Every year, Strictly Come Dancing just gets better and better. The standard gets higher, the dresses get shorter, and the judges get bitchier.

For weeks on end, we’ve followed Emma, Jimmy, Peter, Louisa et al as they’ve waggled their hips and glided serenely for our viewing pleasure. When they’ve been good they’ve been great, and when they’ve been bad they’ve been awful, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Throw in a few controversial decisions on the part of the general public, and the odd temper tantrum, and you’ve got a show that puts X-Factor resolutely in the shade…

Let’s start with the hosts. The funny thing is, while we always complain about Brucey and Tess, the show just wouldn’t be the same without them. I enjoy groaning while Bruce makes one of his terrible jokes, and squirming as Tess attempts to hurry him along, or tries in vain to prevent him from making a fool of himself. It’s funny! Not, admittedly, in the way they intend, but I still love it.

Then there’s the judges. Bruno Tonioli is an absolute genius. For a guy who’s speaking in a language which isn’t his native tongue, he ain’t half inventive with his similies – whenever he starts a sentence ‘It was like…’ you know you’re in for a treat. Len’s become incredibly grouchy this series, which was an unexpected bonus (anyone who calls Brendan Cole a ‘prawn-head’ is ok in my book), and Craig has perfected his snarl. Arlene wears her preferences on her sleeve too much (I think she might like Mark Ramprakash…) but she certainly knows what she’s talking about, and very often says what we’re all thinking, which is of course the whole point of the judges.

And now to the contestants. As always there have been those who have been kicked out of the show way before their time – even more so this year than previously, I’d say. Spoony and the lovely new professional Ola were sent packing in week three, Ray Fearon was out soon after, and even little Louisa, far as she got, deserved to go further. Like our Strictly documenter Diane, Louisa was a favourite of mine from the beginning. She was honest enough to admit she wanted to win, coped with incredibly difficult choreography from her partner Vincent, and, most importantly, lit up the stage with her verve and enthusiasm every week.

Like pretty much every year, the off-stage sparks were provided by Brendan, (teamed up with the equally feisty Claire), but the dancing related highlights have come from a select bunch of really talented dancers: Carol, Mark, Louisa, Matt and Emma. Luckily, the public did something right and made these the last five! Carol was rightly the first of these to go (she was technically very good, but lacked a little sparkle) but here we are, six days from the final, and we’re Louisa and Emma-less. I think this is a real shame: Louisa made every dance look fun, and Emma, who looks like she’s been dancing with Darren all her life, has been consistently wonderful in both Latin and Ballroom, despite having to battle an unfathomable lack of public support. That’s not to say I’m not looking forward to next week’s final of course! Will it be Mark, and his hypnotising hip action? Or will Matt see his mammoth improvement come good? Not long ’til we find out… [annawaits]