Strictly Come Dancing / Alan Dudman / 15 December 2011 /

Alan Dudman has thrown a few shapes in his time but he can't compete with the quality that will be on show in Saturday's Strictly Come Dancing final. Fortunately, our man is a smart mover in the betting markets so here, for the last time this year, are his selections...

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you two quotes from last Saturday's epic semi-final. Judge Alesha said: "You don't realise how good you are," while judge Revel-Horwood stated: "You are the most incredible dancer." They were of course talking about Chelsee Healey, the current second favourite in the winner market for Strictly 2011, and they are the words to arm ourselves for the big one this weekend.

Saturday's final will be staged at the Blackpool's Tower Ballroom, and the north west seaside town always evokes wonderful memories of a stag weekend there in the mid-1990s. It was during that trip someone also told me that I was the most incredible dancer they had ever seen, the fact she'd necked several vodkas and looked like Kevin Keegan should not detract from the cut of her jib.

Enough of such haunting memories, on to the real action (a line also mentioned by said woman to me, after three more shots of vodka).

The finalists are Harry Judd [1.34], Chelsee Healey [4.50] and Jason Donovan [28.00], who are arguably a much higher level than last year's final three. You only need a peek at the scores from last weekend to know how good this trio are. Harry got two 39s, Chelsee got a 40 for the most amazing paso and Jason hit a 40 for a classic Argentine tango. These are all high level technicians.

Remember, the final consists of four dances for the celebs, one new routine, a judges pick, their own selection and a showdance. The latter is crucial, as Colin Jackson will testify from a previous series.

For me, Harry's price is too short. I know he's a brilliant dancer and, if you asked him to perform a 38 pointer, he would do it. He is clinical, precise and virtually flawless in technique. But he lacks Chelsee's wow factor.

The McFly man tackles the American smooth which I am sure will be first class. This is his new dance, but his arms are so good at finishing lines, I don't expect less than a 39. His best is the quickstep, whilst the showdance will have a bit of jive and could be
spectacular with the proposed lifts. He could gain mega scores.

Jason (and those white teeth) might fall down on his new routine, the salsa. He didn't have the samba hips in the semi-final, and that could be his weak link. His quickstep will be brilliant and his judges' routine will be the Priscilla tango number. His best effort
might come in the showdance - of which looks a bit like a Charleston. The Aussie actor is a great dancer, but the market vibes are off-putting.

Now let's get to my pocket rocket Chelsee, my favourite and my pick for the final. Remember Kara was not the market leader last year, and I reckon Chelsee is a better dancer - but can she beat Harry?

She goes for the new rumba, but such is her level of dancing, she can cope with the complicated choreography. Her showdance could be funky with a bit of cha cha, and we all know the fast dances really suit her. The judges have chosen her jive, whilst her personal choice is the quickstep. The four routines could not be be more perfect. She is the 40 performer (as shown in the brilliant paso) and is capable of the brilliant. She has more pizazz than Judd and no other dancer has such musicality and presence than the actress. Plus her chemistry with Pash is electric, a crucial factor shown between Kara and Artem in 2010.

It's time to be bold and brave, although not as brave as Robin's tight sequined vests. I wouldn't have got away with that in Blackpool. Come on, Chelsee.

Recommended Final Bets
Back Chelsee to win @ [4.50]
Lay Harry to win @ [1.35]
Back Chelsee/Harry in 1-2 forecast @ [4.50]

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