The Strictly Come Dancing 2023 final takes place tonight and fans are eagerly waiting to see who will lift the Glitterball trophy.
The series, hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, comes to an end on Saturday after 13 weeks.
This year's series had its fair share of dramatic moments, including Amanda Abbington and Nigel Harman leaving the series.
Meanwhile, during the competition, a new romance blossomed between Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola
As Strictly fans count down to the grand finale, here's a look back at some of the show's most dramatic moments so far…
The Strictly Come Dancing 2023 final takes place tonight and fans are eagerly waiting to see who will lift the Glitterball trophy
Amanda Abbington has left the show
Amanda withdrew from Strictly in October for personal reasons and it is now reported that she will not be taking part in the final.
On Strictly, Amanda was partnered with pro dancer Giovanni Pernice and her decision has dashed hopes of a reunion and one last dance.
Amanda's exit in week five was confirmed on an episode of It Takes Two.
The show released a statement saying: “Amanda Abbington is unable to continue on Strictly Come Dancing and has decided to withdraw from the competition.”
“The show wishes her all the best for the future.”
A montage of Amanda's best moments from the series was shown before presenter Fleur East added: “Amanda, we send you all our love.”
A Strictly insider told Mail Online: “This is something Amanda has unfortunately had to think about since the end of last week.”
“It was a devastating time for Amanda. Her Strictly journey was plagued with difficulties but she just didn't believe there was another option. As difficult as it was, there was a chance they could have won.'
No return: Actress Amanda Abbington, who dramatically exited Strictly Come Dancing last month, is reportedly skipping the final and will not return
Giovanni later broke his silence on Instagram and shared a backstage photo of himself with Amanda during Movie Week.
He captioned the snap: “Amanda… I'm so sad we can't move on but I'm proud of what we've achieved and I'm sending you so much love.”
Heated arguments between the two were believed to be the reason for Amanda's unexpected departure, leading to many unanswered questions.
A source told The Mirror it was “difficult” and worrying for Giovanni as he doesn't want people to see it “as a reflection of himself”.
The source admitted that the couple sometimes “clashed” but insisted that Giovanni wishes Amanda well.
BBC bosses were told they were keen for her to reunite with Giovanni to prove there was “no bad blood”.
The source added: “They still wanted to position her as part of the Strictly family, but Amanda's response to the invitation was that she wouldn't be coming back. “It's a shame because her exit has put a dent in the series this year made by the bill.”
Les Dennis and Nancy Xu clashed “behind the scenes” before the shock was resolved
Les and Nancy clashed backstage on Strictly Come Dancing, which led to her poor first appearance.
The comedian, 69, and his professional dance partner, 32, were the first couple to be eliminated from the show after failing to survive the dance-off.
According to The Sun, Les and Nancy had difficulty connecting because the comedian's energy level didn't match Nancy's.
A source said: “Les the entertainer may have charmed audiences with his style but behind the scenes it was a completely different story.”
“Les was often moody and unpredictable because he found training very strenuous. He is almost 70 and was exhausted after just two weeks, which led to clashes with Nancy.
“His mood didn’t match Nancy’s enthusiasm and positivity, which led to tension and discord in the studio.”
The insider added that Les would often lose his temper at the slightest mistake, while Nancy was patient and encouraging.
The source also described them as “polar opposites” and said they had a hard time “growing together,” which showed in their performance.
As they found themselves in the bottom two, Nancy admitted that they had overcome many “challenges” on the show.
She said, “It's been a journey.” It's such a short but sweet journey. These are a lot of challenges that we all know, but seeing you (Les) improve every day. I respect you so much.'
Dennis and Nancy Xu clashed behind the scenes on Strictly Come Dancing, which led to their exit
The romance between Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola
Earlier this month, it was claimed that Ellie and Vito had been seeing each other for over a month.
The couple found themselves in the spotlight after they were accused of faking their romance to win votes. However, a source close to Ellie revealed that they had been together for a few weeks.
The relationships between the film actress and the dancer are “real,” a source told the Mirror.
Vito reportedly visited Ellie's home several times outside of training while she confided in friends about her new relationship with him.
“They were friendly at first, but as the weeks went by their relationship changed. “Ellie has made it clear to her friends how happy she is with Vito,” the friend said.
“She's not the kind of person who's going to fake things like that to get votes.” Putting on a showmanship isn't her style – what you see from her is what you get. When Ellie started Strictly she was insecure and insecure. Now she exudes confidence, which is wonderful.”
A second source explained how the duo's increasing closeness was evident not only backstage, but also while promoting the show together.
They said: “Ellie and Vito have become so close that they are often seen together and their chemistry is amazing.” “The rumor that they are more than friends is not openly discussed, but it is widely understood. “
Earlier this month, it was claimed that Ellie and Vito had been seeing each other for over a month
The couple found themselves in the spotlight after they were accused of faking their romance to win votes. However, a source close to Ellie revealed that they had been together for a few weeks
Layton Williams was forced to fight back against the Trolls
Layton has often been targeted by trolls because of his West End background, with some claiming the celebrity is a “professional dancer” and that he has an “unfair” advantage.
Layton recently took to X, formerly known as Twitter, and urged harsh critics to “use their energy to shower love” instead of writing hurtful comments.
Layton has received tons of praise for his incredible dancing on the show, but has also been beaten down by hate.
While battling the trolls, Layton shared some cheeky photos in costume performing salsa with Nikita.
Alongside the photos, he wrote: “Instead of attacking me with hateful comments, instead use your energy to shower your favorite star with love. 'I'm pretty sure this will make us all feel a lot better!'
Layton has previously said he is seeking support from mental health professionals and currently has access to a counselor on Strictly.
Layton has often been targeted by trolls because of his West End background, with some claiming the celebrity is a “professional dancer” and that he has an “unfair” advantage
Nigel Harman storms off the dance floor in Blackpool
Nigel was filmed storming off the dance floor after receiving disappointing reviews for his performance in Blackpool.
The former EastEnders actor, 50, and his professional dance partner Katya's routine to It Don't Mean A Thing by Duke Ellington saw them finish second in the judges' rankings with 31 out of 40 points.
In a video shared on social media, Nigel can be seen quickly leaving the dance floor, just seconds after the BBC cameras stopped shooting.
Katya appeared confused and paused briefly before following, while other participants danced happily and hugged each other.
The viewer, who shared the video on Twitter, also wrote: “Are #Strictly judges proud of themselves?” Nigel was broken tonight and couldn't even bear to dance any further when the subject and the cameras stopped.
“It shouldn’t be the goal of the show to take away anyone’s love of dance and confidence.”
Angry: In a video shared on social media, Nigel can be seen quickly leaving the dance floor just seconds after the BBC cameras stopped shooting
The viewer, who shared the video on Twitter, also wrote: “Are #Strictly judges proud of themselves?” Nigel was broken tonight and couldn't even bear to dance any further when the subject and the cameras stopped.
Nigel had to withdraw from the competition
Nigel, who took part in the competition with his professional partner Katya Jones, 34, was forced to withdraw after trying to perform a stunt during rehearsals which resulted in a rib injury.
Following his exit, it was reported that the star had frequent “mood swings” which caused bad feelings among backstage staff
A source told The Sun that the actor takes himself “very seriously” as a performer and throws himself fully into his routines.
It continues: “So he's obviously very emotional when things don't go the way he hoped.” This often means he can be like a bear with a sore head backstage.
“Viewers got a taste of this when he received disappointing results for his quickstep in Blackpool.”
The 50-year-old actor, who took part in the competition with his professional partner Katya Jones, 34, was forced to withdraw after trying to perform a stunt during rehearsals which resulted in a rib injury
Before adding, “The crew and professionals of the show are like a close family and the celebrities are welcome in it.”
“But when someone upsets that long-standing dynamic, it can create a bad feeling.”
Responding to the claims, a BBC source countered by saying: “It's always sad when a contestant leaves the show, especially if they sustain an injury.”
“Nigel will be sorely missed by everyone who worked with him on the show and everyone wishes him well and looks forward to seeing him at the finale on Saturday December 16.”