Louis Smith favourite to take Strictly title

Louis Smith and Flavia Cacace are the bookies' favourites to take the 2012 Strictly title.
Louis Smith and Flavia Cacace are the bookies' favourites to take the 2012 Strictly title. Photo: PA

The four finalists step onto the floor for the last time tonight as ballroom show Strictly Come Dancing crowns its 2012 winner.

Olympic gymnast Louis Smith is the bookmakers' favourite to win the glitterball trophy ahead of Girls Aloud star Kimberley Walsh, TV presenter Denise van Outen and actress Dani Harmer.

Kimberley Walsh and Pasha Kovalev during rehearsals.
Kimberley Walsh and Pasha Kovalev during rehearsals. Credit: PA

Smith won a silver medal for his pommel horse routine at the Olympics and after a shaky start in the show, the 23-year-old has wowed judges.

All four finalists will perform two dances, with one couple then voted out. The three remaining pairs will then perform their favourite dance from the series before the glitterball trophy is handed to the victor.

Walsh, who has previously scored a perfect 40 with her dance partner Pasha Kovalev, had to take her Strictly dance partner to a film shoot with her Girls Aloud bandmates to squeeze in an extra rehearsal.

It's been crazy trying to do both things at the same time but we've made it work. Pasha has now become a member of Girls Aloud, whether he likes it or not. He's got the moves down, he's had to watch it a few times.

– Kimberley Walsh
Denise van Outen and James Jordan during rehearsals for the show.
Denise van Outen and James Jordan during rehearsals for the show.

Van Outen and her dancing partner James Jordan are favourites to go out first. Despite impressing the judges, their performances have not attracted the support of viewers and they have been in the dance-off two weeks running.

We can just enjoy it, we've got nothing to lose. We know what it feels like to be almost walking home so I've already pre-booked my cab.

– Denise van Outen
Dani Harmer and dance partner Vincent Simone are in the final four.
Dani Harmer and dance partner Vincent Simone are in the final four. Credit: PA

Another of the stars of this year's series has been former prima ballerina Darcey Bussell, who has confirmed she will return as a judge next year.

I've thoroughly enjoyed my first series as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing and I'm absolutely delighted to be returning next year.

After such a fantastic series with some brilliant dancers, I can't wait to see who the viewers will crown their winner for 2012.

– Darcey Bussel

The grand final is at 6.30pm, with the results show at 8.50pm.