Strictly Come Dancing’s grand finale is airing on BBC One on Saturday night where viewers will vote for their favourite couple. AJ Odudu has pulled out of the final following an injury which means it will just be Rose Aying-Ellis and John Whaite battling it out for the Glitterball Trophy. Ahead of the final, pro dancer Gary Edwards admitted he believes Rose’s win has been sealed due to her partner Giovanni Pernice’s “game-playing”
EastEnders actress Rose made history when she became Strictly Come Dancing’s first-ever deaf contestant.
She’s proved the condition doesn’t stand in her way and she’s Waltzed her way into the final with Italian dancer Giovanni.
Rose, 27, and Bake Off winner John will take to the stage to perform a series of routines on Saturday as they aim to impress the judges and public for the last time.
However, presenter AJ Odudu, will not be performing after announcing on Friday her devastating injury has prevented her from competing with pro dancer Kai Widdrington.
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Ahead of the final, Strictly expert Gary exclusively told Express.co.uk why he thought Rose would walk away with the Glitterball Trophy.
He said: “Rose is the favourite, purely for consistency, as she hasn’t been the best every week but she’s always been one of the best every week and she definitely deserves to be in the final.”
The pro dancer added: “This is the best year of Strictly from what I can remember, it’s fascinating.
“You’ve got Rose who is with one of Strictly’s smartest professionals [Giovanni].
Gary added: “I am a huge fan of John but I thought [his performance in the semifinal] was heavy and I didn’t like his timing, and his weight was in the wrong places.
“The judges were incredibly kind but at that point, they are making a decision to save someone or send someone home, but I actually disagreed with all the judges.”
He said John looked “stompy and heavy” and thought his weight wasn’t in the right place during the semifinal.
“Johannes is such an amazing dancer and the judges were saying it was the first week John was in control and leading but I disagree with that as well as I don’t think he did,” Gary added.
“So I was obviously watching something different from the judges.”
He added: “I think everyone is so mentally in the right place now, and I really hope that John hasn’t peaked.”
Now AJ has quit, Rose and John may also have to pick up an extra dance, but this hasn’t been confirmed yet.
The Strictly Come Dancing final airs on Saturday at 7pm on BBC One.