C’ MON JOE .. DANCE YOUR SOCKS OFF

FINALISTS TELL ALL AS JOE FLIES FLAG FOR SCOTLAND

Fabulous four take to the floor with Giltterball in their sights

ACTOR Joe McFadden is the first Scot to reach a Strictly Come Dancing final – and tonight he hopes to go one step further and lift the famous Glitterball.

After weeks of drama, dazzling footwork – and some tears – the final four, Joe, Debbie McGee, Alexandra Burke and Gemma Atkinson will take to the floor for their last dances.

The finalists and their pro dancer partners will each perform a favourite dance from the series, a judges’ pick and a showdance during the live final in Blackpool.

All are determined to be at their very best to provide the perfect finale to their Strictly experience.

So we caught up with them to find out how they are feeling as their big moment approaches. How does it feel to be the first Scot in the final? J: It was great going back to Glasgow to my old school and seeing that it means so much to them that they see someone like themselves on there.

That’s the great thing about the line-up this year, people can see themselves and that’s one of the reasons why we can all relate to it so much. How have you enjoyed your time on Strictly? J: It’s been the most brilliant, exhilarating thing I’ve done. Katya has been the most important part. She is a really strong character as well as being an amazing dancer. Best moment? J: The Charleston and when we got a 10 from Shirley (for the quickstep). It’s been a brilliant time from start to finish. I don’t want it to end. Please let me stay. How is Joe as a partner? K: Joe has lived up to all my expectations. He works really, really hard. He is such a cute person, everybody loves his smile. I saw a lot of potential and thought: “He’s mine.” How do you feel to have made it to the final? J: This feels like a dream that I never would have dared to have dreamt. I’d never have dared to think I’d still be here with all these amazing women. What’s your show dance? J: I don’t really want to spoil it for people! There’s some dancing in it. We move from foot to foot. K: It’s quite Christmassy, we’ve gone with a story. It’s got a solo and lots of surprises. What are your plans for next year? J: Sleep for a month, find out what my life’s like, pay bills, do laundry. I’ve come out of a TV show (Holby City) so it’s a clean slate. How has Strictly been for you? G: I’ve never danced and I never did stage or drama school and putting on a show every Saturday is so new to me.

There is no way I could have done this competition with anyone else apart from Aljaz. He has been there as a friend. He’s just a great positive energy. How is Gemma as a partner? A: She has taught me so much about determination, commitment, work ethic. I can never say thank you enough for being the best partner on Strictly. I have had the best series.

Some beautiful ups and some lows but we got here. Why do you and Aljaz get on so well? G: I’ve had 57 training sessions and in each he has made me laugh until my stomach hurts. What makes it so lovely is we’ve got here with that kind of fun element as well as grafting. When did you see her potential? A: Every day we work hard and at the end of the week we have a beautiful dance and result. Gemma is up at 4.30am to do the (Key 103 radio) breakfast show so when I see her at 10am, she’s almost cross-eyed.

I never felt, “Let’s get to the final and win.” I just want to do the best dance each week. Do you see yourself as a role model? G: I’m not your petite kind of dancer’s physique. I’m broad, I’m tall. So for any women who aren’t 5ft and tiny – you can do it and you can enjoy it. What is your fave dance of the other finalists? G: Alex’s paso. It was so early on and she nailed it. What are you doing in 2018? G: I’ve just signed for another year of the radio show. Then I’ll be hounding this lot on the group messenger seeing when we’re going out dancing.

You seem to have enjoyed your time on the show? D: My experience has been nothing but happiness. I have loved everything about it. And mostly because of Giovanni.

He has taught me a lot more than just learning to dance. He has nurtured me.

After Paul (magician husband Paul Daniels) died, I kind of lost who I was. Strictly has given me my confidence back. Best moment? D: When Shirley (head judge Ballas) handed me her Queen of Latin crown – that cannot be topped. How is Debbie as a partner? G: She is the most beautiful partner I could have asked for, I will take away a friend because she teaches me a lot in life.

In the first week when we did the paso doble, I said to her, ”Can you split?” and she did the kick and I was like, “Wow, this is going to be amazing.” What’s on in 2018? D: I’m so lucky to have been on Strictly, it opens doors. There’s lots of things bubbling – a yoga video is something I’m going to consider. What is your show dance? G: We are going to do something elegant and classic. Starting with a story, the song is beautiful and more lifts and splits – why not? And that kick. D: This dance is very elegant and very emotional and so, as a last dance, it’s a nice swan song. Are you conscious of flying the flag for older women? D: I couldn’t not be. I got so many messages saying I’ve made them realise you can carry on and it doesn’t matter what age you are. The downside is the whole country knows how old I am. What would Paul think? D: He’d be very proud. But he’d always have thought I’d get to the final. Having just lost your mother, it’s been a difficult time. A: I can’t thank Strictly enough for giving me happiness in a very weird time in my life.

When we got our first 10s for our jive, I said to myself, “That’s for you mamma.” How would she have felt if she’d seen you get this far? A: This was my mum’s favourite show and I think she’d be very proud. My mum gave me so much strength and she still does and everything I do is for my family. Most memorable dance? A: I never will forget doing that waltz with Gorka because I was shaking so much and he just kept saying to me: “This is just you and me on this dance floor.” He has been absolutely amazing, a real rock to me. Will you stay in touch? A: I’ve booked him next week! I am trying to focus on the joy and the happiness that Gorka has brought me. Was there backstage rivalry? A: No. Until you meet everybody you don’t know the vibe everyone has and the connection. Then you fastforward three months and even those who have left the show, we talk to them every day on our little group chats. Are you a role model? A: The feedback I’ve had is more about whatever you’re going through, you can find a good outcome. What will you do next year? A: I’m looking forward to some sleep and we will have a lot of reunions. I just want to enjoy some family time. Did the online trolling taint your experience? A: It hasn’t done anything to my experience. There’s so much more love out there. I concentrate on the positivity. So the trolls can just go away. We’re cool right here.