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Strictly 2020 has been a brilliant port in the toughest storms; A much-needed tonic for levels, closings, and relentless anguish. And on the day Christmas is canceled across much of Britain, the grand finale promised two hours and twenty minutes of brilliant distraction. Even Craig Revel Horwood vowed to be positive.
If we exclude dance veterans Jamie Laing and Maisie Smith, this memorable series came down to a two-horse race. Would the show crown its youngest winner in pop star HRVY or its oldest champion in surprise favorite Bill Bailey? HRVY was the best dancer, but Bill had captured the audience’s imagination. You could both put on a show.
Each year, votes are won and lost in the all-important dance show. After eight years like StrictlyTimeless maid of honor, professional dancer Janette Manrara finally got the chance to choreograph a no-rules routine for HRVY, and she didn’t miss the chance. Endowed with one of the best dancers from this year’s series, she threw her best moves at him in a disco extravaganza on Earth, Wind & Fire’s “Boogie Wonderland”. It was frantic at times, but action packed, with an absolutely electrifying street dance / Charleston break that threatened to be a stunning moment.
But ultimately, even a dazzling rerun of his Musicals Week American Smooth wasn’t enough for HRVY to outshine Bill. The nation has fallen in love with the offbeat comedian in recent weeks as he rejected any suggestion that it was a joke act. Working her sequinned socks for every dance, from a Metallica-themed tango to her epic street dance “Rapper’s Delight,” she proved that it’s not just nutty people who know how to waltz. When showdance arrived, he channeled the spectacularity of Freddie Mercury, dancing to the beat of “The Show Must Go On.” “We are the champions” would have been more successful.
A fiery Bailey drew strong stride shapes, kicked tango legs, and launched into each accent of the music as the pyrotechnics exploded. Grabbed a guitar, Oti pulled Great showman vibes with an acrobatic hoop, and while they couldn’t match HRVY’s technical precision, their commitment and power were persuasive, and votes flooded.
Props for Jamie. You are unlikely to find a more effusive and willing contestant. Maisie also gave viewers some beautiful routines to remember. They both performed three refined dances, but they were never really in dispute.
When Bill and Oti were announced as champions, they were elated, shocked and tearful. Despite the hype, it still felt unexpected. A happy ending for 2020? Probably not. But what could be more appropriate than a 55-year-old comedian walking past a pop star to win a dance show – in this, the strangest of years? It served as an inspiring and welcome surprise at a time of unwanted shocks. Bailey’s victory was the icing on the cake of a show that successfully put out our troubles in the most difficult moments.
Even the judges were excited. By the way, this victory makes Oti Mabuse the first professional dancer in Strictly history to lift the Glitterball two years in a row, following his victory with Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher in 2019. An excellent conclusion to an impressive series.
