Strictly adorable!
Ahead of tonight’s final, the hopefuls when they were twinkle-toed tots
THE competition will be fierce tonight when they dance their hearts out for the prized glitterball trophy.
But in these adorable childhood photos of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing finalists, the only contest is who’s the cutest – and it might very well be impossible to decide.
One picture shows video blogger Joe Sugg, 27, with his YouTube star sister Zoe playing dress-up together.
Another shows BBC journalist Stacey Dooley, 31 – the favourite to win – looking a picture of earnest innocence.
While Sugg and Dooley have no previous dance experience before the show, former Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts and Steps star Faye Tozer do.
And while the childhood shot of Miss Tozer, 43, shows a chubby-armed toddler playing, that of Miss Roberts, 37, shows her in a ballet pose dressed in what appears to be a dance costume.
Despite regularly toppping the leaderboard, Miss Roberts, who has been criticised for having professional dance training, has found herself in the danceoff three times.
Miss Tozer has also been criticised for having professional dance experience and is said to be trained in 12 styles including Bollywood, tap, jazz, burlesque, folk and salsa.
Here is a brief look at the four dancing in tonight’s final at 6.30pm on BBC1.
STACEY DOOLEY PROFESSIONAL PARTNER: KEVIN CLIFTON
The BBC Three journalist from Luton, who has investigated topics including Islamic State and the sexualisation of children in Japan, was made an MBE this year for services to broadcasting. Dance experience: She does not have a performance background but has impressed the judges with her natural ability. Best routines: Her paso doble and Charleston both scored her 39. Chance of winning: Although she is not a technically perfect dancer, her likeability means she is the bookies’ favourite to lift the glitterball trophy. Odds: 8/15.
JOE SUGG PROFESSIONAL PARTNER: DIANNE BUSWELL
The Wiltshire vlogger found fame when he started sharing online videos after his sister Zoe became an internet sensation. He was training to become a roof thatcher before his online career took off. Dance experience: He has no previous dance experience but his hard work ethic and determination mean he has consistently stayed near the top of the leaderboard. Best routines: He became tearful after he was awarded 38 for dancing the quickstep in Blackpool while his 96-year-old grandmother, Phyllis, watched from the audience. Chance of winning: Although he was perhaps the least-known star when the line-up was announced, Sugg has become the bookies’ close second favourite to win. Odds: 9/4.
FAYE TOZER PROFESSIONAL PARTNER: GIOVANNI PERNICE
The singer found fame in pop group Steps in the 1990s. She has since appeared in the West End. Dance experience: As well as learning energetic routines during her pop career, she has starred in a string of stage shows. According to her CV, she is also trained in ballet and choreography. Best routines: Her Charleston to Lonely Goatherd from The Sound of Music earned her a perfect score of 40. Chance of winning: Her previous dance experience means it is unlikely that she will lift the glitterball trophy. Odds: 10/1.
ASHLEY ROBERTS PROFESSIONAL PARTNER: PASHA KOVALEV
The American singer found fame with the dance ensemble and girl group the Pussycat Dolls. Dance experience: She studied modern dance and has years of experience, having begun performing aged three. She even appeared on the Strictly stage with the Pussycat Dolls in 2005. Best routines: Her contemporary routine based on the death of her father wowed the judges and she scored the first perfect 40 points of the series. Chance of winning: She is the most unpopular contestant in the final. This is thought to be because of her dancing experience. Odds: 33/1.