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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

Time for Nicola Adams and Katya Jones to perform for the first time since they sadly had to leave due to coronavirus.

Jacob Stolworthy19 December 2020 20:02

It’s interesting to think about whether the finale would have looked different tonight had Nicola remained in the competition…

Jacob Stolworthy19 December 2020 20:03

Robbie Williams is performing a Christmas song – and I’m not actually hating it. 

Jacob Stolworthy19 December 2020 20:06

The vote is CLOSED, so don’t call again.

Jacob Stolworthy19 December 2020 20:09

Time for a nice compilation of this year’s series’ final moments – y;know, just in case the emotions weren’t already quite high.

Jacob Stolworthy19 December 2020 20:10

Could we just skip this last dance and see Max George do the Simpsons theme again? 

Jacob Stolworthy19 December 2020 20:14

Claudia and Tess are now leading a thank you to the behind-the-scenes team for bringing the series to screen: "From both of us, thank you so much."

Jacob Stolworthy19 December 2020 20:16

Camilla Parker Bowles there. saying the show has "lifted the nation’s spirits" (more than The Crown did, anyway).

Jacob Stolworthy19 December 2020 20:17

Considering how unmotivated I’ve been this year, it’s staggering to think about the effort everyone has put in to keep the show going – nice one, everyone!

Jacob Stolworthy19 December 2020 20:18

So, who does everyone thinks is going to win? I’m thinking Bill Bailey is going to clinch it.

Jacob Stolworthy19 December 2020 20:19

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