Strictly Come Dancing's Shirley Ballas names 'nerves of steel' finalist fans 'shouldn't underestimate'

Strictly Come Dancing's head judge Shirley Ballas says there's one finalist fans "shouldn't underestimate" as the show reaches its conclusion on Saturday. Former Coronation Street star Ellie Leach and actors Layton Williams and Bobby Brazier will compete for the glitterball trophy.

Sharing her thoughts on Strictly companion show It Takes Two on Thursday night, Shirley said she expected it to be "probably the best final that we've ever, ever had". And she believes Bobby in particular will raise his game on Saturday night.

Shirley said she was "delighted" Layton was still part of the competition after voting to send him home over his American Smooth. The 63-year-old explained: "When I almost had to vote him off and he was lucky that the other three saved him it was without fear or favour, it wasn't how I had taught an American Smooth and there were lots of elements that were missing.

"But I am glad that he's here now and I'm very excited to see him in the final. He's got three dances and I'm absolutely certain that his freestyle will be off the chart.

"But I want to see an improvement in his quickstep. He's heading for tens. I think that he can do it, he's got to stay very very focused."

She told presenter Janette Manrara that "King of Ballroom" Bobby has "nerves of steel" - and she believes his experience of being in the bottom two will help him out: "He's been in the dance off twice so he knows what it feels like. Going into the final I feel confident he will keep a very good mental approach to what he's about to do.

"He's hung in there....bottom, top, middle of the leader board and he's taken his criticism with graciousness. I'm telling you this boy - I've got a funny feeling he's going to lift his game even more."

S