The Strictly Come Dancing final is almost here, and this year’s contest is too close to call. Will favourites Caroline Flack or Frankie Bridge lift the glitterball trophy? Or will dark horses Mark Wright and Simon Webbe make a last minute gallop past the winning post?

Unlike other TV talent shows, it’ll be down to the wire, and the dances chosen for the grand final will be vital in capturing those precious viewer votes, especially as the judges no longer have a say in the result.

Most crucial of all will be the showdance – when the stars and their pros get to show their creativity in a no holds barred routine including as many lifts, tricks and props as they like. But what makes the perfect Strictly showdance? Here’s our guide to the dos and don’ts of the ultimate ballroom freestyle.

Think big

This is your chance to shine. Show no restraint, throw in everything but the kitchen sink in a bid to dazzle your audience. Let Natalie Gumede and partner Artem Chigvintsev, the 2013 runners-up, show you how it’s done. Their showdance had dancing around poles, dancing on a piano, dancing with canes, a classic tune in Steppin’ Out and some very stylish gold shoes.

Think eye candy

There’s no harm in flashing the flesh to pick up those votes – it’s all about playing to your strengths. Just ask gymnast Louis Smith, the 2012 Strictly champ with pro partner Flavia Cacace. Who doesn’t love a topless man in tight leggings balancing on a giant ball? The romantic Take That track and the tricks were a big hit too.

It’s all about those lifts

The showdance is the one time when there are no rules about lifts, so why not make the most of it? Denise Van Outen’s Flashdance-themed number to What A Feeling in 2012 saw her spend much of her time in the air in her lacy black catsuit, as pro partner James Jordan threw her aloft, swung her around his neck and generally made us all dizzy.

Have some fun

Chris Hollins wasn’t necessarily the best dancer when he won Strictly in 2009, but his showdance was one of the most fun moments over the years. Dancing to Do You Love Me from popular movie Dirty Dancing, his cheeky hip-wiggling and handstands were a big hit – and he lifted the glitterball with partner Ola Jordan.

If your celebrity has a skill, use it

Holby City’s Tom Chambers revealed he was a pretty good tap dancer when he took part in Strictly in 2008. So when he reached the final in somewhat controversial fashion, his professional partner Camilla Dallerup used his skill to full effect in their showdance to If My Friends Could See Me Now, from musical Sweet Charity – and they went on to win.

Music is the key

Having a great tune for your showdance is always a big help. When Alesha Dixon won with Matt Cutler in 2007, she was aided by the Bonnie Tyler classic Holding Out For A Hero in her Paso-tastic performance. Her dramatic purple and gold costume with its plunging neckline, high legs and “cape” skirt was a real winner as well.

Themes are good

As every pro dancer knows, giving your celebrity a familiar theme will help them feel more comfortable in their showdance. So in 2011, Aliona Vilani turned McFly drummer Harry Judd into a jiving rock star, with a routine to Jerry Lee Lewis’s Great Balls Of Fire, which ended with him in familiar territory sat behind a drum kit.

Dance with your partner

There’s always a danger you may go a step too far, as Colin Jackson and Erin Boag found in 2005. Instead of dancing with each other, they danced with life-sized dummies strapped to their hands and feet. The result was a dance di-saaaa-ster, darling, and the former hurdling champ was robbed of the title, with cricketer Darren Gough winning the viewer vote.