The Strictly Final had all the ingredients of a spectacular Christmas feast. Sensational costumes, consummate choreography and classic Broadway glamour.

Highlights were Alexandra’s Broadway showstopper, Debbie’s daring salsa and Jo’s cheeky Charleston, the 3 competitors battled it out and gave it everything they had.

However, Alexandra soon outshone her competitors with her sheer energy and total absorption as she carried off each dance with charisma, professional aplomb and as well as her dazzling outfits. Debbie was barely a diamanté spangle behind her - her high-energy salsa and amazing Argentine Tango both had jaw dropping moments while her controversial balletic show dance showcased her ability to show a more emotional and ethereal side.

Joe Mc Fadden danced skilfully with an effortless ease and charm but he didn’t have the kind of charismatic performance to make anyone remember any of his individual dances beyond the 12 days of Christmas. Not one of his 3 dances had the impact of say Jay’s and Aliona’s Pulp Fiction jive, Caroline and Pasha’s Istanbul-themed Charleston or Danny and Oti’s mesmerising Samba.

So it was a total shock (for Shirley Ballas as well, by the look of her face) that Joe carried off the glitterball with his partner Katya Jones! It was even more of a shock than when Aston got booted out in Week 7. But c’est la vie, it goes to show you never can tell. Someone can always unexpectedly fly away with the glitterball even when you have it in the bag. But Strictly fever will keep on burning, and Alexandra’s sure to have been snapped up in a Broadway show before you’ve taken down your decorations and hoovered up the last mince pie.