When is the Strictly final? Date confirmed as plans for epic finale are shelved

p Christmas is fast approaching, which means the final of this year#x2019;s a data-content-type=section-topic data-link-tracking=InArticle|Link href=https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/strictly-come-dancingStrictly Come Dancing/a is quick-stepping towards us. /p pIt only feels like yesterday that this year#x2019;s contestants were finally able to take to the dancefloor, but just as quickly as they started, soon the music will stop for the 2020 series./p pThis has been a unique series with plenty of differences; the first same-sex couple in the show#x2019;s history, celebrities and their partners having to form bubbles and judge Bruno Tonioli noticeable by his absence./p pThen there#x2019;s Anton du Beke replacing Motsi Mabuse for two weeks after the latter had to go into isolation following an urgent trip abroad, no audience for most of the series, and the socially distanced #x2018;keep dancing#x2019; move by hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman at the end of each episode./p p But itapos;s the a data-content-type=news data-link-tracking=InArticle|Link href=https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/nicola-adams-told-partner-katya-23075122 rel=Follow target=_selfwithdrawal of Nicola Adams and Katya Jones/a that has had the biggest impact on the series. /p p This year#x2019;s final a data-content-type=news data-link-tracking=InArticle|Link href=https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/strictlys-grand-finale-set-see-22958984 rel=Follow target=_selfwas due to have five couples for the first time/a, due to the shorter run. /p pLast month a source described the plans for a five-couple final as something that quot;will capture imaginationsquot;./p pquot;It will make things much more open #x2013; with the potential for big shocks,quot; they said./p p But with the number of competing couples reduced by one - though a data-content-type=news data-link-tracking=InArticle|Link href=https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/strictlys-nicola-adams-katya-jones-23117908 rel=Follow target=_selfNicola and Katya will dance during the final/a, just not competitively - it means the bumper crowd of five couples competing for the Glitterball trophy will now be the usual four. /p h3When is the Strictly Come Dancing final?/h3 img alt=Nicola Adams and Katya jones performing on Strictly Come Dancing src=https://i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article23002975.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/2_Strictly-Come-Dancing.jpg title=Nicola Adams and pro dance partner Katya Jones are set to perform at the Strictly Come Dancing final, but not competitively data-portal-copyright=PA/ p/ p/ pThe Strictly Come Dancing final will be on Saturday December 19./p pComedian Bill Bailey is currently the favourite to win after surprising judges and fans alike with his performances./p pThe final won#x2019;t be the last piece of Strictly action of 2020, despite this year#x2019;s Christmas special being cancelled due to Covid./p p Instead, it a data-content-type=news data-link-tracking=InArticle|Link href=https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/strictly-come-dancing-2020-christmas-22544501 rel=Follow target=_selfwill be replaced with Strictly: The Christmas Countdown/a, which will announce the 25 most memorable dances of all time, as voted for by viewers. /p