With just days to go until the winner is crowned, this year's Strictly Come Dancing finalists are giving it their all in their last minute rehearsals. Kimberley Walsh, Louis Smith, Denise Van Outen and Dani Harmer have all been snapped practicing their dance routines ahead of Saturday's final.Speaking about her potentially winning routine Denise Van Outen has confessed: "Me and James are having a really fun time making the most of our time dancing together although it has been really tiring training for three dances.
"I would love to lift the glitter ball as a massive thank you to James for all his patience and dedication in teaching me Latin and ballroom. "Meanwhile, fellow contestant Louis Smith commented: "We've got lots of ideas; we've got too many ideas for a minute and a half. I have got a very creative mind, and Flavia is letting me choreograph some bit of the dances. I might try and lift her with one arm!"However, fellow finalists Dani Hamer and Girls Aloud singer Kimberley are keeping their cards close to their chest.
With Kimberley revealing: "I won't be giving any secrets away until the show - keep your eyes peeled. We have a few exciting lifts though!Dani is being even more tight-lipped, merely saying: "I'm pretty sure the judges will get the unexpected".Strictly fans will get a double dose of their favourite show when the Christmas Special follows the show's spectacular final. BBC released pictures earlier this week, revealing some of the famous faces taking part. Fabrice Muamba, who almost died eight months ago when a cardiac arrest stopped his heart for 78 minutes, was pictured literally dancing for joy.The former footballer, who retired after his terrifying collapse during an FA Cup match for Bolton Wanderers against Tottenham Hotspur, looks on top form as he struts his stuff for the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special. The sportsman can be seen in the first pictures from the pre-recorded festive show showing off his snake hip moves and spinning partner Aliona Vilani around, his wide smile never leaving his face for a moment.
Joining the miracle man in the BBC1 show – which will be broadcast on Christmas Day – are a host of other stars. Veteran actress Sheila Hancock is among them, but as enthusiastic as she was about taking part, she did have one condition – no fake tan was to touch her skin. "I’m much too old to be sprayed with fake tan. It would just go into all the wrinkles and be hideous," says the 79-year-old. "I made it absolutely clear when they asked me to do the show. I said "I’ll do anything you ask except fake tan. I wouldn't have done it without that proviso. "Shelia was joined by newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky – who took the coveted disco ball trophy during Strictly’s first series in 2004 – and retired Olympic hurdler Colin Jackson, who shows during the festive show he's still on top form by doing the splits during a mid-air leap. JLS star JB Gill also features, as does pop star Rachel Stevens and Comedienne Katy Brand – who takes a turn with a novelty Christmas jumper-wearing Anton Du Beke. And adding an extra festive feel to the show will be Rod Stewart, who will sing a track from his new album Merry Christmas. Baby.Strictly fans will have to wait until December 25 to find out who wins the special programme. It will be shown on BBC1 at 6.15pm.
