Tess Daly: 'Strictly Come Dancing final is wide open'

Strictly Come Dancing host Tess Daly has claimed that the show's upcoming final is far from "a one horse race".

The presenter said that she is "crazy" about all three finalists Harry Judd, Chelsee Healey and Jason Donovan, any of which she believes could walk away with the trophy on Saturday (December 17).

"Everyone's wild about Harry," Daly told The Mirror. "He looks the part. His dancing and acting skills have blown us all away. How will he be able to hide it all behind that drum kit ever again?

"He may be favourite but this isn't a one horse race. Jason has a huge following and determination to succeed, plus Chelsee is loved by kids, their mums and grandmas alike!"

Daly went on to describe Healey as "an incredible dancer" who becomes "a fireball on the dancefloor" and praised Donovan for being "committed" to the show.

The 42-year-old also addressed Strictly's unprecedented ratings victory over The X Factor this year, suggesting that viewers had decided to embrace the competition's "feel-good" element.

"This has seen our biggest and best lineup," she said. "Plus, the tougher times are, the more people want to escape with some feel-good Saturday night entertainment. It just keeps getting bigger... I'm proud to have been there since the beginning."

The Strictly Come Dancing final airs Saturday, December 17 at 7pm on BBC One.

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