Shirl: For first time in 20yrs I'll celebrate Xmas in style

Her family joy verdict on finalists

- MATT ROPER

THE waiting is almost over. Tonight just one star will be crowned the Strictly cha-cha-champion. Will it be actor and model Bobby Brazier? Former Corrie actress Ellie Leach? Or West End and sitcom star Layton Williams?

They each have just three turns left on the Strictly dancefloor to prove why they, and they alone, should lift the coveted Glitterball trophy. But they'd better bring their A-game: for head judge Shirley Ballas is expecting one of the most energetic finals in years.

And there's no excuse if it isn't.

"They are all under 30, so I don't want to see any stamina issues," she says.

"They should all be fit as fiddles and be able to execute all three dances A-starly. Each of them really deserved their place in the final.

"It's going to be very exciting."

And Shirley's excitement this Christmas will not end there.

Because for the first time in 20 years she's determined to celebrate.

It was just before Christmas 2003 that Shirley's dear brother David took his own life - and ever since then her family haven't exchanged presents, eaten a Christmas dinner or put up decorations.

But this year she reveals it will be different for a very special reason.

Last month - exactly a month before the 20th anniversary of her brother's death - Queen of Latin Shirley became a grandmother for the first time.

She'll be flying over the LA to finally meet her grandson, Banksi Wylde, on Boxing Day. Shirley, 63, whose 86-year-old mother Audrey lives with her, says: "For many, many years we never celebrated Christmas. It just passed by like any other day.