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Simon Duke

Strictly Come Dancing final prompts 'tactical' move from Channel 5 as four couples battle for win

It might be BBC One who are airing the Strictly Come Dancing final on Saturday night, but Channel 5 are getting in on the hype, with a 'tactical' change to their schedules to attract fans of the hit show.

After Will and Nancy's elimination at the end of semi final weekend, just four couples are now left in the running for the Glitterball trophy this year: Hamza Yassin and Jowita Pryzstal, Helen Skelton and Gorka Marquez, Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu and Fleur East and Vito Coppola.

All four will dance three routines in Saturday's Strictly finale in a bid to get the lion's share of the public vote, with the winner determined by viewers alone and the judges' scores in the final for guidance only. Having been bookies' favourites for ages now, Hamza and Jowita are the clear frontrunners, although Helen and Gorka aren't far behind in the odds.

READ MORE: Strictly final dances and songs confirmed as fans call for 'rule change'

This year's final will see the BBC stage a near two and a half hour live spectacular and fans can get even more excited for the show by tuning into Channel 5 at 5.05pm for Strictly Come Dancing's Greatest Moments. The 85 minute one-off special will celebrate the best bits from Strictly's 18 year run on screen, with a teaser reading: "The tale behind the popular celebrity dance contest, featuring contributions from popular past contestants as well as the show's judges and professional dancers and celebrity fans."

The programme description adds: "The programme takes a look back at Come Dancing, the long-running TV show that inspired it, and Bruce Forsyth's tenure as the original Strictly lead host."

Channel 5's Strictly tribute comes as its main news presenter, former Strictly contestant Dan Walker, issued a plea to viewers to 'lay off' Shirley Ballas, after the head judge received abuse online following the semi final and her casting vote to send Will and Nancy home.

Who do you want to win Strictly? Let us know in our poll below:

*Helen Skelton leaves Strictly judges with 'concern' in semi final

*Strictly's Vito Coppola tells Fleur East she 'saved' him after tough time

*Strictly fans call for 'rule change' as final dances confirmed

*Strictly results show group performance axed by bosses in aftermath of Solihull tragedy

*Jill Scott makes 'plea' to I'm A Celebrity co-star before reunion

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