Stacey Dooley, 31, has grown week on week during her time on Strictly Come Dancing, being taught how to dance by professional Kevin Clifton, 36.
Although she had hiccups in the beginning, it seems Stacey has won over both judges and viewers at home with her commitment to the BBC show.
Speaking ahead of the final and looking back at the series, judge Craig, 53, admitted he was shocked by Stacey’s growth.
The Strictly judge declared her the dark horse of the competition in a recent interview with What’s On TV magazine and admitted she could win.
Revealing some of his biggest shocks of the series, Craig said of Stacey: “I don’t think anyone really expected her to do anything much really but she’s just been absolutely am-az-ing!
“It seems Stacey can pick up any sort of dance really quickly and fly with it. I think she could go all the way.”
Stacey wasn’t the only finalist who made Craig’s list however, as Faye Tozer, 42, was awarded with the most-jaw dropping moment of the series.
During week 3 of the competition, Faye and her partner Giovanni Bernice, 29, took on Grease for Movie Week with the former pop-star donning a skin-tight cat suit in her role as Sandy.
Joe Sugg, 27, was the most improved contestant in this year’s line-up, according to Craig who admitted he “didn’t hold out too much hope for him,” in the very beginning.
However, the Youtuber changed his mind, improving week on week during his time in the competition under the guidance of Dianne Buswell, 29.
Craig awarded best partnership to Ashely Roberts, 37, and her parter Pasha Kovalev, 36, revealing he adored the Pussycat Doll’s contemporary routine which left viewers and the judges in tears.
Ahead of tonight’s final, all four of the remaining contestants made an appearance on It Takes Two with host Zoe Ball, 48, to speak about their time on the show.
Sitting down with Zoe, Stacey explained: “I am feeling great actually. I’ve had the loveliest day – I am tired.”
However, Kevin was overcome with emotion, admitting: “I’m feeling a bit emotional right now,” having just watched a montage of the couples time in the competition.
As Stacey laughed at her partner’s admission, Kevin revealed: “I can’t take you being so nice to me!”
Kevin also revealed he had doubts on trying to crack three routines this weekend, adding: “It’s gone really well today but I did wonder… we’ve got a lot to do this week.
“I felt like Stacey was a little bit nervous going in to today, but she absolutely smashed it.”
Stacey also spoke about her best moment on the show which was during Movie week, telling Zoe: “I suppose the Minions was a bit of a gear change for us because week two was such a disaster.
“And then the Paso [Doble] I really felt the part – and the Charleston I always wanted to do.
“It’s been magic, like, unbelievable. I can’t believe tomorrow that’s it. Done. Game over.”
Strictly Come Dancing concludes at 6.30pm on BBC One.
