Gemma Atkinson has a secret Strictly Come Dancing tactic

Gemma Atkinson has a secret tactic for success on Strictly Come Dancing.

It’s the final this weekend and Gemma will be dancing for the last time with pro partner Aljaž Skorjanec

And after 12 weeks, the pair have come up with some unusual ways to make sure their performances are as good as can be.

Speaking on BBC Radio 2 today, Gemma explained one trick: “We always start off facing each other.”

“If I don’t, I get nervous and I forget the routine. Every dance but one we have been facing each other,” he said. “If I look just at him, I can pretend it’s just us and I can do it.”

Aljaz added: “There was only one dance when we didn’t [begin facing each other] and she forgot the beginning.”

Looking ahead to the final, Gemma added: “I’m so grateful that we’re in the final, if someone said 12 weeks ago, I would have laughed.

“We have grafted so hard in the dances, I love that we are still here. I’m incredibly nervous.

“The is going to be the last weekend I dance with Aljaz , so I want to make the most of it.”

This weekend the final couples will each dance three times: Their showdance, a favourite dance from the series, and a pick from the judges.

Gemma and Aljaz’s showdance will be to Show Me How You Burlesque by Christina Aguilera while the judges have chosen them the Paso Doble to Viva La Vida by Coldplay.

The couples’ favourite choices will be revealed on the night.

This year there will be no eliminations in the final, with all four couples dancing until the end of the night where the winner will be announced.

Strictly Come Dancing 2017 airs Saturday night from 6:30PM on BBC One.