Stars of Strictly Come Dancing are gearing up for tonight's grand finale - and admit many have been in tears knowing their experience is coming to an end.

Bookies' favourite Susanna Reid will battle it out against Abbey Clancy, Natalie Gumede and Sophie Ellis-Bextor on the dancefloor in an all female end to the series.

Each contestant was sobbing with sadness and relief during their final training sessions after weeks of mastering their moves and spending dozens of hours in the company of their professional partners.

A programme source said there had been "teary moments for all because it's over", adding that they were "happy/sad tears".

Clancy said that, despite it being so close to the crucial showdown, she was feeling excitement rather than nerves.

"I'm really excited for the final, I feel weirdly chilled about it," she said.

" I'm so lucky to have come this far. For myself and for them, I want to go out there and do my best - whatever happens, happens. I loved my time on Strictly and it's going to leave a massive gap in my life.

"It's funny because I feel so emotional it's the last day. I'm so happy and excited about the final and proud of myself. I feel like it's not really real that it's coming to the end.

"I genuinely feel so lucky to even be in the final. I've never had expectation in this show, just to have fun and do my best and it's got us to the final. To change my attitude now would be a mistake. All I can do is my best and have fun."

Bookmaker William Hill said there was huge interest in this year's final and for the first time it had taken a six-figure sum on the result.

A flood of bets for Reid has put her out in front as favourite at 6/5.

William Hill spokesman Rupert Adams said: "We are expecting a record final night as the most exciting Strictly comes to its conclusion. Susanna is the favourite but this competition is wide open."

The final will see the return of a number of old faces as contestants who have competed during the series return for a group dance.