly Come Dancing 2020 has renewed the nation’s love of live TV

Many fans questioned whether Strictly would even be able to go ahead in the pandemic, but this series has been more impressive than ever and a welcome reminder of the importance of event television, Isobel Lewis writes

Jacob Stolworthy19 December 2020 13:40

If you’re in need of a refresher of this year’s finalists, look no further than below.

Who is in the Strictly Come Dancing 2020 final?

The contenders hoping to take home this year’s trophy

Jacob Stolworthy19 December 2020 14:11

Do you want Bill Bailey to win? You’re not the only one – Idris Elba does too.

Jacob Stolworthy19 December 2020 14:39

Bill Bailey has sailed through the series – he managed to completely avoid the bottom two – which makes him one of the favourites to win.

Jacob Stolworthy19 December 2020 15:08

Meanwhile, poor Jamie Laing found himself in the bottom two a total of four times, so he’s strongly expected to be eliminated first tonight.

Jacob Stolworthy19 December 2020 15:34

What better time is there to relive the greatest Strictly performances to date?

12 most memorable Strictly moments of all time

From Kelvin Fletcher to Ann Widdecombe

Jacob Stolworthy19 December 2020 15:58

FYI, Strictly will proceed as normal at 6pm despite Boris Johnson’s press conference

Jacob Stolworthy19 December 2020 16:08

So, let’s try and take our mins off the doom and gloom. Not long to go now! I wonder how nervous the contestants are?

Jacob Stolworthy19 December 2020 17:20

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