thedailymirror--2020-12-19--Strictly star Maisie Smith's heartbreaking admission about her time on the show

EastEnders actress Maisie Smith has n't scored lower than a seven in the whole competition but still puts pressure on herself to do better .
She said : “ I think I want to make the most of every performance .
I want to leave everything out on that stage that I possibly can .
And also Gorka 's choreography is so beautiful .
I never want to let him down.
” She says that her confidence has crept up each week as she 's gained experience .
Maisie explained : “ I 've always had insecurities and I probably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being on this show with the costumes and the dances and just doing things completely out of my comfort zone , I 've been thrown into the deep end .
`` It has pushed me just to get over it and I try to feel happier with myself .
And it 's only been nine weeks and I already feel better about myself - I did n't expect that to ever happen.
” One highlight was getting a message from Khloe Kardashian about her curvy legs .
Maisie said : “ It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I stand for it .
It did mean a lot to me that she went out of her way and took her time to actually sit here and say that she thought I was beautiful .
It was really lovely.
” She added that despite the endless hours they have worked together perfecting the dances each week , she and professional partner Gorka Marquez have never fallen out .
Maisie said : “ When you 're tired and I 'm a teenager , I 'm hormonal , ” she laughs .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It can get frustrating , especially when the dances are quite complicated and it takes you a while to pick them up , but there 's never been tears.
” The 19-year-old said that being in the bottom two twice has spurred her on .
She added : “ It made me realise how much this meant to me .
And it did give me a massive push to just keep working as hard as I can .
I think that was the turning point for me.
” Now she says any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ I do n't think anyone 's had any clue what 's going to happen because the standard is just so high .
`` Every week you 're wowed by every single performance .
It 's incredible how much everyone has changed from the launch show to now .
It 's like different people .
None of us know what 's going to happen , which is what makes it even more exciting.
” Tonight she will perform a samba , a quickstep and their showdance in her quest to become the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : “ I hope we win it so I can thank you for working so hard and always with a smile , even if you 'd been in the dance-off .
It would be the best end , the best Christmas present .
”

EastEnders actress Maisie Smith has made it to the final of Strictly Come Dancing with her professional partner, Gorka Marquez
EastEnders actress Maisie Smith hasn't scored lower than a seven in the whole competition but still puts pressure on herself to do better.
She said: “I think I want to make the most of every performance. I want to leave everything out on that stage that I possibly can. And also Gorka's choreography is so beautiful. I never want to let him down.”
She says that her confidence has crept up each week as she's gained experience.
Maisie explained: “I've always had insecurities and I probably always will. “But I think being on this show with the costumes and the dances and just doing things completely out of my comfort zone, I've been thrown into the deep end.
"It has pushed me just to get over it and I try to feel happier with myself. And it's only been nine weeks and I already feel better about myself - I didn't expect that to ever happen.”
Image: BBC / Guy Levy) BBC / Guy Levy)
One highlight was getting a message from Khloe Kardashian about her curvy legs.
Maisie said: “It was incredible because I think women supporting women, I stand for it. It did mean a lot to me that she went out of her way and took her time to actually sit here and say that she thought I was beautiful. It was really lovely.”
She added that despite the endless hours they have worked together perfecting the dances each week, she and professional partner Gorka Marquez have never fallen out.
Maisie said: “When you're tired and I'm a teenager, I'm hormonal,” she laughs. “Even still, we've never bickered. It can get frustrating, especially when the dances are quite complicated and it takes you a while to pick them up, but there's never been tears.”
The 19-year-old said that being in the bottom two twice has spurred her on.
Image: Instagram) Instagram)
She added: “It made me realise how much this meant to me. And it did give me a massive push to just keep working as hard as I can. I think that was the turning point for me.”
Now she says any of them could triumph.
Maisie added: “I don't think anyone's had any clue what's going to happen because the standard is just so high.
"Every week you're wowed by every single performance. It's incredible how much everyone has changed from the launch show to now. It's like different people. None of us know what's going to happen, which is what makes it even more exciting.”
Tonight she will perform a samba, a quickstep and their showdance in her quest to become the show's youngest ever winner.
Gorka said: “I hope we win it so I can thank you for working so hard and always with a smile, even if you'd been in the dance-off. It would be the best end, the best Christmas present.”


thedailymirror--2020-12-19--Strictly star HRVY plans to give Glitterball trophy to his nan if he wins

HRVY is one of the red hot favourites to be crowned the Strictly Come Dancing champion - and if he does win , he has an adorable plan for the Glitterball trophy .
The singer says if he wins he will give the Glitterball to his Nan – as she celebrates 60 years of marriage with his grandad .
“ On the night of the final , it 's my nan and granddad 's 60th diamond anniversary , ” he says .
“ They watch every single Strictly .
They 've never missed a show , since the beginning .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'genuinely , if I win and I get a glitterball , you can put it in your house on the fireplace ' .
`` I 'd take a picture of me next to it and have that in my house , but I honestly would give the Glitterball to my nan . ''
The 21-year-old believes any of the four could triumph .
He said : `` Yeah , this is anyone 's game .
There 's so many different reasons why everyone deserves to win . ''
HRVY said that training hard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had taken its toll on his body .
He explained : `` It 's really a weird thing .
I 'm doing what my granddad and dad do now - every time I get up and down , I make noises .
And I hate that .
It 's just because my body and my knees are in agony . ''
And he admits he will be going all out to try and become the show 's youngest ever winner .
HRVY said : `` It would be such an amazing way to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did the show because I really wanted to dance .
I love the challenge , but now , because we are in the final , we 're that close , it 's almost like maybe we could win . ''
Janette has never won and as well as the final , she is also looking forward to being reunited with fellow dancer Aljaz .
She said : `` These 11 weeks are the longest I 've ever been away from him .
And our Christmas plans are still up in the air because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions .
So on Sunday I can not wait to be home on my couch just resting with my husband.
” '' Whatever happens , HRVY is also planning a relaxing Christmas with his pets and his Playstation .
He said : `` I am going to pick up my two dogs before I see my family .
They 'll come to me first .
Teddy and Bear , are my two dogs .
I 'll give them cuddles .
And then obviously I 'll see my family and friends .
`` And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with my PlayStation .
I am so excited .
No one 's been able to get their hands on PS5 ...
I did .
I can not wait . ''

Strictly Come Dancing star HRVY, along with his professional partner Janette Manrara, is one of the favourites to lift the Glitterball trophy
HRVY is one of the red hot favourites to be crowned the Strictly Come Dancing champion - and if he does win, he has an adorable plan for the Glitterball trophy.
The singer says if he wins he will give the Glitterball to his Nan – as she celebrates 60 years of marriage with his grandad.
“On the night of the final, it's my nan and granddad's 60th diamond anniversary,” he says.
“They watch every single Strictly. They've never missed a show, since the beginning. So I said to my Nan, 'genuinely, if I win and I get a glitterball, you can put it in your house on the fireplace'.
"I'd take a picture of me next to it and have that in my house, but I honestly would give the Glitterball to my nan."
Image: BBC / Guy Levy) BBC / Guy Levy)
The 21-year-old believes any of the four could triumph.
He said: "Yeah, this is anyone's game. There's so many different reasons why everyone deserves to win."
HRVY said that training hard for nine weeks with partner Janette Manrara had taken its toll on his body.
He explained: "It's really a weird thing. I'm doing what my granddad and dad do now - every time I get up and down, I make noises. And I hate that. It's just because my body and my knees are in agony."
And he admits he will be going all out to try and become the show's youngest ever winner.
HRVY said: "It would be such an amazing way to end a really bad year. I did the show because I really wanted to dance. I love the challenge, but now, because we are in the final, we're that close, it's almost like maybe we could win."
Janette has never won and as well as the final, she is also looking forward to being reunited with fellow dancer Aljaz.
She said: "These 11 weeks are the longest I've ever been away from him. And our Christmas plans are still up in the air because of COVID and the guidelines and the restrictions. So on Sunday I cannot wait to be home on my couch just resting with my husband.”"
Whatever happens, HRVY is also planning a relaxing Christmas with his pets and his Playstation.
He said: "I am going to pick up my two dogs before I see my family. They'll come to me first. Teddy and Bear, are my two dogs. I'll give them cuddles. And then obviously I'll see my family and friends.
"And then I'm literally making a date with my PlayStation. I am so excited. No one's been able to get their hands on PS5... I did. I cannot wait."


thedailymirror--2020-12-19--Strictly star Jamie Laing's defiant message after winning place in show final

Getting to the final ahead of Ranvir Singh was controversial but Jamie Laing says he absolutely deserves his place on the dancefloor .
The Made In Chelsea star added : “ I think that everything happens for a reason .
And it 's been a real long journey and a really great one .
`` So yeah , I think it 's meant to be , 100 % .
We just had the best time .
It 's been unbelievable .
It 's been amazing .
It 's been incredible.
” Jamie says that while he might not be the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ history , he brings different qualities .
The 33-year-old explained : “ I am so happy and so thankful that we 're in the final .
Because Karen honestly deserves it so much .
It means so much to her .
`` If we 're totally honest - and this has taken me to week nine to understand - I 'm probably not the best dancer .
As much as I thought I was , I 'm probably not .
But what we do bring is our work ethic and we really go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was thankful to have survived four dance offs .
He added : “ I think some people now think that we 're bribing the judges - it 's got to that point , ” he laughed .
Karen said that despite all the dance offs , Jamie has always fought hard for his place on the show .
She explained : “ I 've never seen anybody bounce back with such positivity and such resilience .
“ He 's been able to lift me and himself at times - and lift people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ routines and his amazing enthusiasm and energy .
“ Everybody should have a Jamie in their life .
I 'm not going to get emotional , but I am so proud of him .
Because with all those ups and downs , he 's always managed to have a smile on his face.
” Jamie said he 'd enjoyed the camaraderie between the contestants on the show .
He added : “ I have n't had that sort of ensemble feeling for a while .
It 's a weird combination of emotions because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home , but you also do n't want to see someone else go home – but someone has to.
” Jamie says they he and Karen have learned that he is far better when dancing in hold .
He added : “ We worked out very quickly is that if I 'm by myself on the dance floor , that is a no-no , ” he laughs .
“ We have to be connected , because if I 'm doing a solo dance , things go wrong very quickly.
” Karen is particularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in which James dresses like Hercules .
“ I feel like now Jamie is more aware of his body , ” she says .
“ He 's improved .
He 's just going to go for it like we always do.
” Now he has set his sights on the glitterball .
Jamie said : “ Winning would be the best Christmas present that I could get Karen and myself and my friends and family .
It would just be wicked .
”

Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing and his professional partner, Karen Hauer, had made it to the final of Strictly Come Dancing
Getting to the final ahead of Ranvir Singh was controversial but Jamie Laing says he absolutely deserves his place on the dancefloor.
The Made In Chelsea star added: “I think that everything happens for a reason. And it's been a real long journey and a really great one.
"So yeah, I think it's meant to be, 100%. We just had the best time. It's been unbelievable. It's been amazing. It's been incredible.”
Jamie says that while he might not be the most talented mover in the show's history, he brings different qualities.
The 33-year-old explained: “I am so happy and so thankful that we're in the final. Because Karen honestly deserves it so much. It means so much to her.
Image: BBC / Guy Levy) BBC / Guy Levy)
"If we're totally honest - and this has taken me to week nine to understand - I'm probably not the best dancer. As much as I thought I was, I'm probably not. But what we do bring is our work ethic and we really go for it.”
The reality star said he was thankful to have survived four dance offs.
He added: “I think some people now think that we're bribing the judges - it's got to that point,” he laughed.
Karen said that despite all the dance offs, Jamie has always fought hard for his place on the show.
She explained: “I've never seen anybody bounce back with such positivity and such resilience.
Image: BBC) BBC)
“He's been able to lift me and himself at times - and lift people at home - with all his amazing routines and his amazing enthusiasm and energy. “
Everybody should have a Jamie in their life. I'm not going to get emotional, but I am so proud of him. Because with all those ups and downs, he's always managed to have a smile on his face.”
Jamie said he'd enjoyed the camaraderie between the contestants on the show.
He added: “I haven't had that sort of ensemble feeling for a while. It's a weird combination of emotions because you obviously don't want to go home, but you also don't want to see someone else go home – but someone has to.”
Image: PA) PA)
Jamie says they he and Karen have learned that he is far better when dancing in hold.
He added: “We worked out very quickly is that if I'm by myself on the dance floor, that is a no-no,” he laughs. “We have to be connected, because if I'm doing a solo dance, things go wrong very quickly.”
Karen is particularly looking forward to reliving their Charleston, in which James dresses like Hercules.
“I feel like now Jamie is more aware of his body,” she says. “He's improved. He's just going to go for it like we always do.”
Now he has set his sights on the glitterball.
Jamie said: “Winning would be the best Christmas present that I could get Karen and myself and my friends and family. It would just be wicked.”


thedailymirror--2020-12-19--ADVERTORIAL: Planning a trip to Europe in 2021? Five things EVERYONE needs to know

After a year like no other , a holiday in 2021 will be top of the list for lots of us .
But with the Brexit transition period coming to an end on December 31 , how we travel in the EU is set to change .
With new rules coming into force from January 1 relating to everything from passports , travel insurance and driving to pet travel and roaming charges , it ’ s crucial to take note to make sure our much-needed holidays go without a hitch .
Here are some of the changes to look out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2021 you may need to apply for your British passport earlier than usual , as it will need to meet new rules for travel to most countries in Europe ( not including Ireland ) .
Under these new rules , your passport must have at least six months left , and be less than ten years old .
Make sure you apply in good time , and don ’ t book travel without a passport that meets your travel needs .
Check your passport for travel to Europe from January here .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may no longer be valid after December 31 - and remember , the EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance , so you will still need to organise a travel insurance package that covers everything from your healthcare needs to being flown back to the UK if necessary .
From January 2021 you will still need to carry your UK driving licence with you if driving in the EU , and you may also need an International Driving Permit ( IDP ) .
If you ’ re taking your own vehicle , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ card ’ and a GB sticker .
You will not need an IDP when visiting Ireland if you have a UK driving licence .
An IDP costs £5.50 and you can get it over the counter at the Post Office .
Come January 2021 you will not be able to use the current pet passport scheme .
You will need to follow a different process so visit your vet at least one month in advance of travel .
The guarantee of free mobile phone roaming throughout the EU , Iceland , Liechtenstein and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ January 2021 - though many operators say they wo n't charge extra .
To find out more , check with your network provider .
Act now to get prepared .
Use the simple checker tool on gov.uk/transition for a personalised summary of the actions you need to take and full details of all actions above .

Changes are coming into force that will affect everything from passports to travelling with a pet
Planning a trip to Europe in 2021? Five things EVERYONE needs to know
After a year like no other, a holiday in 2021 will be top of the list for lots of us.
But with the Brexit transition period coming to an end on December 31, how we travel in the EU is set to change.
With new rules coming into force from January 1 relating to everything from passports, travel insurance and driving to pet travel and roaming charges, it’s crucial to take note to make sure our much-needed holidays go without a hitch.
Here are some of the changes to look out for:
1. Passports
If travelling from January 1 2021 you may need to apply for your British passport earlier than usual, as it will need to meet new rules for travel to most countries in Europe (not including Ireland).
Under these new rules, your passport must have at least six months left, and be less than ten years old.
Make sure you apply in good time, and don’t book travel without a passport that meets your travel needs.
Check your passport for travel to Europe from January here.
2. Travel Insurance
Check you’re covered with appropriate travel insurance.
The European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) may no longer be valid after December 31 - and remember, the EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance, so you will still need to organise a travel insurance package that covers everything from your healthcare needs to being flown back to the UK if necessary.
3. Driving
From January 2021 you will still need to carry your UK driving licence with you if driving in the EU, and you may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
If you’re taking your own vehicle, you will also need a ‘green card’ and a GB sticker.
You will not need an IDP when visiting Ireland if you have a UK driving licence. An IDP costs £5.50 and you can get it over the counter at the Post Office.
4. Pet Travel
Come January 2021 you will not be able to use the current pet passport scheme. You will need to follow a different process so visit your vet at least one month in advance of travel.
5. Roaming
The guarantee of free mobile phone roaming throughout the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway will come to an end from January 2021 - though many operators say they won't charge extra. To find out more, check with your network provider.
Act now to get prepared. Use the simple checker tool on gov.uk/transition for a personalised summary of the actions you need to take and full details of all actions above.


thedailymirror--2020-12-19--Strictly star Bill Bailey's incredible message of support from celebrity fan

Comic Bill Bailey is looking forward to dancing his Rapper 's Delight again in the final – and making it even better .
He said : `` That dance particularly was a bit of a moment .
It really was .
It was this song from my youth that I loved for years and years , but I never danced to it .
`` It just felt like this is the absolute the essence of what I wanted to do in the show .
So doing that again would be great .
We rehearsed it and we 're just going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more refined . ''
Oti laughs that Bill , 55 , memorised the message he received from the Sugar Hill Gang 's Master Gee .
She explained : `` He said , 'Keep on , keeping on .
I 'd like to thank you , Bill Bailey , for showing some love for our song .
Peace and blessings . '
I 've learned the whole thing .
I 'll never forget that . ''
He hopes that his efforts on the dance floor will inspire other men of a certain age to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` I sincerely hope so .
If that is the result , the consequence of me being on the show , then that 's wonderful .
I think blokes of my age sometimes feel a bit self-conscious , they feel a bit like , ' I 'm going to be called the Dad dancer . '
`` And I think if me showing that I can get out there and look a little bit more than just somebody shuffling about.
” Oti said that Rob Brydon confessed he would now consider doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ progress .
She said : “ He 's a big Strictly fan , and he always sees the older gentlemen being a comedic act .
And for the first time when he watched it and saw Bill he thought , 'Oh my goodness .
If I did Strictly , there is a possibility that I can go far ' .
`` He realised if he ever came on to Strictly , that he could be taken seriously .
So well done you.
” Bill said that all the training has made him fitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years .
He added : `` It is extremely tough .
I have nothing but respect for dancers and the amount of work that they put in .
They 're athletes .
It 's something beyond just being fit .
`` I 've met elite athletes but then when you meet dancers , there 's something about the way they carry themselves , it 's something extraordinary .
`` You have the fitness and all the rest of it .
But you have something else , the grace and the poise .
Trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few days is hard .
But I 've absolutely loved it . ''
Bill , currently the bookies ' favourite to lift the Glitterball , said he would love to make history by helping Oti to become the first pro to win two years running – while also becoming the oldest ever winner himself .
He added : “ You sometimes allow yourself a moment to imagine what it would be like .
“ Of course , it would be wonderful .
It would be an amazing way to cap off this extraordinary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

Comedian Bill Bailey and his professional partner, Oti Mabuse, have made it through to the final of Strictly Come Dancing
Comic Bill Bailey is looking forward to dancing his Rapper's Delight again in the final – and making it even better.
He said: "That dance particularly was a bit of a moment. It really was. It was this song from my youth that I loved for years and years, but I never danced to it.
"It just felt like this is the absolute the essence of what I wanted to do in the show. So doing that again would be great. We rehearsed it and we're just going to make it even better, even more refined."
Oti laughs that Bill, 55, memorised the message he received from the Sugar Hill Gang's Master Gee.
She explained: "He said, 'Keep on, keeping on. I'd like to thank you, Bill Bailey, for showing some love for our song. Peace and blessings.' I've learned the whole thing. I'll never forget that."
He hopes that his efforts on the dance floor will inspire other men of a certain age to give it a go.
Bill said: "I sincerely hope so. If that is the result, the consequence of me being on the show, then that's wonderful. I think blokes of my age sometimes feel a bit self-conscious, they feel a bit like, 'I'm going to be called the Dad dancer.'
"And I think if me showing that I can get out there and look a little bit more than just somebody shuffling about.”
Oti said that Rob Brydon confessed he would now consider doing the show, having watched Bill's progress.
She said: “He's a big Strictly fan, and he always sees the older gentlemen being a comedic act. And for the first time when he watched it and saw Bill he thought, 'Oh my goodness. If I did Strictly, there is a possibility that I can go far'.
"He realised if he ever came on to Strictly, that he could be taken seriously. So well done you.”
Bill said that all the training has made him fitter and leaner than he's been in years.
Image: BBC/Guy Levy) BBC/Guy Levy)
He added: "It is extremely tough. I have nothing but respect for dancers and the amount of work that they put in. They're athletes. It's something beyond just being fit.
"I've met elite athletes but then when you meet dancers, there's something about the way they carry themselves, it's something extraordinary.
"You have the fitness and all the rest of it. But you have something else, the grace and the poise. Trying to get to that stage in a few days is hard. But I've absolutely loved it."
Bill, currently the bookies' favourite to lift the Glitterball, said he would love to make history by helping Oti to become the first pro to win two years running – while also becoming the oldest ever winner himself.
He added: “You sometimes allow yourself a moment to imagine what it would be like.
“Of course, it would be wonderful. It would be an amazing way to cap off this extraordinary experience for me and for Oti too."


thedailymirror--2020-12-18--Tearful Gorka Marquez struggled leaving Gemma Atkinson and baby for Strictly

Strictly Come Dancing professional Gorka Marquez has revealed he struggled a lot this series as he had to be away from girlfriend Gemma Atkinson and their baby daughter , Mia .
Gorka was appearing on It Takes Two alongside his celebrity partner Maisie Smith ahead of the final this weekend .
He admitted it was tough to spend two months away from his family as the cast and crew had to isolate together .
Host Rylan Clark Neal said : `` Gorka , you ’ ve had two months away from your family as well , we know how much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the final now with Maisie going the full way is a little bit of a consolation for it ? ''
Gorka replied : `` Obviously there were times where I thought , 'What am I doing ?
Why am I not going home ? '
`` It ’ s very hard to be away from Gemma and Mia .
`` But coming into the studio every day and to have [ Maisie ] there pushing and smiling trying to be her best , it pays off . ''
He added : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the final and hopefully it ends on a happy ending for you .
`` We can get that trophy for you and it would be my way to thank her for the work . ''
Maisie was emotional as she opened up on her experience on the show , and admitted she did not know if she had anything left to give .
She has been given the Samba to perform , and she first did the dance on week one .
Rylan asked : `` This really lit up the dance floor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time now to perfect this .
`` Are we going to see a different Maisie in this Samba ? ''
Maisie replied : `` The thing is the first time I did it I put my heart and soul into it I don ’ t know if I can give anymore .
`` We ’ re working hard this week and fingers crossed , it feels good but I ’ m not a pro . ''
* Strictly Come Dancing 's final airs Saturday night from 6pm on BBC One

GORKA MARQUEZ HAD DOUBTS ABOUT LEAVING GEMMA AND MIA FOR STRICTLY ‘IT WAS HARD’
GORKA MARQUEZ HAD DOUBTS ABOUT LEAVING GEMMA AND MIA FOR STRICTLY ‘IT WAS HARD’
Emotional Gorka Marquez and Maisie Smith appeared on It Takes Two where Gorka admitted he wondered why he was leaving his girlfriend and baby daughter for the show
Strictly Come Dancing professional Gorka Marquez has revealed he struggled a lot this series as he had to be away from girlfriend Gemma Atkinson and their baby daughter, Mia.
Gorka was appearing on It Takes Two alongside his celebrity partner Maisie Smith ahead of the final this weekend.
He admitted it was tough to spend two months away from his family as the cast and crew had to isolate together.
Host Rylan Clark Neal said: "Gorka, you’ve had two months away from your family as well, we know how much you love them.
"Surely getting to the final now with Maisie going the full way is a little bit of a consolation for it?"
Gorka replied: "Obviously there were times where I thought, 'What am I doing? Why am I not going home?'
"It’s very hard to be away from Gemma and Mia.
Image: glouiseatkinson/Instagram) glouiseatkinson/Instagram)
"But coming into the studio every day and to have [Maisie] there pushing and smiling trying to be her best, it pays off."
He added: "I am just grateful she's in the final and hopefully it ends on a happy ending for you.
"We can get that trophy for you and it would be my way to thank her for the work."
Maisie was emotional as she opened up on her experience on the show, and admitted she did not know if she had anything left to give.
She has been given the Samba to perform, and she first did the dance on week one.
Rylan asked: "This really lit up the dance floor in week one but you've had time now to perfect this.
Image: Instagram) Instagram)
"Are we going to see a different Maisie in this Samba?"
Maisie replied: "The thing is the first time I did it I put my heart and soul into it I don’t know if I can give anymore.
"We’re working hard this week and fingers crossed, it feels good but I’m not a pro."
* Strictly Come Dancing's final airs Saturday night from 6pm on BBC One


thedailymirror--2020-12-18--Eamonn Holmes 'gutted' by This Morning changes after show's 'office politics'

Eamonn Holmes was reportedly `` gutted '' when he and wife Ruth Langsford lost their This Morning slot on Fridays .
The couple will no longer present the Friday shows from January and aired their last show in the slot on Friday .
A friend of Eamonn 's reportedly told The Sun : `` Eamonn understands things change in broadcasting — he ’ s an old hand at this now .
`` But the situation at This Morning has felt fraught for a while and the office politics surrounding their future has been bubbling away under the surface . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was `` gutted '' that he and Ruth , 60 , lost the Friday slot on the popular ITV show .
Yet , they added that the presenter had `` no malice '' and just `` sadness '' when he made recent comments on This Morning referencing the changes .
On their last show of the year on Friday , Eamonn said to Ruth while adjusting his glasses : `` Do you know what I saw yesterday ?
Outside the opticians was a man selling Christmas trees , discounting them by half @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They ’ re struggling to get rid of them , I suppose . ''
Eamonn then said : `` I would say so darling , that ’ s the obvious conclusion ... which is why they ’ re getting rid of us on a Friday now . ''
From January , the pair will be replaced by This Morning colleagues Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary .
On Friday , Eamonn and Ruth bid farewell until they return as holiday cover in February for hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby .
However , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kind to Alison and Dermot as the changes come in .
Eamonn said : `` You wo n't be watching us anymore on a Friday , Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary are going to be here on Fridays from here on in .
`` Please can we ask you to be as nice to them [ Alison and Dermot ] friends of ours as they are - and we 're very close to Alison - as you have been to us for the past 15 years . ''
The comments were met with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show on social media .
This Morning will return for a Christmas show on December 25 this year on ITV as daytime favourites make Yuletide appearances .
Good Morning Britain and Lorraine will also air on Christmas Day this year .
The Mirror has reached out to a representative of Eamonn Holmes for comment .
Will you miss Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford on Fridays on This Morning ?
Let us know in the comments below .

EAMONN AND RUTH SIGN OFF ON LAST THIS MORNING FRIDAY SHOW
EAMONN AND RUTH SIGN OFF ON LAST THIS MORNING FRIDAY SHOW
This Morning presenters Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford will return as holiday cover for Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby in February
Eamonn Holmes 'gutted' by This Morning changes after show's 'office politics'
Eamonn Holmes was reportedly "gutted" when he and wife Ruth Langsford lost their This Morning slot on Fridays.
The couple will no longer present the Friday shows from January and aired their last show in the slot on Friday.
A friend of Eamonn's reportedly told The Sun: "Eamonn understands things change in broadcasting — he’s an old hand at this now.
"But the situation at This Morning has felt fraught for a while and the office politics surrounding their future has been bubbling away under the surface."
The source adds that Eamonn, 61, was "gutted" that he and Ruth, 60, lost the Friday slot on the popular ITV show.
Image: ITV) ITV)
Yet, they added that the presenter had "no malice" and just "sadness" when he made recent comments on This Morning referencing the changes.
On their last show of the year on Friday, Eamonn said to Ruth while adjusting his glasses: "Do you know what I saw yesterday? Outside the opticians was a man selling Christmas trees, discounting them by half price."
Ruth responded: "They’re struggling to get rid of them, I suppose."
Eamonn then said: "I would say so darling, that’s the obvious conclusion...which is why they’re getting rid of us on a Friday now."
Image: ITV) ITV)
From January, the pair will be replaced by This Morning colleagues Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary.
On Friday, Eamonn and Ruth bid farewell until they return as holiday cover in February for hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby.
However, they had a message for fans to be kind to Alison and Dermot as the changes come in.
Eamonn said: "You won't be watching us anymore on a Friday, Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary are going to be here on Fridays from here on in.
"Please can we ask you to be as nice to them [Alison and Dermot] friends of ours as they are - and we're very close to Alison - as you have been to us for the past 15 years."
Image: ITV) ITV)
The comments were met with an emotional response from fans of the show on social media.
This Morning will return for a Christmas show on December 25 this year on ITV as daytime favourites make Yuletide appearances.
Good Morning Britain and Lorraine will also air on Christmas Day this year.
The Mirror has reached out to a representative of Eamonn Holmes for comment.
Will you miss Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford on Fridays on This Morning? Let us know in the comments below.


thedailymirror--2020-12-18--Thieves use blowtorch to burn through door before stealing £33k worth of goods

Determined thieves used a blowtorch to break into a house and steal £33,500 worth of vehicles while the owners slept upstairs .
Shocking images shows how the crooks used the appliance to burn a hole in the PVC door to gain entry into the property in Tideswell , Derbyshire .
Kerrie West shared photographs of the aftermath which saw the thieves escape with her `` pride and joy '' Audi S1 - valued at around £25,000 .
The thieves stole wallets from Kerrie 's home before finding the keys to her car and they also stole a limited edition 2016 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - and a £4,000 2018 electric Devinci Ebike .
Derbyshire Police have confirmed they were investigating the theft and said they believed it was linked to other break-ins in the area .
Kerrie spotted the two culprits placing some of the stolen items in the back of a dark transit van after she was woken up in the early hours of Tuesday .
But the two thieves managed to speed off with the expensive items before the family were able to confront them .
Kerrie uploaded images onto Facebook later on that day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left in and appeal to people to keep a look out for her stolen vehicles .
She captioned her post on : `` Stolen .
Please share asap .
`` My absolute pride and joy has been nicked . ''
Kerrie then goes onto the list the stolen items .
She said : `` Two lads in a dark transit van broke into the house and took the keys .
`` Not only this they have taken my purse , my dad 's wallet and other things .
The images show the front @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the plastic melted away with parts of the key lock charred from the initial attempt .
Another image shows a yellow Audi S1 in pristine condition with personalised number plates .
The next image is a white and blue limited edition 2018 KTM 125 motorbike .
The last image shows a customised dark grey Devinci ebike out on a mountainous terrain One user wrote under the post : `` Absolute b**s. Hope they 're found very quickly and given their karma .
Sorry that low life scum have done this . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a blowtorch being used ... you 're lucky you 're still here to write this post .
One user wrote : `` The audacity of using a blowtorch now to force entry . ''
Another commented : `` Wow , they could have burned the house down and killed people . ''
A spokeswoman for Derbyshire Police said : `` At 3.15am on December 15 , a house in Tideswell , was broken into .
`` The thieves took a wallet and a set of keys , which they used to steal the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They also took a motocross trail bike and an electric Devinci bike .
Support our appeal and help save Christmas for thousands of children The Mirror needs your help to save Christmas for thousands of children in Britain .
We are raising funds for Save the Children UK , so it can buy gifts for some of the country 's most vulnerable kids and offer Christmas meals to hard-up families .
Every penny you donate to our Save a Kid 's Christmas appeal will make a difference .
It could mean one less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or pay for the only gift they will get to open .
Or it could help buy books and learning packs for kids who risk falling behind at school .
• Text MIRROR5 TO 70008 to donate £5 or MIRROR10 TO 70008 to donate £10 • Send a cheque payable to Save the Children UK to Freepost Daily Mirror Christmas Appeal 2020 , Save the Children , 1 St John ’ s Lane , London , EC1M 4AR .
The Save the Children Fund is a charity registered in England and Wales ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and IOM ( 199 ) '' We are linking the theft to a similar crime that took place in the village that morning .
`` At 3.50am , two men broke into a house in Tithe Barn Close .
`` They searched the house but did n't steal anything .
`` In both cases , a blow torch was used to break in through the door .
`` This is an unusual crime and the victim 's were understandably left very upset .
`` We are investigating and have been speaking to villagers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` If you have any information , we would urge you to get in touch quoting reference 20000660662 . ''

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (John Glover , Lorraine King)

The thieves stole a £25,000, a limited edition 2016 KTM 125 motorbike worth around £4,500 and a £4,000 2018 electric Devinci Ebike after using the appliance to burn a hole in a PVC door
Thieves use blowtorch to burn through door before stealing £33,000 worth of goods
Determined thieves used a blowtorch to break into a house and steal £33,500 worth of vehicles while the owners slept upstairs.
Shocking images shows how the crooks used the appliance to burn a hole in the PVC door to gain entry into the property in Tideswell, Derbyshire.
Kerrie West shared photographs of the aftermath which saw the thieves escape with her "pride and joy" Audi S1 - valued at around £25,000.
The thieves stole wallets from Kerrie's home before finding the keys to her car and they also stole a limited edition 2016 KTM 125 motorbike - valued around £4,500 - and a £4,000 2018 electric Devinci Ebike.
Derbyshire Police have confirmed they were investigating the theft and said they believed it was linked to other break-ins in the area.
Kerrie spotted the two culprits placing some of the stolen items in the back of a dark transit van after she was woken up in the early hours of Tuesday.
But the two thieves managed to speed off with the expensive items before the family were able to confront them.
Kerrie uploaded images onto Facebook later on that day to show the state her door was left in and appeal to people to keep a look out for her stolen vehicles.
She captioned her post on: "Stolen. Please share asap.
"My absolute pride and joy has been nicked." Kerrie then goes onto the list the stolen items.
She said: "Two lads in a dark transit van broke into the house and took the keys.
"Not only this they have taken my purse, my dad's wallet and other things.
"Please share".
The images show the front door has a holed in the middle of the plastic melted away with parts of the key lock charred from the initial attempt.
Another image shows a yellow Audi S1 in pristine condition with personalised number plates.
The next image is a white and blue limited edition 2018 KTM 125 motorbike.
The last image shows a customised dark grey Devinci ebike out on a mountainous terrain
One user wrote under the post: "Absolute b**s. Hope they're found very quickly and given their karma. Sorry that low life scum have done this."
Another said: "Never heard of a blowtorch being used...you're lucky you're still here to write this post.
"...absolute scummy b*** they are."
One user wrote: "The audacity of using a blowtorch now to force entry."
Another commented: "Wow, they could have burned the house down and killed people."
A spokeswoman for Derbyshire Police said: "At 3.15am on December 15, a house in Tideswell, was broken into.
"The thieves took a wallet and a set of keys, which they used to steal the victim's yellow Audi S1.
"They also took a motocross trail bike and an electric Devinci bike.
Support our appeal and help save Christmas for thousands of children The Mirror needs your help to save Christmas for thousands of children in Britain. We are raising funds for Save the Children UK, so it can buy gifts for some of the country's most vulnerable kids and offer Christmas meals to hard-up families. Every penny you donate to our Save a Kid's Christmas appeal will make a difference. It could mean one less child going without a hot Christmas meal or pay for the only gift they will get to open. Or it could help buy books and learning packs for kids who risk falling behind at school. To support: Call: 0800 8148 148
Visit: www.savethechildren.org.uk/mirror
Text MIRROR5 TO 70008 to donate £5 or MIRROR10 TO 70008 to donate £10
Send a cheque payable to Save the Children UK to Freepost Daily Mirror Christmas Appeal 2020, Save the Children, 1 St John’s Lane, London, EC1M 4AR. The Save the Children Fund is a charity registered in England and Wales (213890), Scotland (SC039570) and IOM (199)
"We are linking the theft to a similar crime that took place in the village that morning.
"At 3.50am, two men broke into a house in Tithe Barn Close.
"They searched the house but didn't steal anything.
"In both cases, a blow torch was used to break in through the door.
"This is an unusual crime and the victim's were understandably left very upset.
"We are investigating and have been speaking to villagers to gather CCTV from the area.
"If you have any information, we would urge you to get in touch quoting reference 20000660662."


thedailymirror--2020-12-18--Pop Idol's Michelle McManus sells Christmas video messages to superfans for £33

Michelle McManus is offering personalised messages to her loyal fans for a mere £33 .
The 40-year-old Scottish singer , who shot to fame when she won Pop Idol in 2003 , is the latest celebrity to offer recorded messages to excited fans through the platform Cameo .
Unlike other stars that make the recordings to make extra cash , Michelle has also revealed that the earnings will go to charity .
Fans have just one week before Michelle closes the account on Christmas Eve .
Addressing her fans on Instagram , Michelle recorded a message where she went into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Hi guys .
I can not believe one week today will be officially Christmas Eve , '' she said .
`` That also means you 've got just one week to get a very special Christmas message from moi on Cameo .
Michelle added : `` We 're hoping to make a big donation to Shelter Scotland at the end of it , so if you 've got anyone special that you 'd like to send a Christmas message to - a pal , a family member , whoever that may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the Cameo app .
The mum of one also thanked fans for their generosity in helping her raise money for the charity .
`` Thank you to every single person who 's got in touch with me so far , '' she continued .
`` I 've been a wee bit overwhelmed to be honest , your generosity has just been fantatsic .
`` Merry Christmas guys .
Hope you 're having a wonderful time and thanks again for all your support , '' Michelle concluded .
Over 17 years on since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enjoyed some success in television presenting as well as working for Glasgow Evening Times as a columnist .
Earlier this year , the singing sensation also became a mum for the first time after she welcomed a baby boy called Harry John Nimmo with her husband of three years , Jeff .
Do you have a story to sell ?
Get in touch with us at webcelebs @ trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033

Pop Idol winner Michelle McManus is offering personalised messages to her fans for £33 through the celebrity platform Cameo. The singer is raising money for charity
Michelle McManus is offering personalised messages to her loyal fans for a mere £33.
The 40-year-old Scottish singer, who shot to fame when she won Pop Idol in 2003, is the latest celebrity to offer recorded messages to excited fans through the platform Cameo.
Unlike other stars that make the recordings to make extra cash, Michelle has also revealed that the earnings will go to charity.
Fans have just one week before Michelle closes the account on Christmas Eve.
Addressing her fans on Instagram, Michelle recorded a message where she went into detail about why she was on Cameo.
"Hi guys. I cannot believe one week today will be officially Christmas Eve," she said.
"That also means you've got just one week to get a very special Christmas message from moi on Cameo.
Image: ladym_mcmanus/Instagram) ladym_mcmanus/Instagram)
Michelle added: "We're hoping to make a big donation to Shelter Scotland at the end of it, so if you've got anyone special that you'd like to send a Christmas message to - a pal, a family member, whoever that may be - get in touch with me on the Cameo app.
The mum of one also thanked fans for their generosity in helping her raise money for the charity.
"Thank you to every single person who's got in touch with me so far," she continued.
Image: cameo.com) cameo.com)
"I've been a wee bit overwhelmed to be honest, your generosity has just been fantatsic.
"Merry Christmas guys. Hope you're having a wonderful time and thanks again for all your support," Michelle concluded.
Over 17 years on since winning the talent show, Michelle has enjoyed some success in television presenting as well as working for Glasgow Evening Times as a columnist.
Image: Instagram) Instagram)
Earlier this year, the singing sensation also became a mum for the first time after she welcomed a baby boy called Harry John Nimmo with her husband of three years, Jeff.
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033


thedailymirror--2020-12-18--Katie Price's son Harvey to launch a 7XL clothing line as he reaches 29-stone

The former glamour model , 42 , has told that she wants her eldest child - who has Prader-Willi Syndrome , an underactive thyroid , diabetes , is autistic and partially blind - to have an `` income himself . ''
Harvey , 18 , who weighs 29-stone , is teaming up with Big Clothing 4 u to release clothes that go up to size 7XL and Katie opened up about the venture in a clip shared with The Sun ahead of her weekly YouTube upload .
The footage shows the former Page 3 icon chatting to Big Clothing 4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ben : `` I want you and Harvey to do something together , as that 's long-term for him and he 's got income himself . ''
She then explains : `` He [ Harvey ] deserves like everyone else in life to have a chance .
`` I want him to have a clothing range out ... because it will be for him , and that 's why I 've come to you . ''
Katie has always been vocal about her fears for her son as his weight continues to creep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shared that Harvey is unable to curb his appetite as he is `` compulsive . ''
In 2011 , she wrote in the Daily Mail about his different obsessions and how food is one of them .
`` He is also compulsive about routines .
Nothing must disturb Harvey 's ordered world , or there is hell to pay , '' she told .
`` The cake is another matter .
Harvey eats and eats , and if I did not stop him he would do so continually .
He is prone to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ greedy .
He has a clinical condition .
She added that he `` can not control his appetite '' due to the hormones that control his growth being `` out of kilter . ''
Katie explained : `` So he is bigger than most kids .
But to the ignorant , Harvey is just a big , fat , blind kid and he has been called that many times . ''
This year On July 12 , Harvey was rushed to Epson hospital in Surrey after suffering from breathing problems and a soaring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was taken into intensive care where he remained for days before being moved to a different part of the hospital .
On July 21 Harvey was finally able to return home and reunite with his family and an insider told MailOnline that Harvey 's hospital stint meant Katie was more determined than ever for her son to lose weight .
They shared : `` Katie is about to embark on a new regime with Harvey in a hope that she can reduce his weight . ''
`` Harvey 's meds leave him with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ battling !
But now , with the help of a specialist , Katie hopes to be able to help maintain Harvey 's weight for the immediate future . ''
Do you have a story to sell ?
Get in touch with us at webcelebs @ trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033 .

KATIE PRICE GETS BELLY BUTTON RINGS IN EARS AFTER 'LANGUAGE BARRIER' MIX-UP IN TURKEY
KATIE PRICE GETS BELLY BUTTON RINGS IN EARS AFTER 'LANGUAGE BARRIER' MIX-UP IN TURKEY
Katie Price's son Harvey is teaming up with a clothing brand to bring out a collection of items to fit men who wear up to size 7XL
Katie Price's son Harvey is branching into business.
The former glamour model, 42, has told that she wants her eldest child - who has Prader-Willi Syndrome, an underactive thyroid, diabetes, is autistic and partially blind - to have an "income himself."
Harvey, 18, who weighs 29-stone, is teaming up with Big Clothing 4 u to release clothes that go up to size 7XL and Katie opened up about the venture in a clip shared with The Sun ahead of her weekly YouTube upload.
The footage shows the former Page 3 icon chatting to Big Clothing 4 U owner Ben Pearson.
Image: katieprice/Instagram) katieprice/Instagram)
Katie tells Ben: "I want you and Harvey to do something together, as that's long-term for him and he's got income himself."
She then explains: "He [Harvey] deserves like everyone else in life to have a chance.
"I want him to have a clothing range out...because it will be for him, and that's why I've come to you."
Katie has always been vocal about her fears for her son as his weight continues to creep up on the scales.
She previously shared that Harvey is unable to curb his appetite as he is "compulsive."
In 2011, she wrote in the Daily Mail about his different obsessions and how food is one of them.
Image: katieprice/Instagram) katieprice/Instagram)
"He is also compulsive about routines. Nothing must disturb Harvey's ordered world, or there is hell to pay," she told.
"The cake is another matter. Harvey eats and eats, and if I did not stop him he would do so continually. He is prone to weight gain, but he is not greedy. He has a clinical condition.
She added that he "cannot control his appetite" due to the hormones that control his growth being "out of kilter."
Katie explained: "So he is bigger than most kids. But to the ignorant, Harvey is just a big, fat, blind kid and he has been called that many times."
This year On July 12, Harvey was rushed to Epson hospital in Surrey after suffering from breathing problems and a soaring temperature amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Image: Internet Unknown) Internet Unknown)
He was taken into intensive care where he remained for days before being moved to a different part of the hospital.
On July 21 Harvey was finally able to return home and reunite with his family and an insider told MailOnline that Harvey's hospital stint meant Katie was more determined than ever for her son to lose weight.
They shared: "Katie is about to embark on a new regime with Harvey in a hope that she can reduce his weight."
"Harvey's meds leave him with an insatiable appetite - Katie is constantly battling! But now, with the help of a specialist, Katie hopes to be able to help maintain Harvey's weight for the immediate future."
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033.


thedailymirror--2020-12-18--Christmas bargain hunters to splurge £1.65bn on busiest shopping day of the year

Millions of bargain-hunters will splurge £1.65billion on Saturday , making it the biggest shopping day of the year .
Stores have slashed prices by up to 66 % , the kind of cuts not usually seen until Boxing Day .
Many are staying open longer , with 11 Primark stores not closing until 11pm .
Malls such as the Trafford Centre in Manchester and Westfield in East London will be trading until 9pm .
Experts say almost 12 million shoppers will be out , spending £2.5 million a minute .
Prof Joshua Bamfield , director of the Centre for Retail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t really had a chance to plan properly for Christmas because of the changing scenarios over the last three months .
“ Saturday is all about serious shopping , not browsing.
” Asda has beefed up security , with extra staff at entrances to 421 stores from today until Christmas Eve .
The supermarket has launched a virtual queuing app so customers can wait in cars until it ’ s their turn .
Tesco sparked veg wars by slashing parsnips , carrots and sprouts to 19p per kg .
Waitrose is expecting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bubbly aisles as sales of pink champagne have already rocketed 36 % year-on-year and online searches for alcoholic fizz have soared by 343 % .
The four-day spending spree that began yesterday will give the high street a £5.2billion shot in the arm , the CRR said .
According to Office for National Statistics figures , fashion stores were the hardest hit by the November lockdown , down 19 % month on month .
Supermarkets were the only winners , with food and homewares sales up 3.1 % and 1.6 % .
Silvia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ireland , said : “ Retailers need to evolve to meet seemingly permanent changes .
”

Stores have slashed prices by up to 66%, the kind of cuts not usually seen until Boxing Day - with some staying open longer to allow for Covid safe shopping
Christmas bargain hunters to splurge £1.65bn on busiest shopping day of the year
Millions of bargain-hunters will splurge £1.65billion on Saturday, making it the biggest shopping day of the year.
Stores have slashed prices by up to 66%, the kind of cuts not usually seen until Boxing Day.
Many are staying open longer, with 11 Primark stores not closing until 11pm.
Malls such as the Trafford Centre in Manchester and Westfield in East London will be trading until 9pm.
Experts say almost 12 million shoppers will be out, spending £2.5 million a minute.
Prof Joshua Bamfield, director of the Centre for Retail Research, said: “People haven’t really had a chance to plan properly for Christmas because of the changing scenarios over the last three months.
Image: Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror) Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)
“Saturday is all about serious shopping, not browsing.”
Asda has beefed up security, with extra staff at entrances to 421 stores from today until Christmas Eve. The supermarket has launched a virtual queuing app so customers can wait in cars until it’s their turn.
Tesco sparked veg wars by slashing parsnips, carrots and sprouts to 19p per kg.
Asda cut its prices to 20p.
Waitrose is expecting shoppers to make a beeline for the bubbly aisles as sales of pink champagne have already rocketed 36% year-on-year and online searches for alcoholic fizz have soared by 343%.
The four-day spending spree that began yesterday will give the high street a £5.2billion shot in the arm, the CRR said.
According to Office for National Statistics figures, fashion stores were the hardest hit by the November lockdown, down 19% month on month.
Supermarkets were the only winners, with food and homewares sales up 3.1% and 1.6% .
Silvia Rindone, of analysts EY UK & Ireland, said: “Retailers need to evolve to meet seemingly permanent changes.”


thedailymirror--2020-12-18--Camilla will appear on Strictly final after voting for her favourite each week

The Duchess of Cornwall will appear on the final of Strictly Come Dancing 2020 .
Camilla , said to be a fan of the show , will appear in two pre-recorded clips for the final in which she reveals she has voted every week .
A Clarence House spokesman confirmed to The Mirror that she will be appearing on the show .
The Duchess , 73 , also praises the BBC show for helping to “ cheer the nation ” during what she called the `` bleak '' pandemic .
A royal source previously told The Sun : `` Camilla @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began and said she was a massive fan — and wanted to be on the show . ''
They add that Camilla immediately seized the opportunity to appear for a cameo in the final .
The source continued : `` Camilla said her dream was always to appear on the series but royal protocol probably would n't allow it . ''
It is added that the Duchess made a short film and `` nailed '' it in a single take and was `` brilliant '' .
`` She thanked Strictly for helping her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adding a bit of much-needed cheer , '' said the insider .
Of course , like the rest of us it appears that the Duchess of Cornwall has a favourite to win the series too - but wo n't be sharing with the public .
`` She votes every week and has been quite open to friends and family about who her favourite is , '' the source added .
Yet , they added that the Duchess of Cornwall will not share who she is truly a fan of on the show as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , they source added that it has been speculated to be comedian Bill Bailey `` as he ’ s a bit older and was the obvious underdog from the start — and everyone loves an underdog . ''
Her appearance in the final will come after Prince Harry made a video for the show last month backing his friend , The One Show presenter and former Royal Marine JJ Chalmers .
The final will see comedian and musician Bill Bailey , pop star HRVY , Made in Chelsea star Jamie Laing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the Glitterball trophy .
Strictly Come Dancing : The Final airs at 6pm on Saturday on BBC One and BBC iPlayer .
Who do you want to win Strictly Come Dancing 2020 ?
Let us know who you are backing in the comments below .

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Lewis Knight, Talia Shadwell)

The Duchess of Cornwall is due to appear on the Strictly Come Dancing final this weekend as Bill Bailey, HRVY, Jamie Laing and Maisie Smith compete for the Glitterball
Camilla will appear on Strictly Come Dancing after voting for favourite each week
The Duchess of Cornwall will appear on the final of Strictly Come Dancing 2020.
Camilla, said to be a fan of the show, will appear in two pre-recorded clips for the final in which she reveals she has voted every week.
A Clarence House spokesman confirmed to The Mirror that she will be appearing on the show.
The Duchess, 73, also praises the BBC show for helping to “cheer the nation” during what she called the "bleak" pandemic.
A royal source previously told The Sun: "Camilla’s team rang long before filming began and said she was a massive fan — and wanted to be on the show."
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
They add that Camilla immediately seized the opportunity to appear for a cameo in the final.
The source continued: "Camilla said her dream was always to appear on the series but royal protocol probably wouldn't allow it."
It is added that the Duchess made a short film and "nailed" it in a single take and was "brilliant".
"She thanked Strictly for helping her get through the hell of 2020 and adding a bit of much-needed cheer," said the insider.
Image: PA) PA) Image: PA) PA)
Of course, like the rest of us it appears that the Duchess of Cornwall has a favourite to win the series too - but won't be sharing with the public.
"She votes every week and has been quite open to friends and family about who her favourite is," the source added.
Yet, they added that the Duchess of Cornwall will not share who she is truly a fan of on the show as she is "far too polite".
However, they source added that it has been speculated to be comedian Bill Bailey "as he’s a bit older and was the obvious underdog from the start — and everyone loves an underdog."
Image: BBC) BBC)
Camilla previously visited the Strictly set back in 2011.
Her appearance in the final will come after Prince Harry made a video for the show last month backing his friend, The One Show presenter and former Royal Marine JJ Chalmers.
The final will see comedian and musician Bill Bailey, pop star HRVY, Made in Chelsea star Jamie Laing, and EastEnders actress Maisie Smith compete for the Glitterball trophy.
Strictly Come Dancing: The Final airs at 6pm on Saturday on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Who do you want to win Strictly Come Dancing 2020? Let us know who you are backing in the comments below.


thedailymirror--2020-12-19--Eamonn Holmes vows to get on with his life after savage swipe on This Morning

Eamonn Holmes has broken his silence to thank fans for their messages of support - with a not-so-cryptic jibe about `` getting on '' with his life .
Eamonn , 61 , and his wife Ruth Langsford presented their final Friday episode of This Morning this week after being replaced by Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary .
The married couple were clearly inundated with messages from friends and fans , and Eamonn was keen to address them .
In a short selfie clip posted on his Instagram page , Eamonn could be seen relaxing at home with their Christmas tree @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , just want to say something to you all from the bottom of my heart and that is thank you , '' he began the video .
`` Ruth and I have been overwhelmed yesterday and today by the amount of messages and we 'll be replying via social media , by emails , by texts , by Whatsapp , by whatever way we can .
`` But can I just generally say thank you , thank you , thank you .
We do feel the love , really appreciate it but stop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's Christmas time , Mistletoe and Wine .
We 've all got things to do so thank you , get on with your lives , we certainly intend to get on with ours and look , things are looking up , '' he continued .
`` My sty is nearly gone , the sun is shining and I just want to say to all of you .
Have a very merry Christmas and please stay safe .
Thank you very , very much all of you . ''
Eamonn captioned the post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christmas presents Ruth and I could have wished for .
From the bottom of our Hearts .
Thank you , Thank you . ''
Plenty of famous faces were quick to comment on the clip , with Peter Andre writing : `` You know we all love you both very much .
@ dr_emily_official and I and all the family . ''
Spice Girl Emma Bunton added : `` We love you guys !
!
!
Sending love from @ jadejonesdmg and myself .
X . ''
Ruth 's Loose Women co-star Saira @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' followed by a red heart emoji .
Ruth also thanked fans by posing a Boomerang clip of her and Eamonn on Saturday morning .
She captioned it : `` That ’ s Showbiz baby !
!
!
Thank you all for your wonderful messages yesterday @ eamonnholmes and I were overwhelmed by your kindness .
`` As we said though , we ’ ll be back in February ... until then we wish you all the best Christmas you can possibly have and here ’ s to healthier , happier times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after it was claimed Eamonn had told friends he was `` sick of office politics '' at This Morning .
His pal told The Sun : “ Eamonn understands things change in broadcasting — he ’ s an old hand at this now .
“ But the situation at This Morning has felt fraught for a while and the office politics surrounding their future has been bubbling away under the surface .
“ He was gutted to be moved from the Friday slot with Ruth .
`` There was no malice with his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just an expression of sadness , ” they added .
Eamonn made a rather obvious dig at This Morning bosses during his final Friday show alongside Ruth , 60 .
At the start of the show , he and Ruth were talking about his glasses being wonky and he revealed he 'd seen discounted Christmas trees being sold outside the shop .
It led him to suggest the seller was trying to get rid of his trees in the same way he and Ruth are being disposed of by This Morning .
Eamonn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's a man selling Christmas trees , not just selling but really discounted . ''
Ruth chipped in saying : `` They 're struggling to get rid of them ... '' He then added : `` I would say so darling , which is why they are getting rid of us on Friday . ''

Eamonn Holmes vows to get on with his life after swipe at This Morning bosses
Eamonn Holmes vows to get on with his life after swipe at This Morning bosses
Eamonn Holmes and his wife Ruth Langsford have been replaced as This Morning hosts on Fridays by Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary
Eamonn Holmes vows to get on with his life after savage swipe at This Morning bosses
Eamonn Holmes has broken his silence to thank fans for their messages of support - with a not-so-cryptic jibe about "getting on" with his life.
Eamonn, 61, and his wife Ruth Langsford presented their final Friday episode of This Morning this week after being replaced by Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary.
The married couple were clearly inundated with messages from friends and fans, and Eamonn was keen to address them.
In a short selfie clip posted on his Instagram page, Eamonn could be seen relaxing at home with their Christmas tree in the background.
"Hi everyone, just want to say something to you all from the bottom of my heart and that is thank you," he began the video.
"Ruth and I have been overwhelmed yesterday and today by the amount of messages and we'll be replying via social media, by emails, by texts, by Whatsapp, by whatever way we can.
"But can I just generally say thank you, thank you, thank you. We do feel the love, really appreciate it but stop it, stop it now.
"It's Christmas time, Mistletoe and Wine. We've all got things to do so thank you, get on with your lives, we certainly intend to get on with ours and look, things are looking up," he continued.
"My sty is nearly gone, the sun is shining and I just want to say to all of you. Have a very merry Christmas and please stay safe. Thank you very, very much all of you."
Image: ITV) ITV)
Eamonn captioned the post: "Your messages are the best Christmas presents Ruth and I could have wished for. From the bottom of our Hearts. Thank you , Thank you."
Plenty of famous faces were quick to comment on the clip, with Peter Andre writing: "You know we all love you both very much . @dr_emily_official and I and all the family."
Spice Girl Emma Bunton added: "We love you guys!!! Sending love from @jadejonesdmg and myself. X."
Ruth's Loose Women co-star Saira Khan simply commented: "Love you," followed by a red heart emoji.
Ruth also thanked fans by posing a Boomerang clip of her and Eamonn on Saturday morning.
She captioned it: "That’s Showbiz baby!!! Thank you all for your wonderful messages yesterday @eamonnholmes and I were overwhelmed by your kindness.
"As we said though, we’ll be back in February...until then we wish you all the best Christmas you can possibly have and here’s to healthier, happier times in 2021."
Their posts come after it was claimed Eamonn had told friends he was "sick of office politics" at This Morning.
His pal told The Sun: “Eamonn understands things change in broadcasting — he’s an old hand at this now.
“But the situation at This Morning has felt fraught for a while and the office politics surrounding their future has been bubbling away under the surface.
“He was gutted to be moved from the Friday slot with Ruth.
"There was no malice with his comment on air, it was more just an expression of sadness,” they added.
Eamonn made a rather obvious dig at This Morning bosses during his final Friday show alongside Ruth, 60.
At the start of the show, he and Ruth were talking about his glasses being wonky and he revealed he'd seen discounted Christmas trees being sold outside the shop.
It led him to suggest the seller was trying to get rid of his trees in the same way he and Ruth are being disposed of by This Morning.
Eamonn said: "Outside the opticians there's a man selling Christmas trees, not just selling but really discounted."
Ruth chipped in saying: "They're struggling to get rid of them..."
He then added: "I would say so darling, which is why they are getting rid of us on Friday."


thedailymirror--2020-12-19--Paul Merson calls on Mikel Arteta to "write off" Arsenal's season

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been urged to “ write off ” this season and focus on blooding their youngsters by Paul Merson .
The ex-Arsenal ace was unimpressed by what he saw from his former club in their 1-1 draw against Southampton in midweek .
The Gunners are just five points off the Premier League relegation zone after a miserable season so far .
Their hopes of a top four challenge look slim heading into the festive period with Arteta struggling to find a winning formula .
With that in mind , Merson believes he should speak to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and instead focus on learning more about their young stars .
Speaking to Sky Sports , Merson said : “ I feel for the manager .
“ I know the manager is a bit lost at the moment and he is , he ’ s a young manager just coming into the game and he 's got an unbelievable opportunity at Arsenal .
But you ’ ve got to have the players .
“ I ’ d sit down with the board and say , ‘ you know what , let ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re going to stay up , let ’ s get all these youngsters in now and see how good they are ’ .
“ We keep on saying ‘ play the youngsters , play the youngsters ’ .
They ’ ve got to have 15 games these kids , then see if they ’ re good enough for next year , then Arsenal build.
” Arteta has now spent a year in charge at Arsenal after taking over from Unai Emery last December .
Reviewing his 12 months in charge ahead of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I think it has been one of the most challenging years in the club ’ s history for many , many different reasons .
`` I think we have made a lot of progress and implanted a lot of positive things that have worked really well .
`` We have gone through structural changes right across the club that has obviously shaken the club , big time .
`` I would say the highlights of the year is the two trophies that we have won together , and the most disappointing thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our fans with us to take us through this difficult moment .
`` I think it could have been a really , really positive year but the recent form in the Premier League is taking the gloss off what we have done in the calendar year .
`` But we have to accept that our Premier League form in recent weeks is not good enough for this football club . ''

Arsenal have struggled so far this Premier League season and former player Paul Merson believes manager Mikel Arteta needs to reassess their priorities and focus on analysing his young players
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been urged to “write off” this season and focus on blooding their youngsters by Paul Merson.
The ex-Arsenal ace was unimpressed by what he saw from his former club in their 1-1 draw against Southampton in midweek.
The Gunners are just five points off the Premier League relegation zone after a miserable season so far.
Their hopes of a top four challenge look slim heading into the festive period with Arteta struggling to find a winning formula.
With that in mind, Merson believes he should speak to the board to reassess their priorities this season and instead focus on learning more about their young stars.
Image: Sky Sports) Sky Sports)
Speaking to Sky Sports, Merson said: “I feel for the manager.
“I know the manager is a bit lost at the moment and he is, he’s a young manager just coming into the game and he's got an unbelievable opportunity at Arsenal. But you’ve got to have the players.
“I’d sit down with the board and say, ‘you know what, let’s write this season off, we’re going to stay up, let’s get all these youngsters in now and see how good they are’.
“We keep on saying ‘play the youngsters, play the youngsters’. They’ve got to have 15 games these kids, then see if they’re good enough for next year, then Arsenal build.”
Image: PA) PA)
Arteta has now spent a year in charge at Arsenal after taking over from Unai Emery last December.
Reviewing his 12 months in charge ahead of their clash with Everton, Arteta said: "I think it has been one of the most challenging years in the club’s history for many, many different reasons.
"I think we have made a lot of progress and implanted a lot of positive things that have worked really well.
"We have gone through structural changes right across the club that has obviously shaken the club, big time.
"I would say the highlights of the year is the two trophies that we have won together, and the most disappointing thing is that we haven’t had our fans with us to take us through this difficult moment.
"I think it could have been a really, really positive year but the recent form in the Premier League is taking the gloss off what we have done in the calendar year.
"But we have to accept that our Premier League form in recent weeks is not good enough for this football club."


thedailymirror--2020-12-19--Paul Merson's damning verdict on HALF of Arsenal's starting XI

Paul Merson has launched a scathing rant against Arsenal by insisting half of Southampton 's players would walk into their team .
The Saints left the Emirates with a point in midweek after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang cancelled out Theo Walcott 's opener .
Southampton have enjoyed an excellent start to the season which is in stark contrast to Arsenal .
Mikel Arteta had seen his side lose four home league games on the bounce .
And Merson believes it is concerning that the south coast outfit have so many players who could play for the Gunners .
He said on Sky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Southampton and I 'm watching the game thinking half of the Southampton players would get in the Arsenal team .
`` It summed it up last week , and this is no disrespect to Southampton because they are doing very well , but half their players would get in the Arsenal team .
`` That should not be right , this is Arsenal .
It has swung . ''
Arteta had aimed to address some of the club 's problems in the summer by bringing in several new faces .
He made additions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out at the core of their side by naming specific Saints players who would be picked over their Arsenal counterparts .
`` Ings would walk straight , the two central midfielders would go straight in , the two centre-halves would get in easily , '' he added .
`` I mean that is the spine of the team .
`` What are you going to win without a spine in a team ?
`` Any successful team in the world is a great goalkeeper , great defender , great midfielder , great centre-forward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Thomas Partey is the only new signing to really prove his worth thus far , but he was absent due to injury .
Arsenal 's point leaves them languishing in the bottom half ahead of a trip to Everton .

MIKEL ARTETA REFLECTS ON FIRST YEAR IN CHARGE OF ARSENAL
MIKEL ARTETA REFLECTS ON FIRST YEAR IN CHARGE OF ARSENAL
Arsenal battled back to earn a draw against Southampton in midweek but their players have been slammed by Paul Merson who claims half of them could be replaced by the Saints stars
Paul Merson has launched a scathing rant against Arsenal by insisting half of Southampton's players would walk into their team.
The Saints left the Emirates with a point in midweek after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang cancelled out Theo Walcott's opener.
Southampton have enjoyed an excellent start to the season which is in stark contrast to Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta had seen his side lose four home league games on the bounce.
And Merson believes it is concerning that the south coast outfit have so many players who could play for the Gunners.
He said on Sky Sports : "I watched them against Southampton and I'm watching the game thinking half of the Southampton players would get in the Arsenal team.
Image: Pool via REUTERS) Pool via REUTERS)
"It summed it up last week, and this is no disrespect to Southampton because they are doing very well, but half their players would get in the Arsenal team.
"That should not be right, this is Arsenal. It has swung."
Arteta had aimed to address some of the club's problems in the summer by bringing in several new faces.
He made additions throughout the squad but Merson has hit out at the core of their side by naming specific Saints players who would be picked over their Arsenal counterparts.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
"Ings would walk straight, the two central midfielders would go straight in, the two centre-halves would get in easily," he added. "I mean that is the spine of the team.
"What are you going to win without a spine in a team?
"Any successful team in the world is a great goalkeeper, great defender, great midfielder, great centre-forward and then you build around that."
Thomas Partey is the only new signing to really prove his worth thus far, but he was absent due to injury.
Arsenal's point leaves them languishing in the bottom half ahead of a trip to Everton.


thedailymirror--2020-12-19--Boy rescued after going to find festive Coca-Cola truck in underwear at night

A little boy dressed only in his underwear was found shivering at a bus stop after leaving his home to look for the Coca-Cola Christmas truck he saw on TV .
The five-year-old child , known as Artyom , ventured out in sub-zero temperatures unknown to his parents and five siblings in the early hours of Friday .
He was missing for three hours and found shivering by police at a bus stop on Shchelkovskoye highway in Moscow .
CCTV footage shows the almost naked boy running out of his block of flats in only his underwear and boots on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Coca-Cola truck , which he believed was a train .
His exact movements are unknown but he walked on the pavement of a busy road in the blistering cold before police found him .
He was visibly upset at not finding the red truck with bright lights , according to police .
“ I wanted to see it , I wanted to see it , ” he told the officers .
One source said it was a “ miracle ” the boy did not suffer severe frostbite .
“ The child gave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but could not explain the address of his block , ” reported Life .
“ The boy was taken to the police station , and later sent to the hospital as a neglected person.
” As soon as his parents woke and found him missing at 7am , they called the emergency services .
The boy ’ s adoptive mother Maria Gotovtseva , 35 , said : “ On the evening before he kept repeating all the time about a decorated train from the TV advert - and how he wants to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had also drawn pictures of the presents he dreamed of receiving from Santa , she said .
She had not expected him to reach up to the latch , let himself out , take the lift down five floors , and emerge in search of the Coca-Cola advert .
The boy remains in hospital in Moscow after he was exposed to the cold , but is expected to recover .
The family will now undergo checks from social services into whether the boy was neglected , say reports .
Maria and her husband @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children of their own .

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Will Stewart, Sam Truelove)

The boy left his family home despite it being sub-zero temperatures in a bid to find the truck and hopefully track down Santa
Boy, 5, leaves home in underwear to find festive Coca-Cola truck in middle of night
A little boy dressed only in his underwear was found shivering at a bus stop after leaving his home to look for the Coca-Cola Christmas truck he saw on TV.
The five-year-old child, known as Artyom, ventured out in sub-zero temperatures unknown to his parents and five siblings in the early hours of Friday.
He was missing for three hours and found shivering by police at a bus stop on Shchelkovskoye highway in Moscow.
CCTV footage shows the almost naked boy running out of his block of flats in only his underwear and boots on his solo mission to find Santa and the Coca-Cola truck, which he believed was a train.
Image: Social media) Social media)
His exact movements are unknown but he walked on the pavement of a busy road in the blistering cold before police found him.
He was visibly upset at not finding the red truck with bright lights, according to police.
“I wanted to see it, I wanted to see it,” he told the officers.
One source said it was a “miracle” the boy did not suffer severe frostbite.
“The child gave only the names of the parents, but could not explain the address of his block,” reported Life.
Image: Social media) Social media)
Image: 112) 112)
“The boy was taken to the police station, and later sent to the hospital as a neglected person.”
As soon as his parents woke and found him missing at 7am, they called the emergency services.
The boy’s adoptive mother Maria Gotovtseva, 35, said: “On the evening before he kept repeating all the time about a decorated train from the TV advert - and how he wants to see it and go on it.”
He had also drawn pictures of the presents he dreamed of receiving from Santa, she said.
Image: Coca-Cola Russia Youtube) Coca-Cola Russia Youtube) Image: Social media) Social media)
She had not expected him to reach up to the latch, let himself out, take the lift down five floors, and emerge in search of the Coca-Cola advert.
The boy remains in hospital in Moscow after he was exposed to the cold, but is expected to recover.
The family will now undergo checks from social services into whether the boy was neglected, say reports.
Maria and her husband, a protestant pastor, have five children of their own.


thedailymirror--2020-12-19--Strictly Come Dancing's Bill Bailey collapsed in gruelling rehearsal for final

Glitterball hopeful Bill Bailey revealed he collapsed in the build up to this weekend 's final after his legs 'just stopped working ' .
The Never Mind The Buzzcocks panelist told of the worrying turn during rehearsals .
The build up to Saturday 's finale pushed him over the edge as he goes head-to-head with reality star Jamie Laing , EastEnders ' actress Maisie Smith , and singer HRVY tonight .
The funnyman 'toppled ' onto his side in front of worried dance partner Oti Mabuse as he was put through his paces ahead of this weekend 's last dance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ froze - but confirmed that it has n't put him off his stride .
Writing in his weekly Strictly Diary for The Telegraph , he said : `` The long day 's training must have taken it out of me , and the result was , as I started to rise , stylishly , not domestically , my legs just stopped working .
`` I froze in mid-air , and slowly toppled over onto one side .
'It looked like I ’ d been hit by a tranquiliser dart , in order to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moved to a different part of the game reserve . ''
He is being tipped to win the series after a string of incredible performances .
The comedian and Oti are the bookies ' favourite to lift the 2020 Glitterball trophy - but he is ignoring that favourites ' tag .
They go head-to-head tonight with the three other final couples in a bid to impress viewers and judges Motsi Mabuse , Craig Revel Horwood and Shirley Ballas .
But it 's their feedback the stars are after - not their scores .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ viewers ' votes alone , meaning it 's very much all still to play for .
Bill is loved by viewers for his fun and high-tempo displays .
Bookies Labdrokes are predicting that it will be he and Oti who walk away winners .
Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said : `` Bill 's the one to beat if the latest odds are anything to go by , and while he may be odds-on , we are strapping ourselves in for the closest ever Strictly final with HRVY and Maisie hot on his heels @ @

Comedian Bill is now the bookies' favourite to lift the 2020 Strictly Come Dancing Glitterball trophy as he gets ready to battle Jamie Laing, actress Maisie Smith and singer HRVY
Glitterball hopeful Bill Bailey revealed he collapsed in the build up to this weekend's final after his legs 'just stopped working'.
The Never Mind The Buzzcocks panelist told of the worrying turn during rehearsals.
The build up to Saturday's finale pushed him over the edge as he goes head-to-head with reality star Jamie Laing, EastEnders' actress Maisie Smith, and singer HRVY tonight.
The funnyman 'toppled' onto his side in front of worried dance partner Oti Mabuse as he was put through his paces ahead of this weekend's last dance.
The 55-year-old explained that he just froze - but confirmed that it hasn't put him off his stride.
Image: PA) PA)
Writing in his weekly Strictly Diary for The Telegraph, he said: "The long day's training must have taken it out of me, and the result was, as I started to rise, stylishly, not domestically, my legs just stopped working.
"I froze in mid-air, and slowly toppled over onto one side.
'It looked like I’d been hit by a tranquiliser dart, in order to be put on a flatbed truck and moved to a different part of the game reserve."
He is being tipped to win the series after a string of incredible performances.
The comedian and Oti are the bookies' favourite to lift the 2020 Glitterball trophy - but he is ignoring that favourites' tag.
Image: PA) PA)
Image: PA) PA)
They go head-to-head tonight with the three other final couples in a bid to impress viewers and judges Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood and Shirley Ballas.
But it's their feedback the stars are after - not their scores.
The winning couple will be chosen on viewers' votes alone, meaning it's very much all still to play for.
Bill is loved by viewers for his fun and high-tempo displays.
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Bookies Labdrokes are predicting that it will be he and Oti who walk away winners.
Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: "Bill's the one to beat if the latest odds are anything to go by, and while he may be odds-on, we are strapping ourselves in for the closest ever Strictly final with HRVY and Maisie hot on his heels."
Ladbrokes Latest Betting
Strictly Come Dancing Winner
Bill - 8/11
HRVY - 7/4
Maisie - 6/1
Jamie - 50/1


thedailymirror--2020-12-19--Katie Price devastated over petition to stop her owning pets after animals die

Katie Price is said to be “ devastated ” after some 7,600 people signed a petition to ban her from owning animals for life following the deaths of a number of animals in her care .
Katie was left distraught over summer when her gorgeous puppy Rolo died in a horrifying accident .
The little French Bulldog , who she bought for daughter Princess 's 13th birthday , suffocated to death after getting stuck under an electric armchair at Katie 's home .
She fought valiantly to resuscitate the pup , administering CPR and rushing him to the vet , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late .
Rolo ’ s death was just the latest in a long line of pet bereavements the animal-loving family has had to face .
And after the pup ’ s tragic passing , a petition was launched to ban the former glamour model from owning any more pets .
The petition read : “ A puppy has died in the last 24 hours in Katie Price 's care , she bought this puppy for her 13-year-old child 3 weeks ago .
`` In the last 5 years more animals have died from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dogs , cats , lizards , hedgehogs .
This is n't a single family tragedy .
It 's a common thing in Katie Price 's home . ''
The reality star is said to be “ aware ” of the petition and is “ devastated ” .
According to The Sun , her reps said it is “ incorrect ” to say she doesn ’ t love her animals .
`` Katie is aware of this petition , '' her spokesperson said .
`` It comes as a devastating blow as it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actual fact .
`` Katie loves her animals and to say otherwise is incorrect , unjust and unkind .
It could n't be further from the truth . ''
Katie had only bought Rolo to cheer up her teen daughter Princess after their beloved Alsatian Sparkle was knocked down by a car and killed .
She adopted the pedigree pooch in January 2019 , but it kept escaping from her West Sussex mansion and running out onto the nearby A24 .
And in February , the former glamour model revealed Sparkle 's latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ half-sister , Bear , had three near-death experiences in a matter of weeks on the same road and was fortunately found on the dual carriageway by a police officer .
And after a run-in with another dog in April 2019 , Katie rehomed the £1,000 hound for its own safety .
Meanwhile , it 's the same stretch of road that claimed the life of one of Katie 's beloved horses after it escaped from a field in 2014 .
Germany Shepherd Queenie was also killed by a motorist in 2018 - this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by a pizza delivery driver .
There was more tragedy to come that year when her pet chameleon Marvin died 'of a broken heart ' .
Katie claimed the lizard was filled with sorrow when Princess and her brother Junior moved in with their dad Peter Andre for the summer and he stayed behind with Katie .
The petition cited the string of animal deaths and claimed : “ Animals just go missing in her home never to be seen again .
`` Her guard dog broke into her neighbours garden and killed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attack people also ripped her cat apart . ''
The petitioner , Jennifer Hewitt , went on to allege that there was `` neglect '' seen on her show My Crazy Life .
`` Cat poo with mould growing on it .
Dog poo just left on the floor .
Clothes dumped all over the place .
Algae growing in her pool where her puppy drowned .
“ She jokes about her mucky mansion .
But it ai n't a joke that animals are dying from her lack of care , '' Jennifer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meet untimely deaths and nobody is saying 'enough is enough ' and carry on selling her animals . ''
The Mirror has approached Katie ’ s representatives for comment .

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Katie Price's little French Bulldog puppy's death earlier this year was just the latest in a long line of pet bereavements the animal-loving family has had to face
Katie Price devastated over petition to ban her owning pets after animals die in her care
Katie Price is said to be “devastated” after some 7,600 people signed a petition to ban her from owning animals for life following the deaths of a number of animals in her care.
Katie was left distraught over summer when her gorgeous puppy Rolo died in a horrifying accident.
The little French Bulldog, who she bought for daughter Princess's 13th birthday, suffocated to death after getting stuck under an electric armchair at Katie's home.
She fought valiantly to resuscitate the pup, administering CPR and rushing him to the vet, where she learned it was sadly too late.
Rolo’s death was just the latest in a long line of pet bereavements the animal-loving family has had to face.
And after the pup’s tragic passing, a petition was launched to ban the former glamour model from owning any more pets.
The petition read: “A puppy has died in the last 24 hours in Katie Price's care, she bought this puppy for her 13-year-old child 3 weeks ago.
"In the last 5 years more animals have died from lack of care.
“Horses, dogs, cats, lizards, hedgehogs. This isn't a single family tragedy. It's a common thing in Katie Price's home."
The reality star is said to be “aware” of the petition and is “devastated”.
According to The Sun, her reps said it is “incorrect” to say she doesn’t love her animals.
"Katie is aware of this petition," her spokesperson said.
"It comes as a devastating blow as it is wholly biased, based on hearsay not actual fact.
"Katie loves her animals and to say otherwise is incorrect, unjust and unkind. It couldn't be further from the truth."
Katie had only bought Rolo to cheer up her teen daughter Princess after their beloved Alsatian Sparkle was knocked down by a car and killed.
She adopted the pedigree pooch in January 2019, but it kept escaping from her West Sussex mansion and running out onto the nearby A24.
And in February, the former glamour model revealed Sparkle's latest foray had proved fatal.
Image: INSTAGRAM) INSTAGRAM)
Sparkle's half-sister, Bear, had three near-death experiences in a matter of weeks on the same road and was fortunately found on the dual carriageway by a police officer.
And after a run-in with another dog in April 2019, Katie rehomed the £1,000 hound for its own safety.
Meanwhile, it's the same stretch of road that claimed the life of one of Katie's beloved horses after it escaped from a field in 2014.
Germany Shepherd Queenie was also killed by a motorist in 2018 - this time in an alleged hit and run by a pizza delivery driver.
There was more tragedy to come that year when her pet chameleon Marvin died 'of a broken heart'.
Image: Instagram) Instagram)
Katie claimed the lizard was filled with sorrow when Princess and her brother Junior moved in with their dad Peter Andre for the summer and he stayed behind with Katie.
The petition cited the string of animal deaths and claimed: “Animals just go missing in her home never to be seen again.
"Her guard dog broke into her neighbours garden and killed their chickens. A dog trained to attack people also ripped her cat apart."
The petitioner, Jennifer Hewitt, went on to allege that there was "neglect" seen on her show My Crazy Life.
Image: INstagram) INstagram)
"Cat poo with mould growing on it. Dog poo just left on the floor. Clothes dumped all over the place. Algae growing in her pool where her puppy drowned.
“She jokes about her mucky mansion. But it ain't a joke that animals are dying from her lack of care," Jennifer wrote.
"Being left alone to meet untimely deaths and nobody is saying 'enough is enough' and carry on selling her animals."
The Mirror has approached Katie’s representatives for comment.