The finalists of Strictly Come Dancing 2022 have officially been revealed. Following the semi-final on Sunday night (December 11), the results show on Monday (December 12) revealed who out of the five remaining couples had just missed out on a place and which four would be vying for the Glitterball trophy as the BBC One dance contest comes to an end.
In sad scenes it was Will Mellor who became the eleventh contestant to leave the ballroom as he danced Fleur East in the dreaded dance-off. After their two performances on Sunday night with their dance partner Nancy Xu and Vito Coppola, the couples thought they had done all they can to impress the judges and viewers at home.
However, as co-host Tess Daly revealed who was safely through to the final and being given a chance to lift the Glitterball trophy, it was Will and Fleur who had the red lights of doom hung over them.
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Both couples performed their favourite routine of the night again, with Hits Radio host Fleur and Vitoopting for to redo their Charleston to Tu Vuo' Fa L'Americano by Fiorello. Actor Will, meanwhile, and Nancy opted to perform their Couples’ Choice to a 90s Manchester-inspired medley after using the routine to close the semi-final.
While Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood opted to save Fleur and Vito, Anton Du Beke shared his decision to save Will and Nancy leaving the vote in Shirley Ballas' hands. She said: " First of all, the British public has spoken and with respect I take that on board. My fellow judges have decided that they don’t agree, so I have made lots of notes here, both couples were outstanding and not only today but through the series.
"I have loved both of them, this is by far, even for me Craig, the most difficult decision I feel I have had to make. Based on micro details, I have decided to save Fleur and Vito."
Tess asked Will if he had any final words, and the Two Pints of Lager star replied: "I have to thank you all for giving me this chance to put a smile on my mums face, she deserves it. I’ll take whatever I have learnt from this show forward in whatever I do because it shows you can achieve more than you think.
"I didn’t think I’d be able to get anywhere near this and I am so proud of what we have achieved but also everybody who has voted for me, who has supported me, the messages I’ve had from my local community and children. Thank you all so much, we really, really appreciated every bit."
That means that Fleur and Vito, Helen Skelton and Gorka Marquez, Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu, and Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystał will fight for the Strictly Come Dancing 2022 title during the final which is in a matter of days.
The 20th Strictly final will be, of course, hosted by duo Tess and co-host Claudia Winkleman this Saturday, December 17, on BBC One. Currently, the TV listings say the final will begin at 7.05pm but it has not yet been announced if coverage of the World Cup will affect any schedules.
Whoever comes out on top will take the reigning champ title from former EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis who lifted the Glitterball trophy in 2021 with professional dance partner Giovanni Pernice.
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