Strictly journey™: Rose started unpromisingly but developed a tight, trusting bond with Giovanni. “Team Rio” announced their arrival with a Titanic foxtrot in Movie Week and haven’t looked back.
High point: Her contemporary Couples’ Choice routine in week eight, when the music suddenly dropped for a powerful, silent interlude which brought viewers into Rose’s world.
Low point: She’s struggled with Latin, finishing in the lower half of the scoreboard after her salsa, samba, cha cha and paso doble.
Chances of winning: High. She’s bookies’ odds-on favourite, and although Rose is often outscored by her rivals, viewer votes decide the trophy’s destination. She’d become the first female champion since Stacey Dooley in 2018.
John Whaite: the tolerance trailblazer
Who: Leeds-based chef who won The Great British Bake Off in 2012. The 32-year-old was thrilled to form Strictly’s first-ever male couple, calling it “a great step forward for representation and inclusion”.
Pro partner: Fan favourite Johannes Radebe. He’s formed a close friendship with John and is relishing his best Strictly series by far, having never previously progressed beyond week five.