Strictly Come Dancing viewers were overjoyed during Saturday night’s live final, as former contestant Will Bayley was finally given one last moment in the spotlight.
The Paralympian was forced to bow out of this year’s series early, after acquiring a knee injury while rehearsing for the show.
Because of the nature of his exit, Will was not given the distinction of a farewell dance, unlike the rest of his competitors, but was finally given his time to shine when the cast reunited for one last routine in the finale.
During the group number, each of the contestants was given their time to shine, with Will surprising some fans – who hadn’t expected him to be a part of the routine – when he and his partner Janette Manrara entered the dance floor.
The moment proved to be a particular highlight for many viewers, who tweeted their praise for the table tennis star…
Speaking to presenter Claudia Winkleman after the routine, Will confirmed that he did not anticipate his injury would hold him back from next year’s Paralympics, revealing: “My rehab’s going really well so I’m hoping to get fit and get ready for Tokyo”
Meanwhile, the group performance also saw the return of fan favourite Michelle Visage, who was finally able to do the one thing she wasn’t able to during her time on Strictly – dance to a song by her BFF and Drag Race co-star, RuPaul...
The live final saw Kelvin Fletcher triumphing over competitors Emma Barton and Karim Zeroual, bagging professional dancer Oti Mabuse her first ever win.
Pop superstar Taylor Swift also performed her song Lover during the show, accompanied by a routine from the show’s team of professional dancers.