OPINION: Strictly show has brought a nation together - Sophie Mei Lan

Words uttered by a Strictly Come Dancing contestant reflecting the thoughts of a nation who haven’t felt like throwing on glitter this year but actually, we have all needed some sparkles to give us some respite from the grip of the pandemic.

The glitterball of Strictly Come Dancing has reflected the glimmers of hope in the darkest of years with so many shining lights on people who have ploughed on regardless, now in the spotlight more than ever.

Alas, the final of Strictly Come Dancing was much more than the finale of a “just another TV show”... this series brought together a divided country, separated families, people from all walks of life, all united in their yearning for some escapism from the slog of a pandemic-riddled year - and that’s not to mention the Brexit word either! Even more so, it has showcased the richness of inclusiveness in every sense, despite the economic decline in this country. Politics, finances and health are put aside. For the weekend at least, we have been “in this together.”

I have always loved reality TV, I even danced my way to the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent back in 2008, another TV talent show which offered the chance to those with little chances otherwise to achieve their dream in the entertainment industry.

I have always been passionate about equal opportunities and whilst reality TV doesn’t fill the void, it is at least an attempt.

The variety of the beautiful people shimmying on stage in front of millions of viewers has lit up our living rooms with talented entertainers from all backgrounds and from all over the world blessing us with their skills. Again, another metaphor to all the workers who have kept this country afloat.

With the world in a standstill as it tries to survive its first Christmas in the “new normal” (i.e. there is no norm anymore), Strictly has become the ultimate glitterball of hope and unity.

My daughters have avidly looked forward to the Saturday night dance show and then clung on until the Sunday evening for the results, it became the main fixed event for our family within our otherwise sparse calendar.

It has felt good to be having lively debates again about trivial matters from the framing of someone’s arms to their ability to do the foxtrot. A far cry from the furore over social distancing and mask wearing.

But sadly, every show must come to an end as the glitter ball was lifted on Saturday night, and I actually shed a tear, not because my favourite hadn’t won, but because I realised just how much we had all needed this escapism from the trauma of the past year.

One thing I am grateful for this year is that a spotlight has been shone on the ‘under dogs’ of this country, who are actually the ones we have needed more than ever. 
This show, the first year I have not been out performing on a Saturday night myself, has stopped me in my tracks and shown me how we all need hope and my only hope is that we work together to make magic happen, because the impossible is possible, when we step in line with one another.

Bravo BBC because I know how much red tape they will have had to limbo around to get this year’s show to air in full flamboyant style.