Nice work if you can get it: Simon Baker will be paid £280,000 per episode for The Mentalist, eclipsing Hugh Laurie's £258,000 per episode for U.S. show House
Actor Simon Baker will shoot to the top of the highest paid actors on U.S. TV with a new deal that will net him an estimated pds280,000 for each episode of The Mentalist.
The Australian star will eclipse Hugh Laurie in House and Laurence Fishburn in CSI as the top paid actors in a drama series.
Baker had been receiving £180,000 for each episode of the hit crime series in which he plays a psychic with unusual powers of observation.
As well as solving crimes he is also hunting for a serial killer called Red John who killed his wife and family.
Hollywood insiders said the new deal is worth up to £20m and guarantees Baker will stay with the show for another three seasons.
Pay rise: The Australian actor had been receiving £180,000 for each episode of the crime series in which he plays a psychic with unusual powers of observation
As part of the new pay package being negotiated with Warner Bros television Baker will get a producer credit on the show.
He will also get a slice of any profits from syndicating the show to other TV stations in the U.S. and worldwide.
The Mentalist, which began in 2008, is one of the most popular shows on US TV and is also screened on Channel Five in the UK.
Hit show: British actor Laurie in the American drama series House
Top comedy earner: Charlie Sheen earns £800,000 per episode for Two And A Half Men
The new deal will see Baker,41, on an estimated £6.5m a year.
It means British star Hugh Laurie has lost his place at the top of the list of highest paid TV dramatic actors.
The 51 year old was the top paid TV star earning just over £258,000 per episode of House.
All three TV actors have a long way to go before they can surpass top comedy earner Charlie Sheen who makes £800,000 per episode of Two and a Half Men.
Baker,who owns two homes in Australia but spends most of his time in Los Angeles with his wife, Rebecca Rigg and three children, began his career on the soap Home and Away.
He also appeared in LA Confidential, but The Mentalist marked his breakthrough role on U.S. TV.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0lS4Mz6laQendofvid [starttext] While greeting fans with holiday wishes, Corey Monteith, Lea Michele, Jane Lynch and Matthew Morrison remind fans to get the first volume of DVD.
In promotion of the imminent release of "Glee, Vol. One: Road to Sectionals" DVD, the cast of the musical series on FOX gather by pairs to announce how fans can grab a copy. Artie and Tina write a Christmas carol that rhymes with "It's now on DVD" while Mercedes and Kurt reveal their Christmas wish list.
The first DVD from the Golden Globe-nominated series, "Glee, Vol. One: Road to Sectionals" will be released in the U.S. stores on December 29. It contains 4 discs including the pilot which was also released as an individual DVD on September 1.
"Glee" has the chance to win Best TV Series, Best Actress in TV, Best Actor in TV and Best Supporting Actress in TV at the upcoming 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards. The winners in all categories will be revealed on January 14.
The show itself will be back on screen only on April 13 on FOX, being paired with "American Idol" on Tuesdays. [endtext]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqmiHG44-icendofvid [starttext] Joe is a bit disturbed by the thought that his ex-wife Sonia is bringing a new guy into the kids' charity night.
Three clips from the upcoming episode of "Men of a Certain Age" are released. Joe, Terry and Owen are having lunch together to talk about a school charity and Owen revealed that Joe's ex-wife is bringing a guy to the event.
Owen and Melissa join Joe's ex-wife, Sonia, and her new boyfriend, Harold, for a charity function at their children's school. Terry does his annual duty as auctioneer for the event and meets an old flame, while Joe winds up hanging out with his bookie, Manfro.
Called "The New Guy", the episode will be premiered on Monday, December 28.
A new show starring Ray Romano, Scott Bakula and Andre Braugher, "Men of a Certain Age" is placed number 10 in the Associated Press' list of Top 15 cable programs last week. It absorbed as many as 4.42 million viewers in the week of December 14 to 20.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJ4VXC2TREcendofvid [starttext] The twelfth episode of season 2 sees Castle reunited with 'the one that got away' during an investigation of a murder case.
Alyssa Milano's wedding day turns sour when the body of a bridesmaid is found in her closet. Milano guest stars in the January 11 episode of "Castle" as the former flame of Castle who makes Beckett a little jealous.
When Castle and Beckett are called to a wedding to investigate the death of a bridesmaid, Castle is stunned to discover that the soon-to-be bride is his old flame, Kyra, "the one that got away". Complications ensue as Kyra, caught off-guard by Castle's reappearance in her life, wonders if she's marrying the right guy.
With the nuptials forestalled and the entire wedding party under suspicion, Beckett questions Castle's ability to be objective about the case. But when it looks to Beckett like Castle and Kyra might rekindle their romance, her judgment may be compromised as well. [endtext]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUmuW2oyV8Qendofvid [starttext] The cable network gives a preview of what's in stores in 2010, including also its line-up of original series such as 'Broadwalk Empire' that comes from award-winning Martin Scorsese.
HBO has just released its annual yearender that teases also what's coming in 2010. "2009 was a big year for HBO, but 2010 will be just as big," the cable said in the promo. Among the returning shows that get the first look is "True Blood" and among the new shows is miniseries "The Pacific".
Unfortunately, the promo that utilizes the song "This Could Be the Year" by Ryan Star, only displays a few second of Bill-Sookie moment as well as a brief glimpse of Sam and Jessica with her fangs out. It is doubtful that any of the scene is new since production has just been kicked off this month and it's unlikely that the footage come out of it. The contrary happens to "Pacific" that gets a new footage of wedding and war scenes.
"True Blood", entering its third year, will be premiered in June while "The Pacific" that has ten episodes will be premiered on March 14. Other shows which are expected to come back during the summer are "Eastbound & Down", "Entourage", "Bored to Death" and "Hung". Meanwhile, the TV films that follow the success of "Grey Gardens" are "Temple Grandin", "The Special Relationship" and "You Don't Know Jack".
New series that will be introduced next year are drama "Treme", comedy "How to Make It in America", and another drama "Broadwalk Empire".
HBO is the network that gets the biggest number of nominations at 2010 Golden Globe Awards. Pocketing 17 nods in total, HBO has the chance to win through Anna Paquin, "Taking Chance" and Bill Paxton among others. [endtext]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmLizZj2Ngkendofvid [starttext] In the preview for December 27 episode, Khloe Kardashian is excited that she misses her period and is possibly pregnant with Lamar Odom's baby.
Whether or not Khloe Kardashian is pregnant is still a question but the latest promo of "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" provides the biggest clue of all. For the December 27 episode, the reality show teases that the youngest of the Kardashian sisters misses her period and is most likely with a child.
In the promo, Khloe tells her sister Kim Kardashian that she cannot tell anybody about the newly-discovered news. However, Kim spills the beans when her mother Kris Jenner pushes her to reveal what's going on. "Promise you won't say anything," Kim warns her mom before adding, "Khloe is pregnant."
The rumor that Khloe is pregnant with her husband Lamar Odom's baby has actually made headlines for several days since she was spotted with a baby bump while wearing a tight purple dress. Media Take Out also reported that she would announce the pregnancy "very soon". However, Gossip Cop reached out to Khloe's representative who busted the rumor and claimed it "not true".
Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom who got married after only a month of dating, did not make it a secret that they wanted to start a family together. When asked by talk show host Chelsea Handler last month whether they would love to have kids, Lamar said, "I do".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rSXZs7561Qendofvid [starttext] The last time they were seen, Sayid was shot in the abdomen and Jack was near the site where the bomb supposed to blow up.
The biggest scoop about the last season of "Lost" has just been revealed by E! Online. Although still cryptic and in between two possibilities, the spoiler is detrimental to Sayid in either way. Sayid allegedly will meet a devastating end as early as the first episode of season 6. E!, which has screened the two-hour premiere episode called "LA X", lists two options, it's either "Sayid dies" or "Sayid kills Jack" and one of them is true.
The last time the character played by Naveen Andrews was seen is in episode "The Incident". He was shot in the abdomen by Roger Linus and losing consciousness while the 1977 incident happened. Should "Sayid dies" is the right one, then it's most likely that he would die out of the wound in "LA X".
However, since "Lost" is complex in its time-traveling plot, then there is also a huge possibility that he would be resurrected in the Temple by the Others. After all, it was reported that Andrews has shot several episodes other than "LA X".
For those who would like to catch up to the first five seasons of the sci-fi series, Direct TV is offering a month of "Lost" features. Recaps from the first to fifth season are compiled in a special that will air every Saturdays starting December 26 at 9/8c on The 101 Network. Beside recaps, it will also feature never before seen elements such as DVD extras, behind the scene footage, deleted scenes and music videos.
The final and sixth season of "Lost" premieres on February 2 at 9/8c. ABC recently released a new promo which still lacks of new footage. [endtext]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-8w7BS_Blwendofvid [starttext] Singer-songwriter David Archuleta spread more holiday cheers with Regis&Kelly by singing MELODIES OF CHRISTMAS, one of the cuts from his outstanding Christmas album, Christmas from the Heart (CFTH). This is the only pop cut in his Christmas album and one which he co-penned.
Archuleta is one of those rare artists who sounds more fantastic live than recorded, that is unreal! This was proven stop after stop during his recently concluded Winter Solo Tour, singing his pop hits, exquisite covers and holiday classics. His performance & tour had been getting a lot of buzz and great reviews for its outstanding quality, fantastic arrangements, excellent vocals and overall world-class production values. [endtext]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MW5Ee7RxyC8endofvid [starttext] By Chris Johnson and Liz Thomas
Haunting: Brittany Murphy pictured in Los Angeles on the set of her last film Abandoned this summer
This haunting picture is Brittany Murphy on the set of what will be her final movie.
The actress, who died of a heart attack on Sunday, is seen in Los Angeles shooting the psychological thriller Abandoned, which she only finished filming in the late summer.
In the movie Murphy, 32, stars as Mary Walsh, a woman who believes her husband has vanished and is fighting not only to find him but to counter threats to her own life and sanity.
Director Michael Feifer told U.S website People: 'Brittany was a pro. When she needed to turn it on, she just threw a switch and she was on.
'She was that good at her craft. So playing frantic came really easy and playing sweet came really easy.'
The flick, also starring Dean Cain, Mimi Rogers and Peter Bogdanovich, is now expected to be released early next year.
The tragic actress plays Mary Walsh in the psychological thriller, a woman who believes her husband has vanished, seen here with co-star Peter Bogdanovich
Responding to reports the actress was difficult to work with, Feifer added: 'It hurts me to hear all this salacious stuff because my experience with Brittany was really one of my best experiences with an actress.'
Abandoned is believed to be the last film Murphy completed. She later did work on a horror film called The Caller in Puerto Rico.
However she was reportedly fired for being difficult in November - although her agent insists Murphy and the production mutually parted ways over 'creative differences'.
Murphy, who was best known for her roles in 8 Mile with rapper Eminem, Just Married and Girl, Interrupted, died on Sunday morning after going into cardiac arrest. [endtext]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2c8K1a-21Wcendofvid [starttext] The runner-up of 'American Idol' season 7 delivered 'Angels We Have Heard on High' on Monday morning, December 21.
David Archuleta has stopped by NBC's "TODAY" show on Monday, December 21 to take the stage for a live performance. The runner-up of "American Idol" season 7 sang a holiday tune called "Angels We Have Heard on High" for the morning show.
Before grabbing the mic and belting out the Christmas carol, David had a chat with the show's host Meredith Vieira. Talking about what he did to spend the holiday when he was a child, David said he used to go caroling with his family in neighborhoods and in nursing homes.
David Archuleta has just finished his Christmas tour on December 20 in Westbury to support his first holiday album "Christmas From the Heart". After completing the gig, he will be spending his time to finish his second pop studio album which is expected to be released next year.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8PuS6PuPbMendofvid [starttext] Natalie White reveals her winning reaction and what she's going to do with 1 million dollar while Russell Hantz talks about regretting anything and the upcoming All-Star edition.
Natalie White, the just-crowned "Survivor" winner, sat down to answer some questions from fans regarding the aftermath of her victory. Sitting next to her and also answering questions was runner-up Russell Hantz who was originally touted to be the winner of the "Samoa" edition.
"I'm so kind of in shock and definitely has not sunk in yet," Natalie said when asked whether she was surprised of being voted the winner on the Sunday, December 20 finale. "... I was so excited when I heard my name." Regarding her reaction to Shambo coming down hard on her during the jury vote, Natalie said, "She and I are great friends on the island. We truly were. I was probably the most shocked about her. Definitely took me off guard. [But] we've talked about it, she apologized. No biggie."
Russell took the turn, answering the question whether he did something wrong. To this he said, "I don't think I made any mistake. I don't regret anything I did in the game. I made it all the way to the end, I brought Foa Foa from eight to four, all the way to the final five. All my strategy played. Every time I did something great, they would be telling me, 'That is the biggest move in history'. ...But when it all came down to it, they couldn't get pass being stabbed in the back in the game."
The next season of "Survivor" will be a special All-Star edition that groups the heroes in one side and the villains in another. Contestants from the previous 19 seasons are invited back to the game in order to seek either revenge or redemption. "I would probably do something again, I don't know if us together," Russell said referring to him and Natalie starring in the 20th edition. "I don't know if she wants to because I'm kinda aggressive in my game play and she's so sweet."
As the winner of "Survivor 19", Natalie White was given 1 million dollar prize. "I definitely want to save a majority of it, and you know, take a nice vacation," she said about her plans.
A merry little Christmas: Katherine Jenkins, left, guest stars in the Doctor Who Christmas special alongside Michael Gambon, centre, and Matt Smith, right
It's become as much a part of the celebrations as pudding, opening presents and the Queen's Speech - and now the cast of this year's Doctor Who Christmas special have revealed a sneak peak of just how festive it gets behind the scenes.
The Doctor himself Matt Smith, 28, plus Karen Gillan, 23, who plays sidekick Amy Pond, belt out Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas accompanied by Arthur Darvill, 28, who plays Amy's husband Rory Williams, on piano.
The bit of backstage silliness will be screened on BBC3's Doctor Who Confidential, on at 7pm after the main event on BBC1 - and proves that red-headed Amy has a quite an impressive set of lungs, even if she doesn't manage to quite hit the high notes.
On song: Doctor Who's Karen Gillan, Matt Smith and Arthur Darvill (on the piano bottom right) belt out their rendition of Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas in a sneak peak of this weekend's Doctor Who Confidential on BBC Three
In fact, the trio pretty much murder the festive favourite, made famous by Judy Garland in the musical Meet Me In St Louis - but it's all part of the fun of the Christmas Confidential special.
As well as the seasonal singsong, it's set to show all the behind-the-scenes merriment of a good old-fashioned Doctor Who Christmas, which makers are promising will be extra-special this year.
Called Doctor Who: A Christmas Carol, it's based around the Charles Dickens classic and guest stars 20-year-old opera diva Katherine Jenkins as Abigail Pettigrew and Harry Potter star Michael Gambon, 70, as Kazran.
Seasonal scenes: The Doctor Who special is based on Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol Katherine has said of the
In Doctor Who Confidential, Matt and the cast are to show fans around the show's Cardiff sets and go backstage with the stars of the Dickensian Christmas special.
Michael Gambon meanwhile will also talk about swapping his wizard's wand for a taste of the Doctor's time-travelling magic, Katherine Jenkins waxes lyrical about her acting debut, plus there are interviews with show writer Steven Moffat.
Special guests: Katherine Jenkins joins the cast as Abigail Pettigrew, joined by Michael Gambon as Kazran
Katherine has said of the show: 'This Christmas special is the most Christmassy Doctor Who that they've ever had.
'It has all the brilliant scientific and all the excting parts of DW that it normally has, but there is also running through it a quite emotional heartbreaking story and it's very closely linked to a Christmas Carol.
'People will be moved and relate to it. We've not set out to make people cry over their Christmas dinner, but it's heartwarming.'
'The Doctor is going pretty wild on Christmas day 'cos he's excited. As a Christmas treat, it would be pretty high on my list!'
Though he added darkly: 'There is a shark involved though, yes.'
Doctor Who: A Christmas Carol, BBC One, 6pm, Christmas Day Doctor Who Confidential Christmas Special, BBCThree, 7pm, Christmas Day
Doctor Who cast sing a Christmas carol - Doctor Who Confidential - BBC Three
Doctor Who: A Christmas Carol - Christmas Special 2010 trailer - BBC One
Hitting the right note: Cheryl Cole performed live twice for her appearance on Alan Carr's Chatty Man, which was screened on Channel 4 last night
She caused controversy after miming for two years running on the X Factor.
But last night, Cheryl Cole gave her vocal chords some exercise - with two live acoustic performances as she made an appearance on Alan Carr's show, Chatty Man.
The 27-year-old star began with a pared down rendition of her No.1 single Promise This, which she performed this year on the X Factor.
Looking good: She started with a acoustic version of Promise This, left, wearing a black cut away dress split to the thigh and, right, singing her new song The Flood in a white gown
She was heavily criticised at the time, after it appeared she was lip-syncing large sections of the track during the high-energy dance routine.
It also emerged that the performance was pre-recorded, with X Factor chiefs saying it would have been logistically problematic to have done it live within the show. This time round, however, Cheryl was clearly singing every word as she stood centre stage in a stunning cutaway black dress.
Feeling festive: The X Factor judge said she was looking forward to spending some time off this Christmas
After being interviewed by Carr, she then finished off with another live performance of her new track, The Flood.
Having earlier changed into a stunning white gown, the Girls Aloud star was accompanied by a couple of backing singers who helped her hit the high notes during the chorus.
The interview itself was punctuated with a series or awkward moments, when Cheryl was subjected to Carr's crude questioning style.
Taken aback: Cheryl was full of laughter and shock as she was subjected to Carr's crude questioning style
That's got a good kick: The host gave the star her favourite drink to sip on during the interview, a Martini with passion fruit
The singer is planning to spend some time out over the festive season, saying Christmas is her favourite time of the year.
'I'll be taking some time out with my doggies, [spending some time with the] family, [eating] Christmas pudding and turkey sandwiches,' she said.
In 2009, Cheryl was criticised for seemingly miming huge chunks of Fight For This Love which she performed on the X Factor.
Oh dear! Cheryl came over all bashful and embarrassed when Carr questioned her about the sexual chemistry between herself and Simon Cowell
Stolen kisses: Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev kiss after being crowned the winners of Strictly Come Dancing 2010
They have been caught spending the night at each others houses and set tongues wagging with their obvious chemistry on the dance floor.
And after taking the crown last night, Strictly Come Dancing 2010 winners Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev appeared to confirm the romance their fans have been hoping for.
While celebrating their win last night, the excitement appeared to get the better of Artem, who dropped his guard and planted a kiss on his 27-year-old dance partner.
Winner: Kara Tointon and dance partner Artem Chigvintsev were tonight voted the winners of Strictly Come Dancing 2010
The pair have hinted at their affection for each other, but have remained coy on whether they are an item throughout the series.
Last night Kara said that now that the competition is over, they can concentrate on the future.
'Fingers crossed,' she said. 'We will see what happens.'
'We get on brilliantly and it will be nice to do normal things like go to the cinema or for a meal because we spend all our time in the studio.'
But the former EastEnders star won't be venturing too far for a little while, after it emerged she was taken to A&E this morning for an arm injury suffered during training.
Emotional: Kara, who recovering at home today with a wrist injury, spoke of her affection for partner Artem after winning
Kara was forced to dance through the pain last night to victory, but after the show she was whisked to hospital where it was revealed she had torn ligaments in her lower arm.
She is now recovering at her parents' house in North London with her arm in a sling, giving 28-year-old Artem the opportunity to take care of her.
'I think we are going to literally not go anywhere today. It'll be quite nice,' she said this morning.
'He's going to cook for me in my mum and dad's kitchen. They've met him and they all get on so well.'
And it seems Artem's family feel the same about Miss Tointon.
Welcome to the family: Artem's family have told how they approve of the former soap star for their son
Victory: Kara and Artem are congratulated by former contestants including Scott Maslen as they hold their trophy high
Celebration: Goldie holds Artem over his head as the Russian-born dancer celebrates his win
In an interview with the News of the World, his mother Anna spoke of her happiness about her son's new love interest.
Speaking from their home in Izhevsk, Mrs Chigvintsev, 60, said of Kara, who she has not yet met: 'She looks really great. They make a beautiful couple which fills my heart with pride and joy.
'I respect my son's choice. He's very fond of her, and she seems to like him too.'
The tension mounts: Kara and Artem and Matt and Aliona wait to find out who has won the competition
'I have made the most wonderful friend for life and this has been the most special experience of my life.
He returned the compliment, adding: 'Thank you, Kara, you're amazing.'
When she found out she and Artem had won, the former EastEnders star burst into tears before hugging Matt Baker and Aliona Vilani.
Despite falling at the final hurdle, finalist Matt said he was thrilled with the result, saying: 'It's been graet. I have absolutely thoroughly enjoyed tonight, and Kara and Artem are worthy winners. If I was at home, I would be voting for Kara as well.'
Winner: Kara Tointon and dance partner Artem Chigvintsev were tonight voted the winners of Strictly Come Dancing 2010
After winning the trophy, Kara said: 'It's the most special thing that I have ever achieved and thank you to this man, who has been absolutely wonderful. I'm a bit embarrassed but I've made the most fantastic friends for life.
Artem added: 'Thank you Kara, you're amazing.'
Despite falling at the final hurdle, finalist Matt said he was thrilled with the result, saying: 'It's been graet. I have absolutely thoroughly enjoyed tonight, and Kara and Artem are worthy winners. If I was at home, I would be voting for Kara as well.'
And as well as winning the Strictly glitterball trophy, Kara also walked away with another prize - in the form of a date with Artem.
The pair have been rumoured to have been dating throughout the competition, but tonight furthered speculation after appearing more than a little touchy-feely on the programme.
Kara Tointon was voted the winner of Strictly Come Dancing 2010 tonight, despite battling a wrist injury.
Victory: Kara and Artem are congratulated by former contestants including Scott Maslen as they hold their trophy high
The 27-year-old former soap star and her partner Artem Chigvintsev wowed the judges with four incredible performances, including the American Smooth and their energetic show dance.
When she found out she and Artem had won, the former EastEnders star burst into tears before hugging Matt Baker and Aliona Vilani.
Celebration: Goldie holds Artem over his head as the Russian-born dancer celebrates his win
Stunning: Pamela Stephenson was the first to be voted off the show this evening
Speaking about being paired with Artem, Kara struggled to control her emotions and tears as she described her relationship with the Russian-born dancer.
And, in a VT ahead of their final performance, Kara said: 'I have made a friend for life and it has been a magical experience.'
While Artem added: 'When she's laughing, I find it adorable and irresistible.' Kara's win was all the more impressive considering she had been battling a wrist injury following a back flip during her show dance.
The actress was seen backstage after the performance struggling not to cry while holding an ice pack to the wrist, telling the camera: 'I haven't done a back flip since I was about 11 and it really hurts now.'
Pamela Stephenson was the first contestant to be voted off the final tonight.
Ready to go: Kara wore a tight, low-cut jumpsuit as she and Artem performed to I Like The Way You Move
And Len, who also gave them a nine, said: 'What you've done, a little element of waltz, salsa and foxtrot - you've used all the skills you've learned and I thought it was charming. Well done.'
After the performance, Pamela said: 'It really has been the time of my life and I'm so appreciative to the women and men who have helped me get to where I am.'
And James cheekily added: 'Nobody puts Granny in the corner!'
Tonight's finale was opened by an energetic performance from the Strictly Come Dancing professionals, who danced to Eye Of The Tiger, with the girls sporting boards featuring the names of the three finalists.
Kara and Artem, Pamela and James, and Matt and Aliona were then welcomed to the dancefloor wearing boxing gowns and gloves ahead of the competition.
Head judge Len Goodman also kept the boxing analogy going as he introduced the show with a microphone hanging from the ceiling.
Presenter Tess Daly looked stunning in a full-length white gown with a sparkly silver asymmetric top, while Bruce Forsyth wore a black tuxedo with white waistcoat.
Gymnastic genius: Matt Baker used his gymnastic skills for the show dance
The first show of the evening saw the three finalists bring back their top-scoring dances, as well as unleashing their final show dance.
Up first were Matt and Aliona, who performed the Samba to Young Hearts Run Free , complete with a lot of hip movement and even some back flips from Matt, which earned him a series of cheers and applause from the audience.
Speaking about being in the final, Matt said: 'It's just such a special feeling to know that you're there - last weekend was such an emotional weekend.
'Initially I thought Strictly would be quite fluffy - a bit of glitter here and there, could it be that intense? But believe me, it can - it's just you, your partner and the floor.'
'Simply brilliant': Pamela and James received a standing ovation from the audience, which included Pamela's husband Billy Connolly
And as well as his natural dancing talent, it is Matt's chemistry with dance partner Aliona which has seen him get through to the final.
Describing their chemistry, Matt said: 'Aliona and I realised very quickly that we have a very similar outlook - she will dance what I'm feeling.'
Aliona added: 'I have actually been on a real, real journey - it's been a blast.' Before taking to the dancefloor, Matt said: 'To be the last man standing is brilliant - to be the last one standing would be phenomenal.'
It was then time for the judges to pass their judgement on the performance.
All white on the night: Pamela and James stand with Tess as they await the judges' results
Len was first up, giving the couple a 9 and saying: 'We are expecting you to dance to the standard that has got you to this final, and that's what you did Matt. You came out, full on, and did so well - well done.'
Alesha Dixon, who awarded Matt and Aliona a 10, said: 'The last time we saw this dance was in Blackpool and you've done it again. I think it's the perfect way to open the show and I think it's the best samba of the series.'
Ever-amusing Bruno Tonioli, who also gave them a 10, said: 'There's nothing better than a hot Latin samba to cheer up everyone in a cold snap. You're samba was even better this time.'
And Craig Revel-Horwood, who gave them a 9, said: 'All good, I'm afraid. It was more confident than last time, I thought it was fantastic. That hip action is torrid, darling, it works very very well!'
Talking to Tess after the performance, Matt said: 'We wanted it to be a real celebration of everything we've done, and it feels brilliant to go out there and just dance - I'm so happy.'
Emotional: Kara struggled to control her tears as she spoke about her experience on Strictly before taking to the dancefloor to perform the Rumba
Kara and Artem were up next, performing the Rumba to an instrumental number. Before taking to the dancefloor, Kara said she couldn't believe she had made it through to the final of Strictly.
She said: 'To have made it through to the final is one of the biggest achievements of my life. I don't think I'll ever forget when Artem slid towards to me on that first show. I had hoped to be with James or Anton, but I think he's forgiven me.
'It took me a few weeks to come out and let go. The first dance I did well with was the Paso Doble. In Blackpool the emotions were running high, I'd injured my partner, and then we did the best performance we've done in the whole show.'
On-screen chemistry: Matt and Aliona get on incredibly well, which is partly the reason they dance so well together
Eager to win: Matt and Aliona stand with Bruce Forsyth as they await the results from judges (left to right) Craig Revel Horwood, Len Goodman, Alesha Dixon and Bruno Tonioli
Making a big return: All the Strictly finalists returned for a last performance to the soundtrack of Paloma Faith
After their dance, Craig said: 'I would kill to be able to dance like that. I thought it was amazing. I thought you were adorable', and gave them his first 10.
Len, who caused controversy with a seven, said: 'What's great about number is that it's so lyrical and musical. Unfortunately, you're supposed to do a certain amount in hold. But it's still a great number and I think your dancing is brilliant.'
Alesha, who gave them a 10, said: 'I'm quite sad that that's the last dance we will see you guys do. I think you are the most exquisite dancer I have seen on Strictly and together you are first class.'
And Bruno, who also gave them a 10, said: 'Whatever happens, this was an inspired performance. Creatively it was superb.'
After the performance, Kara said: 'That dance has always been my favourite so we just wanted to do it again.
Strictly Come Dancing 2010 Final - Kara Tointon & Artem Chigvintsev are crowned winners
Kara Tointon & Artem Chigvintsev - Chacha - Strictly Come Dancing - Week 1 - Long Edit
Kara Tointon & Artem Chigvintsev - Foxtrot - Strictly Come Dancing - Week 2 - Long Edit
Kara Tointon & Artem Chigvintsev - Quickstep - Strictly Come Dancing - Week 3 - Long Edit
Kara Tointon & Artem Chigvintsev - Charleston - Strictly Come Dancing - Week 4 - Long Edit
Kara Tointon & Artem Chigvintsev Win Strictly Come Dancing 2010
Nice work if you can get it: Simon Baker will be paid £280,000 per episode for The Mentalist, eclipsing Hugh Laurie's £258,000 per episode for U.S. show House
Pay rise: The Australian actor had been receiving £180,000 for each episode of the crime series in which he plays a psychic with unusual powers of observation
Hit show: British actor Laurie in the American drama series House
