Why Pamela could be crowned queen of the dance

Paso doble, salsa, waltz: whatever dance she turns her twinkle toes to is met with standing ovations and praise from the judges.

Yet, if a year ago, anyone had told Pamela Stephenson – Strictly Come Dancing's oldest ever finalist – that she'd be competing for the crown, the comedienne and pyschologist would have branded them "psychotic".

"I would have said you ought to be locked up," she told Tess Daly.

Now, the only people likely to be locked up are those in any doubt about her determination to win the title