Fans couldn't take their eyes off Claudia Winkleman as she appeared ready for hosting duties on the Strictly Come Dancing final. The presenter was back alongside co-host Tess Daly for the final time of 2022 - if you don't count the Christmas special that is - as the 2022 run of the dance competition came to an end.
Viewers were tuned in to watch Helen Skelton, Hamza Yassin, Fleur East and Molly Rainford battle out for the last time as one of them would be crowned the champion of Strictly 2022 alongside their BBC One dance parter.
However, before they started their bid to lift the Glitterball trophy, and become the 20th winners of the hit competition, there had to be a spectacular opening as it is the final after all. The show's professional dancer brought the party and festive vibes as they took to the ballroom floor in dazzling outfits.
The group performed an energetic routine to Pink track, Never Gonna Not Dance Again, and it was the perfect opportunity to introduce the finalists and their dance parters - Jowita Przystał, Vito Coppola, Gorka Marquez and Carlos Gu to the stage and allow them to throw a few moves before the serious routines began.
It was then over to Tess and Claudia to officially introduce the night's proceedings and as ever, they pulled out all the stops with their outfits.
Tess, 53, was flooded with compliments as she wowed in a floor-length black strapless gown, complete with a huge thigh-high split. Claudia, meanwhile, also stunned in an all-white ensemble whcih appears to be a sleeveless jumpsuit with cape detailing.
And the addition of said 'cape' and Claudia's other TV show, The Traitors, which has had viewers hooked on BBC One, fans couldn't help but comment on the look.
@geraintsays tweeted: "Claudia is now so evil on account of hosting The Traitors she now gets to wear a white cape. #Strictly." @ShanghaiHannah said: "I'm choosing to believe Claudia's cape is nod to #TheTraitors #Strictly." @escandrew47 asked: "Did Claudia steal that outfit from the Scottish castle in the Traitors?? #Strictly."
Others, however, wre comparing her to a few famous faces. @adamsmith_87 wrote: "Claudia Winkleman looking like Princess Leia on the #Strictly finale. Fully expect her to be wearing her Darth Vader outfit for #TheTraitors final or I will be disappointed."
@photoquilter1 commented: "Is it just me or is Claudia wearing an Elvis Cape on #Strictly tonight? Uh-huh-huh!" @Loujaney1 posted: "Claudia channelling her inner Elvis Presley with her @bbcstrictly outfit tonight! #StrictlyFinal #Strictly." @ohsinnerman added: "Claudia is going for the Elvis look! #strictly."
And Claudia had already cloked the Elvis-like resemblance. "Every year on Strictly we have an inspiration. Past years we’ve had Pam St Clements, Harry Hill, Rod Stewart and Anita Dobson," Claudia explained to her fans on Instagram minutes before the final began.
She continued alongside a photo alongisde her and a cardboard cutout of Elvis: "This year it’s the king. So yes, we end in a cape. All love and thanks to @sineadmckeefry @amyhair4 @lucyg_makeup and @debbiedannell."
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