Bruno Tonioli says the ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ final will be a "thriller" as the celebrities take on three dances for the first time.
Kelvin Fletcher, Karim Zeroual and Emma Barton will go head-to-head for the Glitterball Trophy this weekend as the BBC One Latin and ballroom show’s current series comes to an end, and the Italian judge has said the finalists will no doubt be feeling the pressure as they have added another dance to the contest this year.
Appearing on ITV’s ‘This Morning’ on Tuesday (10.12.19), he admitted: "It’s the first time [there will be three dances] – it’s going to be a thriller."
Asked by co-host Holly Willoughby why there are so many, Bruno explained: "It’s because we lost a contestant. Usually we have four and now we have three people and they are going to do much, much more.
"In a way, it’s actually it’s more competitive because there is more at stake.
"They are obviously going to be more nervous, so there could be mistakes, there could be standout moments, you don’t really know.
"But as a competition it’s gets stronger, so it’s going to be a fantastic show."
Bruno – who is joined by head judge Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse on the panel – also gave his opinions of the finalists.
The choreographer said ‘EastEnders’ star Emma – who is partnered with Anton du Beke – is a great performer, but may struggle with the Latin routines, which aren’t her strongest.
He said: "Emma’s done very, very well. She can play, she is an actress, she distinctively knows how to connect…
"Brilliant, extremely lyrical ballroom.
"She had a few issues with the Latin, the Latin wasn’t sometimes at the same level, but as a performer."
Whilst he said CBBC star Karim – who dances with Amy Dowden – is a "beautiful dancer" and advised him to "take a deep breath" and try not to let his nerves get the better of him.
He said: "Karim – what a fantastic dancer. He’s a beautiful dancer.
"That Jive he did to ‘Hairspray!’ is the best we’ve ever seen.
"It was just like, ‘Excuse me?’ Just sensational.
"As a performer he’s least experienced so nerves can come into play all of a sudden in final you have to perform three dances.
"So I hope he takes a deep breath, believes in himself and doesn’t go wrong."
As for ‘Emmerdale’ hunk Kelvin – who is partnered with Oti Mabuse – Bruno hailed him "The Incredible Hulk", who can move "with the grace of a ballet dancer", and said he’s got what it takes to lift the trophy, if he tightens up some elements of his technique.
He added: "That is what is astonishing about him.
"Out of the group, he’s The Incredible Hulk, but he moves with the grace of ballet dancer. It surprises you every time.
"He’s one … he’s made a couple of mistakes, I though his Paso Doble was going to be sensational. It was good but I felt it was getting tighter. I think it’s nerves. I think it’s now facing the fact that, ‘Oh god, the final is here.’
"But ability wise, he’s got it."
‘Strictly’ returns to BBC One on Saturday (14.12.19).
Bruno Tonioli say Strictly final will be a ‘thriller’
