One of the things I most look forward about the Strictly Come Dancing results show is the loser’s farewell speech.

There have been some crackers this year, particularly the ones from Ruth Langsford and Brian Conley .

Jonnie Peacock topped the lot tonight though.

His heartfelt goodbye, brimming with positivity, sprinkled with self-deprecating humour and devoid of bitterness, summed up why Strictly fans love this show so much.

(Left to right) Debbie McGee with Giovanni Pernice and Oti Mabuse with Jonnie Peacock before the paralympian was voted off

It is so relentlessly upbeat and downright joyful that any minor gripes you may have about the running order, the camera angles, Tess Daly’s curious approach to comedy, or the judges CLEARLY favouring certain couples are quickly forgotten.

When Strictly hits Blackpool it steps up a gear. What began as a nice mid-run diversion has become the most important live TV event of the year.

As a spectacle this year’s was up there with the best. There didn’t seem to be an awful lot of dancing going on, mind.

The contest is really taking shape now though.

I’d say we’re looking at a final three of Alexandra Burke , Gemma Atkinson and one of the remaining men – probably Davood Ghadami .

Peacock after the paralympian was voted off and gave his positive farewell speech

Obviously, I’d love either Susan Calman or Debbie McGee to prove me wrong but I can’t see it.

Susan is highly entertaining but she can’t rely on the public’s goodwill alone to drag her through.

Meanwhile Debbie’s surprise appearance in the dance-off suggests the voters are not on her side.

As for the winner? Well, if Craig had asked Saturday’s question “Is there nothing Alexandra can’t do?” at the start of the series I would have replied persuade the British public to vote for her.

Now I’m not so sure.