Strictly Come Dancing

Strictly Come Dancing (informally known as Strictly) is a British television show, featuring celebrities with professional dance partners competing in a Ballroom and Latin dance competition. Each couple is scored out of 10 by a panel of judges. The title of the show suggests a continuation of the long-running series Come Dancing, with an allusion to the film Strictly Ballroom. The format has been exported to over 40 other countries (see Dancing with the Stars), and has also inspired a modern-dance themed spin-off Strictly Dance Fever. The show is currently presented by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

The show has run on BBC One since 15 May 2004, primarily on Saturday evenings with a following Sunday night results show (with certain exceptions). The thirteenth series ended on 19 December 2015. A further eleven stand-alone Christmas specials have also been produced, in consecutive years from 2004 to 2014. Nine charity specials have also been produced since 2008. Since the fourth series, the show has also been aired in high definition on BBC HD, and BBC One HD from series 8.

Development[edit]

Producer Richard Hopkins, who had produced the first UK series of Big Brother, unsuccessfully pitched the idea of a modern Come Dancing to the BBC under the title of Pro-Celebrity Dancing in 2003.[8] Later, entertainment executive Fenia Vardanis also suggested reviving Come Dancing, so Jane Lush, the then head of BBC Entertainment, put Hopkins and Vardanis together to develop the show.[8]

Hopkins then called in Karen Smith, who had just produced Comic Relief Does Fame Academy for BBC One and The Games for Channel 4, to help lead the development of the show and launch the series. Smith was the show running Executive Producer of the first three series, and of sister show It Takes Two.[9] She then took the role of Creative Director of BBC Entertainment whilst still overseeing series 4 and 5.[10][11]

Hopkins later took the format to America himself when the BBC dismissed the idea of selling it abroad, as they felt it was too British.[12]

Format[edit]

From series 1 to 11, Sir Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly presented the pro-celebrity ballroom dancing competition. From series 8 to 11, Forsyth only presented the main show and was replaced for the results show by Claudia Winkleman, at which point Daly assumed Forsyth's role as main presenter and Winkleman assumed Daly's role as co-presenter. Winkleman has joined Daly as full-time co-presenter for series 12 following Forsyth's departure after the 2013 series. Through telephone voting, viewers vote for who they would like to be in the next round, the results of the poll being combined with the ranking of the judges. For example, with ten contestants left, the judges' favourite would receive ten points, second favourite nine points, and so on, and similarly with the viewers' rankings. The bottom ranked couple gets one point.[13] The profits from the telephone lines were donated to Sport Relief in series 1, and to Children in Need from series 2 to 5.

The show is broadcast live on BBC One on Saturday evenings, and is currently presented by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman (however Zoë Ball covered for Winkleman for a number of weeks in 2014). Sir Bruce Forsyth presented the live shows alongside Daly from 2004 to 2013, announcing his departure in 2014. He will continue to present special editions of the show.[14] For some of the second series, Natasha Kaplinsky stood in temporarily for Daly while she took maternity leave, Claudia Winkelman has hosted the results show and editions that Forsyth had missed from 2010–2013. The judging panel initially consisted of Bruno Tonioli, Arlene Phillips, Len Goodman and Craig Revel Horwood. Alesha Dixon took Phillips' place from series 7 to 9, after which she left the programme to judge Britain's Got Talent which led retired ballerina Darcey Bussell to replace Dixon and remains a judge alongside Tonioli, Goodman and Revel Horwood.[15] Tonioli commutes weekly between Hollywood and London to judge both the American and British versions of the show simultaneously. Each judge gives the performance a mark out of ten, giving an overall total out of forty. The voice-over announcer is Alan Dedicoat. During series four, an hour-long highlight show was shown on Sundays at 19:00 on BBC Two, and during series five and six, the results show moved to Sunday evenings, although it was filmed on Saturday and then broadcast "as live" on the Sunday.

The singers on the show are Tommy Blaize, Hayley Sanderson, Lance Ellington, Andrea Grant and formerly the well known UK dance music vocalist Tara McDonald. The music director is David Arch. Tommy Blaize has been part of Strictly since its beginning. David Arch joined in the fourth series and Hayley Sanderson in the fifth.

The show was broadcast from a specially constructed set at the BBC Television Centre, moving to the Elstree Studios in 2013. However, in the first two series, shows were also filmed at the Tower Ballroom in Blackpool, where the original Come Dancing series was filmed in the 1970s.[16][17]

In the second series, two shows were filmed at the Tower Ballroom, show five and the Grand Final which was broadcast live on 11 December 2004.[18][19] In 2005 though the BBC announced that they would not be returning to the venue for the third series due to "logistical problems".[20] In October 2008, Craig Revel Horwood called for the series to return to the Tower Ballroom, saying, "the atmosphere was electric. It's huge and has so much history. The Tower Ballroom puts a lot of pressure on the professionals and the celebrities to perform to the best of their potential. What a wonderful place to go live to 12 million people. We have got to get the BBC to bring Strictly Come Dancing back to Blackpool." Eventually, the show did return to the Tower Ballroom, for series 7, where Blackpool-born Craig Kelly was eliminated. The episode was aired live on 7 November 2009.[21] Strictly Come Dancing returned to Blackpool for the 2010[22] and 2011 series.[23] Then after series 10 when Strictly Come Dancing didn't go to Blackpool, they announced that they would return for series 11.[24]

Presenters[edit]
Key Main presenter of Strictly Come Dancing Co-host of Strictly Come Dancing Presenter of It Takes Two Contestant Back-up host / Occasional

Presenter

Series 1

Series 2

Series 3

Series 4

Series 5

Series 6

Series 7

Series 8

Series 9

Series 10

Series 11

Series 12

Series 13

Sir Bruce Forsyth1
Tess Daly2
Claudia Winkleman3
Zoë Ball4
Notes^1 From series eight to 11, Sir Bruce Forsyth only hosted the main show.^2 In series two, Tess Daly only appeared from week six onwards due to maternity leave. Natasha Kaplinsky served as a temporary replacement.^3 From series 8 onwards, Claudia Winkleman presented the results show alongside Daly, and occasionally the main show, replacing Forsyth. Following Forsyth's departure after series 11, Daly took over Forsyth's role as main presenter and Winkleman took over Daly's role as co-presenter.^4 In series twelve, Zoë Ball co-presented weeks six, seven and eight of the main show with Daly, covering for Winkleman.
Other[edit]

Year(s)

Series

Presenter

Show

Notes

2004 1 Justin Lee Collins Strictly Come Dancing on Three
2004 2 Natasha Kaplinsky Main show Maternity cover for Tess Daly
2008 6 Fearne Cotton Children in Need special
2009 7 Ronnie Corbett Main show Guest host, Week 9
2014 12 Zoë Ball Main show Guest host, covering for Claudia Winkleman

Live Tour[edit]

Year(s)

Presenter

2008–10, 2012–13 Kate Thornton
2010 Amanda Byram
2011, 2015 Zoë Ball
2014 Lisa Riley
2016 Mel Giedroyc

Judging panel[edit]
Key Main judge Guest judge Contestant

Judge

Series 1

Series 2

Series 3

Series 4

Series 5

Series 6

Series 7

Series 8

Series 9

Series 10

Series 11

Series 12

Series 13

Bruno Tonioli
Craig Revel Horwood
Len GoodmanA
Darcey BussellB
Arlene Phillips
Alesha Dixon
Jennifer GreyC
Donny OsmondD
Notes^A Goodman is the head judge, but missed week six of series nine, so Revel Horwood served as temporary head judge^B Bussell served as a guest judge throughout weeks twelve to fourteen for series seven^C Grey served as a guest judge for Goodman during week six of series nine^D Osmond served as a guest judge for week three of series twelve
Professional dancers and their partners[edit]

See also: List of Strictly Come Dancing contestants

[hide]Professional

Avg.

Series 1

Series 2

Series 3

Series 4

Series 5

Series 6

Series 7

Series 8

Series 9

Series 10

Series 11

Series 12

Series 13

Kazakhstan Aliona Vilani

32.53

```
N/A

```

Rav Wilding

Matt Baker

Harry Judd

Injured

Tony Jacklin

Gregg Wallace

Jay McGuiness

Slovenia Aljaž Skorjanec

32.50

```
N/A

```

Abbey Clancy

Alison Hammond

Helen George

South Africa Andrew Cuerden

23.00

```
N/A

```

Jaye Jacobs

```
N/A

```

United Kingdom Anton du Beke

23.86

Lesley Garrett

Esther Rantzen

Patsy Palmer

Jan Ravens

Kate Garraway

Gillian Taylforth

Laila Rouass

Ann Widdecombe

Nancy Dell'Olio

Jerry Hall

Fiona Fullerton

Judy Murray

Katie Derham

Russia Anya Garnis

32.61

```
N/A

```

Patrick Robinson

```
N/A

```

Russia Artem Chigvintsev

33.80

```
N/A

```

Kara Tointon

Holly Valance

Fern Britton

Natalie Gumede

```
N/A

```

New Zealand Brendan Cole

28.49

Natasha Kaplinsky

Sarah Manners

Fiona Phillips

Claire King

Kelly Brook

Lisa Snowdon

Jo Wood

Michelle Williams

Lulu

Victoria Pendleton

Sophie Ellis-Bextor

Sunetra Sarker

Kirsty Gallacher

United States Brian Fortuna

31.48

```
N/A

```

Heather Small

Ali Bastian

```
N/A

```

Denmark Camilla Dallerup

29.84

David Dickinson

Roger Black

James Martin

Ray Fearon

Gethin Jones

Tom Chambers

```
N/A

```

United Kingdom Darren Bennett

30.16

```
N/A

```

Jill Halfpenny

Gloria Hunniford

Emma Bunton

Letitia Dean

Jessie Wallace

Lynda Bellingham

```
N/A

```

New Zealand Erin Boag

27.34

Martin Offiah

Julian Clary

Colin Jackson

Peter Schmeichel

Willie Thorne

Austin Healey

Ricky Groves

Peter Shilton

Rory Bremner

Richard Arnold

```
N/A

```

Italy Flavia Cacace-Mistry

29.04

```
N/A

```

Jimmy Tarbuck

Matt Di Angelo

Phil Daniels

Craig Kelly

Jimi Mistry

Russell Grant

Louis Smith

```
N/A

```

Italy Giovanni Pernice

33.75

```
N/A

```

Georgia May Foote

Russia Gleb Savchenko

30.77

```
N/A

```

Anita Rani

Finland Hanna Haarala

26.17

```
N/A

```

Will Thorp

```
N/A

```

Finland Hanna Karttunen

20.08

Christopher Parker

```
N/A

```

New Zealand Hayley Holt

19.75

```
N/A

```

Mark Foster

```
N/A

```

United Kingdom Hazel Newberry

8.00

```
N/A

```

Quentin Willson

```
N/A

```

United Kingdom Ian Waite

29.74

```
N/A

```

Denise Lewis

Zoë Ball

Mica Paris

Penny Lancaster

Jodie Kidd

Jade Johnson

```
N/A

```

Lithuania Iveta Lukosiute

25.47

```
N/A

```

Johnny Ball

Mark Benton

Thom Evans

```
N/A

```

Poland Izabela Hannah

19.60

```
N/A

```

Dennis Taylor

```
N/A

```

United Kingdom James Jordan

31.86

```
N/A

```

Georgina Bouzova

Gabby Logan

Cherie Lunghi

Zöe Lucker

Pamela Stephenson

Alex Jones

Denise van Outen

Vanessa Feltz

```
N/A

```

United States Janette Manrara

29.96

```
N/A

```

Julien Macdonald

Jake Wood

Peter Andre

United States Jared Murillo

26.75

```
N/A

```

Tina O'Brien

```
N/A

```

United Kingdom Joanne Clifton

18.17

```
N/A

```

Scott Mills

```
N/A

```

United Kingdom John Byrnes

30.00

Claire Sweeney

```
N/A

```

Venezuela Karen Clifton

25.80

```
N/A

```

Nicky Byrne

Dave Myers

Mark Wright

Jeremy Vine

United Kingdom Karen Hardy

28.76

```
N/A

```

Bill Turnbull

Mark Ramprakash

Brian Capron

Gary Rhodes

```
N/A

```

Lithuania Katya Virshilas

26.21

```
N/A

```

Phil Tufnell

Gavin Henson

Dan Lobb

```
N/A

```

United Kingdom Kevin Clifton

34.31

```
N/A

```

Susanna Reid

Frankie Bridge

Kellie Bright

Russia Kristina Rihanoff

28.80

```
N/A

```

John Sergeant

Joe Calzaghe

Goldie

Jason Donovan

Colin Salmon

Ben Cohen

Simon Webbe

Daniel O'Donnell

United Kingdom Kylie Jones

20.00

Jason Wood

```
N/A

```

Russia Lilia Kopylova

29.09

```
N/A

```

Aled Jones

Darren Gough

Matt Dawson

Dominic Littlewood

Don Warrington

Richard Dunwoody

```
N/A

```

United Kingdom Matthew Cutler

31.42

```
N/A

```

Siobhan Hayes

Carol Smillie

Alesha Dixon

Christine Bleakley

Martina Hingis

```
N/A

```

Australia Natalie Lowe

29.64

```
N/A

```

Ricky Whittle

Scott Maslen

Audley Harrison

Michael Vaughan

Injured

Tim Wonnacott

Ainsley Harriott

South Africa Nicole Cutler

21.58

```
N/A

```

Diarmuid Gavin

```
N/A

```

Nicholas Owen

John Barnes

```
N/A

```

Poland Ola Jordan

27.03

```
N/A

```

DJ Spoony

Kenny Logan

Andrew Castle

Chris Hollins

Paul Daniels

Robbie Savage

Sid Owen

Ashley Taylor Dawson

Steve Backshall

Iwan Thomas

South Africa Oti Mabuse

19.67

```
N/A

```

Anthony Ogogo

Russia Pasha Kovalev

32.03

```
N/A

```

Chelsee Healey

Kimberley Walsh

Rachel Riley

Caroline Flack

Carol Kirkwood

United Kingdom Paul Killick

22.88

Verona Joseph

Carol Vorderman

```
N/A

```

United Kingdom Robin Windsor

28.49

```
N/A

```

Patsy Kensit

Anita Dobson

Lisa Riley

Deborah Meaden

Injured

```
N/A

```

Australia Trent Whiddon

34.55

```
N/A

```

Pixie Lott

```
N/A

```

Republic of Ireland Tristan MacManus

24.25

```
N/A

```

Jennifer Gibney

Jamelia

Italy Vincent Simone

31.21

```
N/A

```

Louisa Lytton

Stephanie Beacham

Rachel Stevens

Natalie Cassidy

Felicity Kendal

Edwina Currie

Dani Harmer

```
N/A

```

Key:

```
    Winner of the series     Second place of the series     Third place of the series     First elimination of the series     Withdrew in the series     Currently participating in the show in the series     Injured

```

Notes and statistics[edit]
Iveta Lukosiute was a replacement partner for Johnny Ball in series 10 after his original partner, Aliona Vilani, was injured in training.
Although Ian Waite and Karen Hardy no longer dance competitively on the show, they do still make regular appearances on companion programme It Takes Two. Waite and Darren Bennett both participated in the professional dance troupe in series 8.
Brendan Cole and Anton du Beke are the only two professional dancers who have taken part in all thirteen series of the show. Anton has never won the competition; Brendan won the first series with Natasha Kaplinsky.
Pasha Kovalev, Brendan Cole, Aliona Vilani and Kevin Clifton are the only pros that have made the final three times.
Pasha Kovalev holds the record for most tens, with 61, and the record for most forties, with 8.
Only four professionals have managed to win in their first series of being a Strictly professional. Those four are Brendan Cole (Series 1), Darren Bennett (Series 2), Artem Chigvintsev (Series 8) and Aljaž Skorjanec (series 11)
Only three professionals have won in their last series of being a Strictly professional. Those three are Camilla Dallerup (Series 6), Flavia Cacace (Series 10) and Aliona Vilani (series 13).
In series 11, Aliona Vilani (who had previously been announced as leaving the show) was a replacement for Natalie Lowe who was injured before the series started. The producers of the show announced this on 2 September 2013.
Aliona Vilani is the first professional in history to be eliminated first twice in a row with Tony Jacklin in series 11 and Gregg Wallace in series 12. She is also the only professional, however, to have won more than once (with Harry Judd and Jay McGuiness)
Kevin Clifton is the only professional to have been a finalist three consecutive times and the only professional to have been a runner-up three times.

Professional partners[edit]

As of December 2015, the professional pairs are:

Male

Female

Tristan MacManus Aliona Vilani
Pasha Kovalev Ola Jordan (Week 1–10)
Anya Garnis (Week 11–13)
Gleb Savchenko Kristina Rihanoff
Anton du Beke Natalie Lowe
Brendan Cole Joanne Clifton
Aljaž Skorjanec Janette Manrara
Kevin Clifton Karen Clifton
Giovanni Pernice Oti Mabuse

Some of the dancers form professional partnerships, dancing together competitively or on the show. Darren Bennet and Lilia Kopylova,[25] and James and Ola Jordan are married,[26] while Matthew and Nicole Cutler are divorced but still professional partners.[27][28] Anton du Beke and Erin Boag,[29] have danced as professional couples since 1997; Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace are a former Argentine Tango world champion couple.[30] Brendan Cole and Katya Virshilas danced professionally for several years before parting in November 2009.[31][32][33] Karen Hauer and Kevin Clifton were engaged when Kevin entered the show in 2013 and were married prior to the 2015 season, Janette Manrara and Aljaž Skorjanec are also a couple.

Dances[edit]

On average dances last for approximately 90 seconds.[34]
The Waltz, Cha Cha Cha, Quickstep, Rumba, Tango, Jive, Foxtrot, Paso Doble and Samba have all been danced since Series 1.
The American Smooth and the Viennese Waltz were added in Series 3.
The Salsa and the Argentine Tango were added in Series 4. Since
No more dances were added until Series 7, week 11 when couples performed either a Charleston (which winner Chris Hollins chose to perform again in the final) or a Rock N' Roll routine. The final also featured a head-to-head Lindyhop. Of these dances, only the Charleston was retained for subsequent series.
Series 8 introduced the Swing-a-thon, where all remaining couples dance Swing simultaneously and are voted off the dancefloor one by one by the judges until only one couple remains. This returned in Series 9 and 11.
The tenth series featured a "Dance Fusion", in which the couples attempt to perform two dances consecutively in one routine.
The twelfth series introduced the Waltz-a-thon, which uses the same manner as the Swing-a-thon of all remaining couples on the dance floor at the same time, all the couples dance Waltz. Afterwards, the results are revealed by the judges.
The thirteenth series introduced a Quickstep-a-thon, in which all seven remaining couples simultaneously performed a quickstep. The judges then ranked them one to seven and gave points accordingly.
A Showdance (Freestyle) has always been performed in the series final as a last chance for couples to impress the public. However, since Series 8, the Showdance has been danced as the second dance in the final.

Prior to series 10, the dances performed in the early weeks are switched between one Ballroom and one Latin, and are divided as evenly as possible depending on the number of contestants left. As the competition progressed further, this system is abandoned and many styles, not just two, can be performed in one week by each of the remaining contestants. From series 4 through 7, the remaining contestants who made it to the semifinals are granted to perform the semifinal-exclusive Argentine tango. Beginning with series 10, this has all changed. The contestants are now allowed to dance whichever dance they are bestowed to (not accustomed to any patterns), though the Argentine tango remains to be somewhat reserved for the latter stages of the series. The Showdance, however, is still restricted only for the finalists from the very first series until now.

Coaching[edit]

As of series four, coaches are Jaclyn Spencer and Chris Marques (aka Cuban Groove) for Salsa and Mambo, and Jenny Thomas and Ryan Francois for Swing, Jive, Rock n Roll and The Charleston. The Argentine Tango coaches in series three were Flavia Cacace and Vincent Simone, both of whom have subsequently competed in the show.

Results show[edit]

The results show is recorded on the Saturday night directly after the live show and incorporates the result of the viewers' votes which are completed by 21:30. This was confirmed by the official BBC website in 2008:

The Sunday show is recorded on Saturday night but no element involving the results of the vote will start recording until after lines are closed and votes counted and verified.[35]

Throughout the Sunday results show the presenters refer to 'last night' in reference to the main show, due to the timing of the Sunday programme, and Tess Daly, Claudia Winkleman's and the judges' outfits are changed to present an illusion of a second live broadcast.

For Series 7, the Sunday results show was axed and put back to Saturday nights as a result of a revamp of the show.[36] It was then put back on Sundays in Series 8.

Dance Off[edit]

```
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```

From Series 5 to Series 7 a new system called the dance-off began. In Series 8 and Series 9 the dance-off was axed, the following series resumed the dance-off and continued since. There are two couples in each dance-off, the two of which have the lowest scores between the judges and the public. The aim of the dance off is for the couples to convince the judges that they deserve to go through to the following week's competition. Before they attempt the dance a second time the couple sometimes gets advice from the judges. The judges decide based on the dance performed the second time. If the judges agree with the exception of Len Goodman the couple is through to the following week's competition. If one couple has two votes and the other couple has one vote, then the final vote is down to the Head Judge, Len Goodman. He has the deciding vote and whichever couple he chooses to save is through to the following week meaning the other couple is eliminated. However, when Craig, Arlene/Alesha/Darcey and Bruno agree and Len disagrees, then Len's vote does not count as already the safe couple would have had more votes. The eliminated couple talk about their experience or watch a video of their time on the show. Afterwards, the eliminated couple perform one final dance or some people call it waltzing out of the ballroom. The day after they are eliminated they chat to Zoë Ball about their time on the show.

Strictly: It Takes Two[edit]

Main article: Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two

During the run of Strictly Come Dancing, Strictly: It Takes Two is broadcast each weeknight on BBC Two. The series was previously hosted by Claudia Winkleman; but, due to her pregnancy in 2011, she has had to leave the series, and Zoë Ball took over from Series 9.[37]

The show features reviews of the performances during the previous Saturday's show, and interviews with, and training footage of, the couples preparing for the next show. The judges and other celebrities also provide their opinions on how the couples are doing. It Takes Two replaced Strictly Come Dancing on Three, hosted by Justin Lee Collins, which ran on BBC Three during the first series. Prior to 2010, BBC Two Scotland aired the programme on four nights only, running their own Gaelic-language programming on Thursdays instead.

Main series results[edit]

Series

Premiere date

Finale date

Number

```
of couples

```

Number

```
of weeks

```

Winners

Second place

Third place

1
15 May 2004 3 July 2004 8 8 Natasha Kaplinsky & Brendan Cole Christopher Parker & Hanna Karttunen Lesley Garrett & Anton du Beke

2
23 October 2004 11 December 2004 10 8 Jill Halfpenny & Darren Bennett Denise Lewis & Ian Waite Julian Clary & Erin Boag

3
15 October 2005 17 December 2005 12 10 Darren Gough & Lilia Kopylova Colin Jackson & Erin Boag Zoë Ball & Ian Waite

4
7 October 2006 23 December 2006 14 12 Mark Ramprakash & Karen Hardy Matt Dawson & Lilia Kopylova Emma Bunton & Darren Bennett

5
6 October 2007 22 December 2007 14 12 Alesha Dixon & Matthew Cutler Matt Di Angelo & Flavia Cacace Gethin Jones & Camilla Dallerup

6
20 September 2008 20 December 2008 16 14 Tom Chambers & Camilla Dallerup Rachel Stevens & Vincent Simone Lisa Snowdon & Brendan Cole

7
18 September 2009 19 December 2009 16 14 Chris Hollins & Ola Jordan Ricky Whittle & Natalie Lowe Ali Bastian & Brian Fortuna

8
1 October 2010 18 December 2010 14 12 Kara Tointon & Artem Chigvintsev Matt Baker & Aliona Vilani Pamela Stephenson & James Jordan

9
30 September 2011 17 December 2011 14 12 Harry Judd & Aliona Vilani Chelsee Healey & Pasha Kovalev Jason Donovan & Kristina Rihanoff

10
5 October 2012 22 December 2012 14 12 Louis Smith & Flavia Cacace Kimberley Walsh & Pasha Kovalev
Denise Van Outen & James Jordan N/A

11
27 September 2013 21 December 2013 15 13 Abbey Clancy & Aljaž Skorjanec Natalie Gumede & Artem Chigvintsev
Susanna Reid & Kevin Clifton

12
26 September 2014 20 December 2014 15 13 Caroline Flack & Pasha Kovalev Frankie Bridge & Kevin Clifton
Simon Webbe & Kristina Rihanoff

13
25 September 2015 19 December 2015 15 13 Jay McGuiness & Aliona Vilani Georgia May Foote & Giovanni Pernice
Kellie Bright & Kevin Clifton

Series 1 (2004)[edit]

Main article: Strictly Come Dancing (series 1)

In Spring 2004, Strictly Come Dancing commenced its first series. The professional dancers were: Brendan, Hanna, Anton, Erin, John, Paul, Camilla and Kylie. This is the only series that took place in the Spring/Summer months. From the second series onwards, the show takes place from September/October to December each year. Natasha Kaplinsky & Brendan Cole were crowned the first winners of Strictly Come Dancing. This was the shortest series, with 8 weeks.

Celebrity

Professional

Result (week voted out)

Jason Wood Kylie Jones Week 2
David Dickinson Camilla Dallerup Week 3
Verona Joseph Paul Killick Week 4
Claire Sweeney John Byrnes Week 5
Martin Offiah Erin Boag Week 6
Lesley Garrett Anton du Beke Third place
Christopher Parker Hanna Karttunen Runners up
Natasha Kaplinsky Brendan Cole Series winners

Series 2 (2004)[edit]

Main article: Strictly Come Dancing (series 2)

In Autumn 2004, the second series commenced. 5 of the 8 professionals returned. These professionals were: Brendan, Anton, Erin, Paul and Camilla. There were 5 new professionals who are: Darren, Ian, Lilia, Nicole and Hazel. Hazel only participated in this series while the other professionals competed in following series.

A new spin-off show called Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two presented by Claudia Winkleman was created this series and has continued to air alongside each following series, now hosted by Zoë Ball on BBC Two.

Celebrity

Professional

Result (week voted out)

Quentin Willson Hazel Newberry Week 1
Carol Vorderman Paul Killick Week 2
Esther Rantzen Anton du Beke Week 3
Diarmuid Gavin Nicole Cutler Week 4
Sarah Manners Brendan Cole Week 5
Roger Black Camilla Dallerup Week 6
Aled Jones Lilia Kopylova Week 7
Julian Clary Erin Boag Third place
Denise Lewis Ian Waite Runners up
Jill Halfpenny Darren Bennett Series winners

Series 3 (2005)[edit]

Main article: Strictly Come Dancing (series 3)

In 2005, the third series commenced. Brendan, Anton, Erin, Camilla, Darren, Ian and Lilia returned from last series. Nicole, Paul and Hazel did not return. They were replaced by Karen, Hanna, Izabela, Andrew and Matthew.

The celebrities that took part in this series were as follows:

Celebrity

Professional

Result (week voted out)

Siobhan Hayes Matthew Cutler Week 1
Jaye Jacobs Andrew Cuerden Week 2
Gloria Hunniford Darren Bennett Week 3
Fiona Phillips Brendan Cole Week 4
Dennis Taylor Izabela Hannah Week 5
Will Thorp Hanna Haarala Week 6
Bill Turnbull Karen Hardy Week 7
Patsy Palmer Anton du Beke Week 8
James Martin Camilla Dallerup Week 9
Zoë Ball Ian Waite Third place
Colin Jackson Erin Boag Runners up
Darren Gough Lilia Kopylova Series winners

Series 4 (2006)[edit]

Main article: Strictly Come Dancing (series 4)

The show ran from 7 October to 23 December 2006. Over 12 million votes were cast, raising £1.5 million for Children in Need. A peak of 13 million viewers tuned into the final show of series four to see Mark and Karen crowned 2006 Strictly Come Dancing champions.

This series introduced four new professional dancers – Flavia Cacace, James Jordan, Ola Jordan and Vincent Simone. Andrew Cuerden, Hanna Haarala and Izabela Hannah did not return to the series. This series also saw the return of Nicole Cutler, who had taken part in Series 2 but not in Series 3.

The couples in order of elimination:

Celebrity

Professional

Result (week voted out)

Nicholas Owen Nicole Cutler Week 1
Jimmy Tarbuck Flavia Cacace Withdrew
Mica Paris Ian Waite Week 2
DJ Spoony Ola Jordan Week 3
Georgina Bouzova James Jordan Week 4
Jan Ravens Anton du Beke Week 5
Ray Fearon Camilla Dallerup Week 6
Peter Schmeichel Erin Boag Week 7
Claire King Brendan Cole Week 8
Carol Smillie Matthew Cutler Week 9
Louisa Lytton Vincent Simone Week 10
Emma Bunton Darren Bennett Third place
Matt Dawson Lilia Kopylova Runners-up
Mark Ramprakash Karen Hardy Series winners

Series 5 (2007)[edit]

Main article: Strictly Come Dancing (series 5)

The fifth series of Strictly Come Dancing began on BBC One on 29 September 2007, with Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly returning as presenters. For the first and only time, the line up of professionals was unchanged from the previous series. The first programme was a catch-up show and preview to the new series, before the start of the competition on 6 October, which ran for 12 weeks.

The show featured 14 new celebrities, who were paired with 14 professional dancers. In a change to the previous format, the results show was recorded on Saturday and broadcast on Sunday, rather than shown live later on Saturday. In addition to this, the two couples who were at the bottom of the table after the viewers' vote were subject to a dance-off, where they reprised their routine, for the judges to decide who left. Head Judge Len Goodman had the casting vote in case of a tie. The series raised just over a million pounds for Children in Need.[38]

Celebrity

Professional

Result (week voted out)

Brian Capron Karen Hardy Week 1
Stephanie Beacham Vincent Simone Week 2
Willie Thorne Erin Boag Week 3
Gabby Logan James Jordan Week 4
Dominic Littlewood Lilia Kopylova Week 5
Penny Lancaster Stewart Ian Waite Week 6
Kate Garraway Anton du Beke Week 7
John Barnes Nicole Cutler Week 8
Kelly Brook Brendan Cole Withdrew[39]
Kenny Logan Ola Jordan Week 9
Letitia Dean Darren Bennett Week 10
Gethin Jones Camilla Dallerup Third place
Matt Di Angelo Flavia Cacace Runners up
Alesha Dixon Matthew Cutler Series winners

Series 6 (2008)[edit]

Main article: Strictly Come Dancing (series 6)

A sixth series of the show was confirmed after the dancers' pay dispute was called off in late June 2008.[40] The series lasted for 14 weeks, which is the longest series so far.[40] The series involved three new professional dancers, Brian Fortuna, Hayley Holt and Kristina Rihanoff.[41] Nicole Cutler did not return to the series.

In July 2008 it was reported that current EastEnders cast members were banned from taking part in the competition due to the length of the series.[42]

The sixth series began on 13 September with a behind-the-scenes look at the new series, followed by the first live show on 20 September.[43]

On 19 November 2008, John Sergeant announced that he would be leaving the show because he believed he may "win it".[44]

Celebrity

Professional

Result (week voted out)

Phil Daniels Flavia Cacace Week 1
Gillian Taylforth Anton du Beke Week 2
Gary Rhodes Karen Hardy Week 3
Jessie Wallace Darren Bennett Week 4
Don Warrington Lilia Kopylova Week 5
Mark Foster Hayley Holt Week 6
Andrew Castle Ola Jordan Week 7
Heather Small Brian Fortuna Week 8
Cherie Lunghi James Jordan Week 9
John Sergeant Kristina Rihanoff Withdrew[44]
Jodie Kidd Ian Waite Week 10
Christine Bleakley Matthew Cutler Week 11
Austin Healey Erin Boag Week 12
Lisa Snowdon Brendan Cole Third place
Rachel Stevens Vincent Simone Runners up
Tom Chambers Camilla Dallerup Series winners

Series 7 (2009)[edit]

Main article: Strictly Come Dancing (series 7)

The seventh series of Strictly Come Dancing ran from 18 September until 19 December 2009.[45] Tess Daly signed a two-year deal to continue presenting the programme for at least the 2009 and 2010 series'.[46]

On 9 July 2009, former competitor Alesha Dixon was confirmed to be joining the judging panel for this series, and that Darcey Bussell would be a guest judge towards the end of the series run. Dixon replaced Arlene Phillips who moved to The One Show as a Strictly Come Dancing expert.[45] It has been reported in the media that many of the show's professional dancers are furious at Phillips being replaced by Dixon. They apparently feel that they "will be judged by someone who knows less than they do about dancing".[47] The BBC were also accused of sexism, as none of the male judges on the show had been replaced. The BBC received over 5,000 complaints. Dixon's fans were also unhappy as she had to cancel a number of dates on her autumn tour to do the programme.[48]

The official line-up was revealed on 25 August 2009 and the winner was BBC Breakfast presenter Chris Hollins:[49]

Celebrity

Professional

Result (week voted out)

Martina Hingis Matthew Cutler Week 1
Richard Dunwoody Lilia Kopylova Week 2
Rav Wilding Aliona Vilani Week 3
Lynda Bellingham Darren Bennett Week 4
Joe Calzaghe Kristina Rihanoff Week 5
Jo Wood Brendan Cole Week 6
Zöe Lucker James Jordan Week 7
Craig Kelly Flavia Cacace Week 8
Phil Tufnell Katya Virshilas Week 9
Jade Johnson Ian Waite Withdrew
Ricky Groves Erin Boag Week 10
Natalie Cassidy Vincent Simone Week 11
Laila Rouass Anton du Beke Week 12
Ali Bastian Brian Fortuna Third place
Ricky Whittle Natalie Lowe Runners-up
Chris Hollins Ola Jordan Series winners

Series 8 (2010)[edit]

Main article: Strictly Come Dancing (series 8)

The eighth series of Strictly Come Dancing began with a launch show on 11 September 2010, then three weeks later the live shows started on 1 October 2010.[50] Three new professional dancers have been announced,[51] The celebrities were revealed on 8 September 2010[52] and the professional partners were revealed during the launch show.[53][54]

Celebrity

Professional

Result (week voted out)

Goldie Kristina Rihanoff Week 2
Paul Daniels Ola Jordan Week 3
Peter Shilton Erin Boag Week 4
Tina O'Brien Jared Murillo Week 5
Jimi Mistry Flavia Cacace Week 6
Michelle Williams Brendan Cole
Ian Waite (Week 4) Week 7
Felicity Kendal Vincent Simone Week 8
Patsy Kensit Robin Windsor Week 9
Ann Widdecombe Anton du Beke Week 10
Gavin Henson Katya Virshilas Week 11
Scott Maslen Natalie Lowe Week 11
Pamela Stephenson James Jordan Third place
Matt Baker Aliona Vilani Runners-up
Kara Tointon Artem Chigvintsev Series winners

Series 9 (2011)[edit]

Main article: Strictly Come Dancing (series 9)

Strictly returned with a launch show on 10 September 2011, with the final in December at the Tower Ballroom, Blackpool. Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly returned to front the main show, and Claudia Winkleman presented the Sunday night results show along with Daly.

For Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two, a new presenter joined the team. Winkleman had to pull out of the 2011 series as it would be difficult to do a daily programme so soon after giving birth and was replaced by Zoë Ball.

All of series eight's judges returned to the show. Jennifer Grey served as a cover judge for Len Goodman during week six due to his break from the show. This was the last series to feature Alesha Dixon as a judge after she left the show after the final to become a judge on Britain's Got Talent

The professional line-up was announced on 15 June 2011 with most of the Series 8 professionals returning, except for Jared Murillo who was replaced by Siberian dancer Pasha Kovalev.[55] The celebrity line-up was announced on 6 September 2011 on The One Show and the couples were paired up for the first time on the launch show.

Celebrity

Professional

Result (week voted out)

Edwina Currie Vincent Simone Week 2
Dan Lobb Katya Virshilas Week 3
Rory Bremner Erin Boag Week 4
Nancy Dell'Olio Anton du Beke Week 5
Lulu Brendan Cole Week 6
Audley Harrison Natalie Lowe Week 7
Russell Grant Flavia Cacace Week 8
Anita Dobson Robin Windsor
Brendan Cole (Week 9) Week 9
Robbie Savage Ola Jordan Week 10
Alex Jones James Jordan Week 11
Holly Valance Artem Chigvintsev
Brendan Cole (Week 7) Week 11
Jason Donovan Kristina Rihanoff Third place
Chelsee Healey Pasha Kovalev Runners-up
Harry Judd Aliona Vilani Series winners

Series 10 (2012)[edit]

Main article: Strictly Come Dancing (series 10)

The tenth series began on 15 September 2012 with a launch show to reveal the celebrity/professional partnerships, and the live shows began on 5 October.

On 25 April 2012, it was confirmed that Darcey Bussell would be joining the judging panel, replacing Alesha Dixon who left the show to be a judge on Britain's Got Talent.[56]

Katya Virshilas was the only professional dancer not returning to this series, and she was replaced by "Burn the Floor"'s Karen Hauer.[57] The full line-up was revealed on 10 September during The One Show.[58]

Aliona Vilani was originally Johnny Ball's partner, but injury resulted in her being replaced by Iveta Lukosiute.[59]

Celebrity

Professional

Result (week voted out)

Johnny Ball Iveta Lukosiute Week 2
Jerry Hall Anton du Beke Week 3
Sid Owen Ola Jordan Week 4
Colin Salmon Kristina Rihanoff Week 5
Fern Britton Artem Chigvintsev Week 6
Richard Arnold Erin Boag Week 7
Victoria Pendleton Brendan Cole Week 8
Michael Vaughan Natalie Lowe Week 9
Nicky Byrne Karen Hauer Week 10
Lisa Riley Robin Windsor Week 11
Dani Harmer Vincent Simone Week 12
Denise van Outen James Jordan Runners-up
Kimberley Walsh Pasha Kovalev Runners-up
Louis Smith Flavia Cacace Series winners

Series 11 (2013)[edit]

Main article: Strictly Come Dancing (series 11)

Strictly Come Dancing returned with the launch show on 7 September 2013 and its live shows on 27 September 2013 for its eleventh series.[60] Rod Stewart and Jessie J performed on the premiere show.[61]

On 1 June 2013, it was announced that Aliona Vilani, Vincent Simone, Flavia Cacace, and Erin Boag would all leave this series. Aljaž Skorjanec, Emma Slater, Janette Manrara and Iveta Lukosiute, who partnered Johnny Ball in the first few weeks of series 10, would all join the cast.[62][63][64] However, it was confirmed on 22 August 2013 that Anya Garnis and Kevin Clifton would join the series, replacing Slater.[65] On 2 September 2013, it was announced that a foot fracture injury meant Natalie Lowe would not be able to participate this series, and she has been replaced by returning professional Vilani.[66]

Celebrity

Professional

Result (week voted out)

Tony Jacklin Aliona Vilani Week 2
Vanessa Feltz James Jordan Week 3
Julien Macdonald Janette Manrara Week 4
Deborah Meaden Robin Windsor Week 5
Rachel Riley Pasha Kovalev Week 6
Dave Myers Karen Hauer Week 7
Fiona Fullerton Anton du Beke Week 8
Ben Cohen Kristina Rihanoff Week 9
Mark Benton Iveta Lukosiute Week 10
Ashley Taylor Dawson Ola Jordan Week 11
Patrick Robinson Anya Garnis Week 12
Sophie Ellis-Bextor Brendan Cole Week 13
Susanna Reid Kevin Clifton Runners-up
Natalie Gumede Artem Chigvintsev Runners-up
Abbey Clancy Aljaž Skorjanec Series winners

Series 12 (2014)[edit]

Main article: Strictly Come Dancing (series 12)

The series started on 7 September 2014 with a launch show,[67] followed by the live shows starting on 26 and 27 September.[68] This series was the first not to be presented by Sir Bruce Forsyth after announcing his departure from the live shows on 4 April. However, Forsyth will continue to present special editions of the show, such as Children in Need and Christmas specials.[69] It was announced on 9 May that Claudia Winkleman would join the main show as co-presenter and the duties would mirror the existing result show format, with Tess Daly taking over Forsyth's role as main presenter and Winkleman taking Daly's role as co-presenter.[70]

It was announced on 1 June 2014 that professional dancers Artem Chigvintsev, James Jordan and Anya Garnis would not be returning for the new series, although Garnis would remain on the show's choreography team. It was also announced that Tristan MacManus and Joanne Clifton would be joining the show's professional line-up.[71] It was then announced in August that Robin Windsor had pulled out of the competition due to back injury. Windsor will be replaced by new professional Trent Whiddon.[72] In the third week entertainer Donny Osmond joined the four regular judges, making the maximum score that week 50 points.[73] Due to Winkleman's absence in weeks 6, 7, and 8, It Takes Two presenter Zoë Ball co-presented with Daly.

Celebrity

Professional

Result

```
(week voted out)

```

Gregg Wallace Aliona Vilani Week 2
Jennifer Gibney Tristan MacManus Week 3
Tim Wonnacott Natalie Lowe Week 4
Thom Evans Iveta Lukosiute Week 5
Scott Mills Joanne Clifton Week 6
Alison Hammond Aljaž Skorjanec Week 7
Judy Murray Anton du Beke Week 8
Steve Backshall Ola Jordan Week 9
Sunetra Sarker Brendan Cole Week 10
Pixie Lott Trent Whiddon Week 11
Jake Wood Janette Manrara Week 12
Mark Wright Karen Hauer Week 13
Simon Webbe Kristina Rihanoff Runners-up
Frankie Bridge Kevin Clifton Runners-up
Caroline Flack Pasha Kovalev Series winners

Series 13 (2015)[edit]

Main article: Strictly Come Dancing (series 13)

Strictly Come Dancing returned for a thirteenth series with a launch show on 5 September 2015, followed by the live shows starting on 25 and 26 September.

On 23 April 2015 the list of professionals participating in the thirteenth series was revealed. Professionals from the last series who did not return included Trent Whiddon, Iveta Lukosiute and Joanne Clifton. Clifton would remain involved in group dances and would feature on Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two as a dance expert. Robin Windsor, absent from the previous series because of injury, also did not return for this series. Three new professional dancers were introduced: Russian dancer Gleb Savchenko (from the American, Australian, and Russian versions of Dancing with the Stars), South African dancer Oti Mabuse (from Germany's Let's Dance) and Italian dancer Giovanni Pernice.[74]

On 3 October 2015, the judges performed The Strictly, a signature dance made up of some iconic moves from the show's history for fans to do at home when they hear the theme tune; subsequently, a tutorial for the dance was made available on the show's website and iPlayer hosted by Natalie Lowe and Tristan MacManus.[75] Ola Jordan later announced that she had quit the show and claimed that the results were "fixed".

Series 13 was the last to feature Tristan MacManus, Kristina Rihanoff and Ola Jordan as professional dancers.

Celebrity

Professional

Result

```
(week voted out)

```

Iwan Thomas Ola Jordan Week 2
Anthony Ogogo Oti Mabuse Week 3
Daniel O'Donnell Kristina Rihanoff Week 4
Ainsley Harriott Natalie Lowe Week 5
Kirsty Gallacher Brendan Cole Week 6
Carol Kirkwood Pasha Kovalev Week 7
Jeremy Vine Karen Clifton Week 8
Jamelia Tristan MacManus Week 9
Peter Andre Janette Manrara Week 10
Helen George Aljaž Skorjanec Week 11
Anita Rani Gleb Savchenko Week 12
Katie Derham Anton du Beke Week 13
Kellie Bright Kevin Clifton Runners-up
Georgia May Foote Giovanni Pernice Runners-up
Jay McGuiness Aliona Vilani Series winners

Specials[edit]

Christmas specials[edit]

Main article: Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Specials

The Christmas specials have been broadcast each year since 2004. The first special was broadcast the week before Christmas 2004, in 2005 it was broadcast on Christmas Eve, and from 2006 they have been broadcast on Christmas Day. Every Christmas Special has been hosted by Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly and Forsyth will continue to host these editions from 2014 after he left the live shows. Bruce Forsyth announced he would not be appearing on the 2015 Christmas special- due to ill health- and so Daly and Winkleman presented together for that year.

Trivia[edit]
Darren Gough & Lilia Kopylova and Jill Halfpenny & Darren Bennett are the only two couples to have won the Christmas Special twice. They have both won the main series.
The Christmas Special was not held in Series 1 because the main series was held in the summer. However, it has been held from Series 2 to the present day.
From Series 2 - Series 7, celebrities from previous series would perform. From Series 8 - Series 11, celebrities who did not have time to do the show would perform. From Series 12 - present, celebrities from previous series would perform.

Strictly Ice Dancing[edit]

Strictly Ice Dancing was broadcast as a one-off special on 26 December 2004; with Carol Smillie, Jessica Taylor, Scarlett Alice Johnson, Marcus Patric, David Seaman, and Rowland Rivron paired with professional skaters. This was won by David Seaman (who was a late replacement for Paul Gascoigne) and his partner Zoia Birmingham.

In order of elimination, the competitors were:

Celebrity

Professional

Score

Rowland Rivron Charlotte Clements 10
Marcus Patric Leigh Mack 12
Carol Smillie Oula Jääskeläinen 21
Scarlett Alice Johnson Daniel Whiston 22
Jessica Taylor Robert Burgerman 34
David Seaman Zoia Birmingham 33

Strictly Ice Dancing was identical to the ITV format Dancing on Ice, although details of Dancing on Ice were revealed before Strictly Ice Dancing was commissioned.

Strictly African Dancing[edit]

A further one-off special was broadcast on BBC One on 9 July 2005 as part of the BBC's Africa Lives season. It featured six celebrities of African descent performing traditional African dances with a professional troupe. The contestants were Tunde Baiyewu, Tupele Dorgu, Robbie Earle, Antonia Okonma, Louis Emerick, and Tessa Sanderson. The programme was presented by Natasha Kaplinsky and Martin Offiah, and the winner was Robbie Earle. Professional dancers Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova, who have appeared on Strictly Come Dancing since the second series, also appeared on this special to perform a traditional African Samba.

In order of elimination:
Tunde Baiyewu
Louis Emerick
Tupele Dorgu
Tessa Sanderson
Antonia Okonma
Robbie Earle

The London cast of the musical The Lion King, led by South-African actress Brown Lindiwe Mkhize, took part in this broadcast. The company performed the trademark song Circle of Life.

Sport Relief Does Strictly Come Dancing[edit]

2008[edit]

A Strictly Come Dancing one-off special for Sport Relief was broadcast on 14 March 2008, with Craig Revel Horwood, Arlene Phillips and Len Goodman judging. Five former Strictly contestants related to sport partnered a new celebrity.[76]

The results were as follows:

Contestant

Celebrity

Judges' scores

Dance

Denise Lewis David Ginola 7+7+7=21 Waltz
Roger Black Jade Johnson 8+6+8=22 Cha Cha Cha
Darren Gough Gemma Bissix 7+7+8=22 American Smooth
Matt Dawson Elaine Paige 8+9+8=25 Tango
Mark Ramprakash Kara Tointon 9+9+9=27 Samba

The ranking of the bottom three couples was not announced – they were eliminated from the competition in a random order.

A BBC spokesperson commented: "Sport Relief features Strictly Come Dancing with a difference."

2010[edit]

Celebrity

Professional

Judges' scores

Dance

Peter Jones Natalie Lowe 4+7+5=16 Tango
Duncan Bannatyne Lilia Kopylova 2+5+3=10 Cha Cha Cha

2012[edit]

Strictly Come Dancing did an underwater special for Sport Relief 2012. The contestants were Strictly Come Dancing 2011 champion Harry Judd and runner-up Chelsee Healey. The judges were Len Goodman, Craig Revel Horwood, Bruno Tonioli and Mark Foster. It was presented by Claudia Winkleman.

Celebrity

Professional

Judges' scores

Harry Judd Aliona Vilani 9+8+8+10=35
Chelsee Healey Pasha Kovalev 8+8+9+10=35

After the initial scores resulted in a draw, Len (as Head Judge) had the deciding vote. He chose Chelsee and Pasha therefore they won the contest.

2014[edit]

Strictly Come Dancing did a Paralympian's special for Sport Relief 2014. The contestants were David Clarke, Hannah Cockroft, Nathan Stephens and Martine Wright. The judges were Goodman, Tonioli, Darcey Bussell and Lee Pearson, however no scores were given. It was presented by Tess Daly.

Celebrity

Professional

David Clarke Karen Hauer
Hannah Cockroft Pasha Kovalev
Nathan Stephens Iveta Lukosiute
Martine Wright Ian Waite

Children in Need[edit]

2008[edit]

A Strictly Come Dancing one-off special for Children in Need was broadcast on 14 November 2008, with Fearne Cotton presenting and Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli, Arlene Phillips and Craig Revel Horwood judging.

The results were as follows:

Children in Need host

Professional

Judges' scores[77]

Dance

Tess Daly Anton du Beke 9+9+9+9=36 American Smooth
Terry Wogan Flavia Cacace 7+8+7+7=29 Waltz

2009[edit]

The dancers performed alongside Alesha Dixon singing The Boy Does Nothing at the start of the show and also Ricky Whittle was seen backstage, supporting the Hollyoaks cast who performed and Alesha told him to go back to rehearsals. The presenters and judges didn't appear in this unlike the previous year when judges rated Terry's performance.

2010[edit]

A Strictly Come Dancing one-off special for Children in Need was broadcast on 19 November 2010, with Tess Daly presenting the show and Craig Revel Horwood, Len Goodman, Terry Wogan and Pudsey Bear judging.

The results were as follows:

Pop star

Professional

Judges' scores[77]

Dance

Music

Harry Judd Ola Jordan 35 (9,9,7,10) Paso Doble "Ego"—The Saturdays
Rochelle Wiseman Ian Waite 33 (6,9,8,10) American Smooth "All About You"—McFly

2011[edit]

In November 2011, BBC newsreaders Sian Williams, Sophie Raworth, Susanna Reid and Emily Maitlis performed a group dance to Katy Perry's "Firework". Susanna and Robin won with three of the judges' votes. Angela Rippon also made an appearance in the dance, alongside the women. Susanna then went on to compete as a contestant in the eleventh series of the show in 2013.

Newsreader

Professional

Judges' votes

Dance

Music

Result

Susanna Reid Robin Windsor Sian, Susanna, Susanna, Susanna Cha-Cha-Cha "Firework"—Katy Perry Winner (3 votes)
Sian Williams Vincent Simone Loser (1 vote)
Sophie Raworth Ian Waite Loser
Emily Maitlis Pasha Kovalev Loser

2012[edit]

A one-off special for Children in Need 2012 was broadcast on 16 November 2012 with Sir Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly hosting, and judges Craig Revel Horwood, Darcey Bussell, Len Goodman, and Bruno Tonioli. Fan favourites Ann Widdecombe and Russell Grant made a special appearance in a parody of The Queen's Olympic opening ceremony scene with Daniel Craig as James Bond, and danced an "Angels and Demons" routine with their partners Anton du Beke and Flavia Cacace.[78] Bruno voted for Ann and Anton, but Craig, Darcey, and Len all chose Russell and Flavia, who took home the Pudsey-on-a-glitter-ball trophy.

Strictly fan favourite

Professional

Judges' votes

Dance

Music

Result

Russell Grant Flavia Cacace Russell, Russell, Russell, Ann Medley "Hernando's Hideaway"/"Heaven Must Be Missing an Angel"/"Better the Devil You Know"/"Boogie Wonderland" Winner (3 votes)
Ann Widdecombe Anton Du Beke Loser (1 vote)

2013[edit]

A one-off special was broadcast for Children in Need 2013 on 15 November 2013. Sir Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly hosted the show, and was judged by Len Goodman, Darcey Bussell and Bruno Tonioli. The show featured professional ice skaters Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, who were partnered with James Jordan and Aliona Vilani. Bussell voted for Chris and Aliona, but Tonioli and Goodman voted for Jayne and James, who won the show and took home the Pudsey-on-a-glitter-ball trophy.[79]

2014[edit]

The judges were: Revel Horwood, Bussell, Goodman & Tonioli. There were two teams with one children couple and one of the shows professional as a couple, Team Glitter's pros were Natalie Lowe & Anton Du Beke and Team Sparkle's pros were Aliona Vilani & Tristan MacManus. Team Glitter took home the trophy.

2015[edit]

On 13 August 2015, it was announced that Call The Midwife actors Jenny Agutter, Laura Main, Stephen McGann and Jack Ashton would appear on The 2015 Children in Need special. Tess Daly along with former strictly presenter Sir Bruce Forsyth returned.

Actor

Professional

Judges Vote

Dance

Result

Jenny Agutter Ian Waite Laura & Brendan Medley Loser
Laura Main Brendan Cole Winner
Stephen McGann Joanne Clifton Loser
Jack Ashton Oti Mabuse Loser

The People's Strictly for Comic Relief[edit]

On 11 September 2014, the BBC announced that a special non-celebrity version of the show would air for Comic Relief 2015.[80] It featured six inspirational heroes who underwent four weeks of training before performing live in the studio.

The series began airing on 25 February 2015 over four pre-recorded episodes, the first two episodes introduced the contestants, the third episode on 5 March followed their training and preparation for the show. The fourth episode on 11 March saw the couples take to the dance floor, with the winner decided via an online public vote and announced live on Red Nose Day 2015 on 13 March.[81]

The series was hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, and judged by Bussell, Tonioli and Goodman alongside guest judge Anton du Beke. Craig Revel Horwood didn't take part as a judge due to prior commitments. The judges' scores were for guidance only.

Inspirational hero

Professional

Judges' scores

Dance

Music

Philip Barnett Janette Manrara 40 (10,10,10,10) American Smooth "Big Spender"
Trishna Bharadia Aljaž Skorjanec 35 (9,9,9,8) Jive "Runaround Sue"
Anna Kennedy OBE Robin Windsor 40 (10,10,10,10) Charleston "Charleston"
Cassidy Little Natalie Lowe 40 (10,10,10,10) Paso doble "O Fortuna"
Heather Parsons Ian Waite 36 (9,9,9,9) Viennese Waltz "She's Always a Woman"
Michael Pattie Aliona Vilani 33 (8,8,9,8) Tango "Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps"

The Weakest Link Special 2008[edit]

On 27 December 2008, a special episode of The Weakest Link was broadcast on BBC One featuring participants of Strictly Come Dancing. The game was won by series 6 celebrity Mark Foster, who beat professional dancer Anton du Beke in the final. Participants in order of elimination were:
Craig Revel Horwood
Arlene Phillips
Kristina Rihanoff
Camilla Dallerup
Mark Ramprakash
Brendan Cole
Heather Small
Anton du Beke
Mark Foster

Strictly Come Dancing Live![edit]

The Live Tour! 2008[edit]

Strictly Come Dancing went on tour at the beginning of 2008 for the first time.[82] The tour was hosted by Kate Thornton, and judged by Craig Revel Horwood, Arlene Phillips, and Len Goodman.[83] Bruno Tonioli was not a judge in this competition[82] due to him being in Los Angeles.[84] The tour began on 18 January 2008 in Glasgow and finished on 19 February 2008 in Birmingham.[85]

Celebrity dancers taking part were:[86]
Series 1 runner up Christopher Parker and Nicole Cutler
Series 2 runner up Denise Lewis and Matthew Cutler
Series 3 winner Darren Gough and Lilia Kopylova[87]
Series 3 contestant James Martin and Camilla Dallerup
Series 5 contestant Letitia Dean and Darren Bennett
Series 4 contestant Louisa Lytton and Vincent Simone
Series 5 runner up Matt Di Angelo and Flavia Cacace[88]
Series 3 finalist Zoë Ball and Ian Waite[87]

Christopher Parker's original partner Hannah Karttunen didn't dance with him as she had left the show before this tour. Denise Lewis also had a different partner as her original partner Ian Waite danced with more recent partner Zoë Ball. Instead she danced with Matthew Cutler

Strictly Professionals James Jordan and Ola Jordan also performed a routine together.

The results of the tour are as follows:[89]

Couple

Series

Number

```
of wins

```

Number

```
of 2nd places

```

%Wins

Matt Di Angelo and Flavia Cacace 5 16 10 40%
Louisa Lytton and Vincent Simone 4 10 3 25%
Darren Gough and Lilia Kopylova 3 8 10 20%
Zoë Ball and Ian Waite 3 5 14 12.5%
Letitia Dean and Darren Bennett 5 1 2 2.5%

Denise Lewis, Christopher Parker or James Martin were not winners or runners up at any stage of the tour.[89]

The Live Tour! 2009[edit]

The Strictly Come Dancing Tour returned in January and February 2009.[90] Kate Thornton returned to host, and all four judges from the TV series took part.

Celebrity dancers taking part were:
Series 6 contestant Cherie Lunghi and James Jordan
Series 5 contestant Gethin Jones and Flavia Cacace
Series 2 winner Jill Halfpenny and Darren Bennett
Series 6 contestant Jodie Kidd and Ian Waite
Series 3 finalist Julian Clary and Lilia Kopylova
Series 5 contestant Kenny Logan and Ola Jordan
Series 6 runner up Rachel Stevens and Vincent Simone
Series 6 winner Tom Chambers and Camilla Dallerup

The couples and results of the tour were as follows:[91]

Couple

Series

Number

```
of wins

```

Number

```
of 2nd places

```

%Wins

Rachel Stevens and Vincent Simone 6 26 14 58%
Gethin Jones and Flavia Cacace 5 6 6 13%
Kenny Logan and Ola Jordan 5 6 0 13%
Julian Clary and Lilia Kopylova 2 3 13 7%
Jill Halfpenny and Darren Bennett 2 3 9 7%
Tom Chambers and Camilla Dallerup 6 1 2 2%
Cherie Lunghi and James Jordan 6 0 1 0%

Gethin Jones and Julian Clary were paired with new professional partners – Jones' partner Camilla Dallerup danced with her series six celebrity Tom Chambers, whilst Clary's partner (Erin Boag) did not take part in the tour, as she and her professional partner Anton du Beke were on their own Cheek To Cheek tour of the UK.

Strictly Come Dancing professionals Matthew Cutler and Kristina Rihanoff also performed a routine together.

The DVD was released on 9 November 2009.

The Live Tour! 2010[edit]

The Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour took place in January and February 2010. Amanda Byram and Kate Thornton hosted on different nights.

The judging panel consisted of four members:
Craig Revel Horwood
Len Goodman (did not appear at every performance)
Arlene Phillips (did not appear at every performance)
Bruno Tonioli

The following celebrities and professional dancers starred in the tour:
Series 7 semi-finalist Ali Bastian and Brian Fortuna
Series 5 contestant Kelly Brook and Matthew Cutler
Series 7 winner Chris Hollins and Ola Jordan
Series 4 winner Mark Ramprakash and Kristina Rihanoff
Series 7 contestant Ricky Groves and Aliona Vilani
Series 7 contestant Natalie Cassidy and Darren Bennett
Series 7 contestant Zöe Lucker and James Jordan
Series 6 contestant Austin Healey and Lilia Kopylova

Two other pro dancers danced on the tour:
Ian Waite and Natalie Lowe

Couple

Series

Number

```
of wins

```

%Wins

Austin Healey and Lilia Kopylova 6 23 52%
Mark Ramprakash and Kristina Rihanoff 4 20 44%
Ali Bastian and Brian Fortuna 7 2 4%

Strictly Come Dancing – The Professionals Tour 2010[edit]

Nine professional show dancers took part in the first Strictly Come Dancing – The Professionals Tour between April to July 2010.[92] It featured:
Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace
Matthew Cutler and Aliona Vilani
James Jordan and Ola Jordan
Brian Fortuna and Kristina Rihanoff
Ian Waite

The Live Tour! 2011[edit]

The Strictly Come Dancing 2011 UK tour returned to UK arenas during January and February 2011. Zoë Ball joined as host. Craig Revel Horwood, Bruno Tonioli and Len Goodman returned as judges. The celebrities and professionals who participated were:
Series 7 runner up Ricky Whittle and Natalie Lowe
Series 8 contestant Tina O'Brien and Jared Murillo
Series 8 finalist Pamela Stephenson and James Jordan
Series 8 winner Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev
Series 3 runner up Colin Jackson and Ola Jordan
Series 8 contestant Patsy Kensit and Robin Windsor
Series 8 contestant Jimi Mistry and Kristina Rihanoff
Series 8 runner up Matt Baker and Aliona Vilani
Series 8 contestant Ann Widdecombe and judge Craig Revel Horwood

Couple

Series

Number

```
of wins

```

Number

```
of 2nd places

```

%Wins

Matt Baker and Aliona Vilani 8 26 8 74%
Pamela Stephenson and James Jordan 8 8 11 23%
Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev 8 1 16 3%

Also making a guest appearance in the tour was Fever Dance Company and their amazing formation team.[citation needed]

The Live Tour! 2012[edit]

The Strictly Come Dancing 2012 UK tour began its run on 20 January and finished on 26 February. The venues hosting the tour were:[93]
National Indoor Arena, Birmingham
Capital FM Arena, Nottingham
Wembley Arena and O2 Arena, London
Evening News Arena, Manchester
Sheffield Arena, Sheffield
Echo Arena, Liverpool
Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle
SECC, Glasgow
Cardiff International Arena, Cardiff
The O2, Dublin
Odyssey Arena, Belfast

Kate Thornton returned as host. Craig Revel Horwood, Bruno Tonioli and Len Goodman returned as judges. Horwood directed the tour for the second year.

The celebrities and professionals who participated were:
Series 9 contestant Anita Dobson and Robin Windsor
Series 9 runner-up Chelsee Healey and Pasha Kovalev
Series 9 winner Harry Judd and Aliona Vilani
Series 9 finalist Jason Donovan and Kristina Rihanoff
Series 6 contestant Mark Foster and Natalie Lowe
Series 9 contestant Nancy Dell'Olio and Artem Chigvintsev
Series 9 contestant Robbie Savage and Katya Virshilas

Ian Waite performed with Natalie on the tour, but did not partner a celebrity.

Couple

Series

Number

```
of wins

```

Times as

```
runner-up

```

%wins

Harry Judd and Aliona Vilani 9 30 11 73%
Robbie Savage and Katya Virshilas 9 6 1 15%
Chelsee Healey and Pasha Kovalev 9 3 15 7%
Jason Donovan and Kristina Rihanoff 9 2 13 5%
Anita Dobson and Robin Windsor 9 0 1 0%

The Live Tour! 2013[edit]

The Strictly Come Dancing 2013 UK tour began its run on 18 January 2013.[94] The confirmed line-up of celebrities and professionals for the tour is as follows:[95][96]
Series 10 finalist Dani Harmer and Pasha Kovalev
Series 10 runner-up Denise van Outen and James Jordan
Series 10 contestant Fern Britton and Artem Chigvintsev
Series 10 semi-finalist Lisa Riley and Robin Windsor
Series 10 winner Louis Smith and Ola Jordan
Series 10 contestant Michael Vaughan and Natalie Lowe
Series 7 contestant Phil Tufnell and Karen Hauer

Kate Thornton returned as host; Craig Revel Horwood, Bruno Tonioli and Len Goodman returned as judges. Iveta Lukosiute also performed on the tour, but did not partner a celebrity. Louis Smith and Ola Jordan were the overall champions of the tour, with the most wins.

Couples

Series

Number

```
of wins

```

Number

```
of 2nd places

```

%Wins

Louis Smith and Ola Jordan 10 29 2 94%
Denise van Outen and James Jordan 10 1 26 3%
Lisa Riley and Robin Windsor 10 1 0 3%
Dani Harmer and Pasha Kovalev 10 0 3 0%

The Live Tour! 2014[edit]

The Strictly Come Dancing 2014 UK Tour begun on 17 January 2014 at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham and ended at The O2 Arena on 7 February. The tour was hosted by former contestant Lisa Riley, and Bruno Tonioli, Craig Revel Horwood and Len Goodman returned as judges.[97][98]

The following celebrities and professionals took part:
Series 11 contestant Mark Benton and Iveta Lukosiute
Series 11 contestant Ben Cohen and Kristina Rihanoff
Series 11 runner-up Susanna Reid and Kevin Clifton
Series 11 runner-up Natalie Gumede and Artem Chigvintsev
Series 11 winner Abbey Clancy and Aljaž Skorjanec
Series 11 contestant Deborah Meaden and Robin Windsor
Series 10 contestant Nicky Byrne and Karen Hauer

Natalie Lowe also featured on the tour, but did not partner a celebrity.

This is the first series of The Live Tour! in which all of the celebrities danced with their original partners.

Couple

Series

Number

```
of wins

```

%Wins

Natalie Gumede and Artem Chigvintsev 11 19 61%
Susanna Reid and Kevin Clifton 11 6 19%
Abbey Clancy and Aljaž Skorjanec 11 2 6%
Ben Cohen and Kristina Rihanoff 11 1 3%
Deborah Meaden and Robin Windsor 11 1 3%
Mark Benton and Iveta Lukosiute 11 1 3%
Nicky Byrne and Karen Hauer 10 1 3%

The Live Tour! 2015[edit]

The Strictly Come Dancing 2015 UK Tour began on 16 January 2015 at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham and concluded at The O2 Arena on 8 February 2015. The tour was hosted by former contestant and It Takes Two host Zoë Ball for the second time. Craig Revel Horwood returned as judge, but Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli did not take part due to other commitments including Dancing with the Stars in the United States, so they were replaced by Series 6 champion Tom Chambers and his professional partner Camilla Dallerup.[99] Anton du Beke was also a judge in the Echo Arena, Liverpool and Wembley Arena, London.[100] Len Goodman was a judge just for the O2 show on 8 February and on that same show the presenter was Lisa Riley.[101]

The following celebrities and professionals took part:[102][103]
Series 12 contestant Thom Evans and Iveta Lukosiute
Series 12 winner Caroline Flack and Tristan MacManus
Series 12 contestant Alison Hammond and Aljaž Skorjanec
Series 12 contestant Scott Mills and Joanne Clifton
Series 12 runner-up Simon Webbe and Kristina Rihanoff
Series 12 finalist Mark Wright and Karen Hauer
Series 6 runner-up Rachel Stevens and Kevin CliftonA

Caroline Flack danced with Tristan MacManus not her partner in the series Pasha Kovalev

Trent Whiddon also featured on the tour to dance with Iveta, but did not partner a celebrity. Simon Webbe and Kristina Rihanoff are the overall champions of the tour, with the most wins.

Pro Partners on the tour were as follows:
Kevin Clifton and Karen Clifton
Tristan MacManus and Kristina Rihanoff
Aljaz Skorjanec and Joanne Clifton
Trent Whiddon and Iveta Lukosiute

Couple

Series

Number

```
of wins

```

Times as

```
runner-up

```

%Wins

Simon Webbe and Kristina Rihanoff 12 16 1 57%
Caroline Flack and Tristan MacManus 12 5 1 18%
Rachel Stevens and Kevin Clifton 6 3 1 11%
Scott Mills and Joanne Clifton 12 1 1 4%
Mark Wright and Karen Hauer 12 1 0 4%
Alison Hammond and Aljaž Skorjanec 12 1 0 4%
Thom Evans and Iveta Lukosiute 12 1 0 4%

^A Frankie Bridge was originally supposed to take part, but had to pull out due to illness of pregnancy, so Stevens took her place.[104]
The Live Tour! 2016[edit]

The 2016 tour started on 22 January and finished on 14 February.[105] The new presenter was Mel Giedroyc and the judges were Craig Revel Horwood, Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli.[105]
Series 13 contestant Ainsley Harriott and Karen Cliftona
Series 12 runner-up Frankie Bridge and Kevin Clifton
Series 13 runner-up Georgia May Foote and Giovanni Pernice
Series 13 semi-finalist Anita Rani and Gleb Savchenkob
Series 13 winner Jay McGuiness and Aliona Vilani
Series 13 contestant Helen George and Aljaž Skorjanec
Series 12 semi-finalist Jake Wood and Janette Manrara

Joanne Clifton was also featured on the tour, but not partner a celebrity.

Pro Partners on the tour were as follows:
Kevin Clifton and Karen Clifton
Giovanni Pernice and Aliona Vilani
Aljaz Skorjanec and Janette Manrara
Gleb Savchenko and Joanne Clifton

Couple

Number

```
of wins

```

Number

```
of 2nd places

```

%Wins

Jay McGuiness and Aliona Vilani 24 6 80%
Anita Rani and Gleb Savchenko 6 23 20%
Frankie Bridge and Kevin Clifton 0 1 0%

a Natalie Lowe was scheduled to dance on the tour but she sustained an injury during tour rehearsals. Karen Clifton, who was already set to dance on the tour without a celebrity partner, took over for Lowe.[106]

b Mel Giedroyc was ill on 9 February so Anita Rani hosted instead. However, she still performed her Paso Doble but not for votes.

Statistics[edit]

Highest-scoring celebrities[edit]

The scores presented below represent the best overall accumulative average scores the celebrity gained each series.

[show]Rank

Series

Place

Celebrity

Professional

Average score

Judges' scores[edit]

On forty-one occasions, a perfect 40 out of 40 has been awarded inside the main series (including three perfect 50 out of 50s in Series 7). Caroline Flack and Pasha Kovalev hold the record for most perfect scores with four forties. Kovalev also hold the record for most perfect scores by a professional dancer with eight forties. On another eight occasions, a couple scored 40/40 on a Christmas Special. The Samba and Rumba are the only two dance styles not to have received the perfect score.

Here is a table showing all of the perfect scores achieved by number of perfect scores

By Celebrity:

Number of

```
40s/50s

```

Series

Place

Celebrity

Professional

4 12 Champion Caroline Flack Pasha Kovalev
3 6

```
8
10
11
3rd Place
3rd Place
Runner-up
Runner-up Lisa Snowdon

```

Pamela Stephenson
Kimberley Walsh
Natalie Gumede Brendan Cole
James Jordan
Pasha Kovalev
Artem Chigvintsev
2 6

```
7
9
9
10
11
13 Runner-up
3rd Place
Champion
3rd Place
Runner-up
Champion
Runner-up Rachel Stevens

```

Ali Bastian
Harry Judd
Jason Donovan
Denise Van Outen
Abbey Clancy
Kellie Bright Vincent Simone
Brian Fortuna
Aliona Vilani
Kristina Rihanoff
James Jordan
Aljaž Skorjanec
Kevin Clifton
1 2

```
4
5
7
7
9
10
12
13 Champion
Champion
Runner-up
Champion
Runner-up
Runner-up
Champion
Runner-up
Runner-up Jill Halfpenny

```

Mark Ramprakash
Matt Di Angelo
Chris Hollins
Ricky Whittle
Chelsee Healey
Louis Smith
Simon Webbe
Georgia May Foote Darren Bennett
Karen Hardy
Flavia Cacace
Ola Jordan
Natalie Lowe
Pasha Kovalev
Flavia Cacace
Kristina Rihanoff
Giovanni Pernice

By Professional:

Number of

```
40s/50s

```

Professional

8 Pasha Kovalev
5 James Jordan
3 Brendan Cole
Artem Chigvintsev
Kristina Rihanoff
2 Vincent Simone
Brian Fortuna
Aliona Vilani
Flavia Cacace
Aljaž Skorjanec
Kevin Clifton
1 Darren Bennett
Karen Hardy
Ola Jordan
Natalie Lowe
Giovanni Pernice

The lowest score the judges have ever awarded was 8/40 (1,1,3,3) to Quentin Willson and Hazel Newberry for their Cha Cha Cha. Nine individual ones have been awarded in the entirety of Strictly Come Dancing, with eight of those coming from Craig Revel Horwood and the other coming from Arlene Philips. Ann Widdecombe holds the current record for the most ones, receiving ones from Revel Horwood for her Salsa, Samba, and Rumba. The biggest margin between two singular judges scores is five, awarded to Jason Wood and Kylie Jones for their Rumba (2,5,7,5), Christopher Parker and Hanna Karttunen for their Tango (2,6,7,6), Gary Rhodes and Karen Hardy for their Cha-Cha-Cha (1,5,6,5), Scott Maslen and Natalie Lowe for their Rumba (4,9,7,8), Mark Benton and Iveta Lukosiute for their Cha-Cha-Cha (3,8,8,7), Scott Mills and Joanne Clifton for their Samba with Donny Osmond (2,5,7,5,6).

Ricky Whittle and his partner Natalie Lowe hold the record for the most tens with 28. However, if the four tens given by Darcey Bussell during her tenure as a fifth judge are removed, he is behind Rachel Stevens and her partner Vincent Simone and Harry Judd and his partner Aliona Vilani with 25 each. They are followed by Natalie Gumede and Artem Chigvintsev with 24, Caroline Flack and Pasha Kovalev with 23, Alesha Dixon and Matthew Cutler, and Abbey Clancy and Aljaž Skorjanec with 22, Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev with 21 and Lisa Snowdon and Brendan Cole, Kimberley Walsh and Pasha Kovalev and Denise van Outen and James Jordan with 20.[107] Of these celebrities, Snowdon and Cole and Flack and Kovalev are the only pairings to receive straight tens from the judges in all of their dances in their respective series finals. Flack and Kovalev are the only pair to manage three sets of perfect 40 marks in the final, and also hold the records for the longest consecutive streak of 40 marks with four, that includes their Salsa in the semi-final show, and the longest consecutive streak of tens, that adds to a total of 16.

Gumede and Chigvintsev also have the best average score from the judges out of all contestants on every series being 36.9/40 for their dances. Alesha Dixon and Matthew Cutler, and Ricky Whittle and his partner Natalie Lowe follow, with averages of 36.5 and 35.9 respectively. Quentin Willson, Diarmuid Gavin and Nicholas Owen hold averages of 8.0, 13.8 and 14.0, the lowest of any celebrities so far.

Highest and lowest scoring performances by dance[edit]

The best and worst performances in each dance according to the judges' marks (out of 40) are as follows (not including scores earned on Christmas or any other specials).

For a more accurate comparison Darcey Bussell's scores have been subtracted from the totals of the Series 7 quarter-finalists where relevant; specifically Ali Bastian's American Smooth, Chris Hollins' Charleston and Ricky Whittle's Quickstep. Bussell scored all of them a ten. Whittle's Showdance has not been included as it did not receive the perfect score from Bussell, and therefore cannot be considered the same standard. The Samba and the Rumba are the only dances that haven't had full mark and only both had 39/40. Caroline Flack winner of series 12 holds the record of receiving the most 40's by a celebrity and that's 4. With 8 perfect scores, her partner Pasha Kovalev holds the record for most 40's by a professional dancer.

Dance

Couple

Highest

```
score

```

Couple

Lowest

```
score

```

American Smooth (Series 3–present) Ali Bastian & Brian Fortuna
Natalie Gumede & Artem Chigvintsev 40 Ann Widdecombe & Anton du Beke 14
Argentine Tango (Series 4–present) Jason Donovan & Kristina Rihanoff
Harry Judd & Aliona Vilani
Simon Webbe & Kristina Rihanoff 40 Colin Salmon & Kristina Rihanoff
Michael Vaughan & Natalie Lowe 26
Cha Cha Cha Lisa Snowdon & Brendan Cole
Caroline Flack & Pasha Kovalev 40 Quentin Willson & Hazel Newberry 8
Charleston (Series 7–present) Chris Hollins & Ola Jordan
Kimberley Walsh & Pasha Kovalev
Denise van Outen & James Jordan
Caroline Flack & Pasha Kovalev
Georgia May Foote & Giovanni Pernice 40 Tony Jacklin & Aliona Vilani 13
Foxtrot Rachel Stevens & Vincent Simone
Lisa Snowdon & Brendan Cole 40 Richard Arnold & Erin Boag 17
Jive Jill Halfpenny & Darren Bennett 40 Michael Vaughan & Natalie Lowe 15
Paso Doble Chelsee Healey & Pasha Kovalev 40 Christopher Parker & Hanna Karttunen
Dennis Taylor & Izabela Hannah 15
Quickstep Lisa Snowdon & Brendan Cole
Ricky Whittle & Natalie Lowe
Pamela Stephenson & James Jordan
Harry Judd & Aliona Vilani 40 Diarmuid Gavin & Nicole Cutler 12
Rumba Rachel Stevens & Vincent Simone
Kara Tointon & Artem Chigvintsev
Chelsee Healey & Pasha Kovalev
Jay McGuiness & Aliona Vilani 39 Fiona Phillips & Brendan Cole
Carol Kirkwood & Pasha Kovalev 13
Salsa (Series 4–present) Mark Ramprakash & Karen Hardy
Abbey Clancy & Aljaž Skorjanec
Natalie Gumede & Artem Chigvintsev
Caroline Flack & Pasha Kovalev 40 Ann Widdecombe & Anton du Beke 12
Samba Abbey Clancy & Aljaž Skorjanec
Frankie Bridge & Kevin Clifton 39 Ann Widdecombe & Anton du Beke 13
Showdance (Series 1, 7–present) Jason Donovan & Kristina Rihanoff
Denise van Outen & James Jordan
Louis Smith & Flavia Cacace
Natalie Gumede & Artem Chigvintsev
Caroline Flack & Pasha Kovalev
Kellie Bright & Kevin Clifton 40 Christopher Parker & Hanna Karttunen 22
Tango Kimberley Walsh & Pasha Kovalev
Kellie Bright & Kevin Clifton 40 Diarmuid Gavin & Nicole Cutler 14
Viennese Waltz (Series 3–present) Ali Bastian & Brian Fortuna
Pamela Stephenson & James Jordan 40 Carol Kirkwood & Pasha Kovalev 21
Waltz Matt Di Angelo & Flavia Cacace
Abbey Clancy & Aljaž Skorjanec 40 Fiona Phillips & Brendan Cole 11

Oldest and youngest contestants and series winners[edit]

TV presenter Johnny Ball, who was 74 when he competed in 2012, is the oldest contestant; he was two years older than magician Paul Daniels, who was 72 when he competed in 2010.[108] Actress Louisa Lytton, who was 17 when she competed in 2006, remains the youngest contestant.[109] TV presenter Chris Hollins, who was 38 when he competed in 2009, is the oldest series winner and gymnast Louis Smith, who was 23 when he competed in 2012, is the youngest series winner. At 20, Christopher Parker and Matt Di Angelo are the youngest contestants to make it to the finale. while Dr. Pamela Stephenson is the oldest, at the age of 61.

Highest and lowest scores[edit]

Series 8 contestant Ann Widdecombe holds the record for the most lowest scores, with a highest score of 21/40 and lowest score of 12/40. Series 2 contestant Quentin Willson holds the record for the overall lowest score of 8/40 (1,1,3,3) and lowest average 8.0/40.0. Series 11 contestant Natalie Gumede holds the highest average score with 36.9/40.0. Series 12 winner Caroline Flack holds the record for the most perfect scores with four 40s. Series 13 contestant Jamelia holds the record for being in the most dance-offs, which is 5.[clarification needed]

Controversies[edit]

Phone voting[edit]

In December 2008, the show hit the headlines when viewers were able to register telephone votes for a couple that effectively they could not save from the dance off irrespective of how many public votes were cast in their favour. Tom Chambers and Camilla Dallerup had finished bottom of the leaderboard, whilst the two other couples were tied above them; this meant they could not mathematically survive given the scoring system, however viewers were invited to call in to save their favourites at a cost of 15p per vote. This resulted in the elimination for that week being cancelled and all the votes being carried over to the final.[110][111]

Arlene Phillips / Alesha Dixon[edit]

The decision to drop Arlene Phillips from the judging line-up for the 2009 series of Strictly Come Dancing led to much criticism being directed at the BBC by various UK newspapers, notably The Sun, running the axe as a headline story for its handling of older female television personalities. Accusations resurfaced that the BBC routinely discriminates against women in television based on their age. The most notable examples of purported age discrimination in the BBC include the release of newsreader Moira Stuart in 2007 and the retirement of Anna Ford in 2006.[citation needed] Other high-profile BBC personalities such as Selina Scott and Kate Adie accused the BBC of age discrimination towards women.[112]

The axing of Phillips led to an unprecedented intervention from the government's Minister for Women and Equality, Harriet Harman. During a session in the House of Commons, Harman responded to questions stating that she believed the decision to drop Phillips was motivated by age discrimination and called on the BBC to ensure that she would be taking part in the new series. The BBC has not formally responded to this request, but has repeated its comments that the decision was not due to age.[113] The appointment of Alesha Dixon to the judging panel prompted 5,000 complaints to the BBC,[114] and her judging debut was met with hostility among viewers and tabloids alike but she was subsequently believed by some to be a successful judge, giving both praise and constructive criticism.[115][116] Dixon was lured away from the show after series 9 by ITV to join the judging panel of Britain's Got Talent. Phillips was a popular media choice to replace her, but the role instead went to series 7 guest judge Darcey Bussell.

Race row[edit]

In 2009, a scandal embroiled the show involving professional dancer Anton du Beke, who in an off air conversation commented "Oh my God, you look like a Paki." to his dance partner of Moroccan descent Laila Rouass for which he has subsequently unreservedly apologised.[117] Whilst both of the people involved insisted that the comments had been intended as humorous banter, the news nevertheless prompted numerous complaints filed by viewers calling for du Beke to be removed from his position.[citation needed]

Ratings[edit]

An example of Strictly Come Dancing's popularity is that after episodes, electricity use in the United Kingdom rises significantly as viewers who have waited for the show to end begin boiling water for tea, a phenomenon known as TV pick-up. National Grid personnel watch the show to know when closing credits begin so they can prepare for the surge.[118]

All ratings are from BARB. Series averages exclude Christmas special and launch show.

Series

Series premiere

Series finale

Series Average

Air date

Viewers

```
(millions)[119]

```

Date

Viewers

```
(millions)[119]

```

Viewers (millions)

1
15 May 2004 4.61 3 July 2004 9.28 6.45

2
23 October 2004 6.54 11 December 2004 11.60 TBA

3
15 October 2005 7.23 17 December 2005 10.55 TBA

4
7 October 2006 9.23 23 December 2006 12.11 TBA

5
6 October 2007 7.68 22 December 2007 12.09 TBA

6
20 September 2008 8.48 20 December 2008 12.03 9.63

7
18 September 2009 8.43 19 December 2009 11.29 9.22

8
1 October 2010 9.60 18 December 2010 14.28 11.07

9
30 September 2011 9.14 17 December 2011 13.16 10.97

10
5 October 2012 9.22 22 December 2012 13.35 10.80

11
27 September 2013 9.33 21 December 2013 12.79 10.71

12
26 September 2014 8.21 20 December 2014 11.67 10.25

13
25 September 2015 9.22 19 December 2015 12.47 10.67

Awards[edit]

The show has won a highly prestigious Rose D'Or award for 'Best Variety Show', beating off competition from reality shows from twelve other different countries.[120] It has also won two awards for 'Best Reality Show' at the TRIC Awards and two at the TV Quick Awards for 'Best Talent Show'. It has also received four BAFTA Award nominations.[121]

The show won the award of 'Most Popular Talent Show' at the National Television Awards in 2008, 2013, 2014 and 2016.[122]

In the Guinness Book of World Records 2010 edition, the format of Strictly Come Dancing was named the most successful television show with the format being sold to more than 38 countries worldwide.

Year

Award

Category

Nominee

Result

2011 TRIC Awards Best TV Reality Programme Strictly Come Dancing Won
2012 National Reality TV Awards Best Reality Competition Show Won
Televisual Bulldog Awards Readers' Vote Award Won
TRIC Awards Readers' Vote Award Won
2013 National Reality TV Awards Best Talent Show Won
Televisual Bulldog Awards Best Entertainment Programme Won
TRIC Awards Best Reality Programme Won
2014 National Reality TV Awards Best Talent Show Won
2015 National Reality TV Awards Best Talent Show Nominated

See also[edit]

Portal icon Strictly Come Dancing portal
Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two – companion show on BBC Two
Strictly Dance Fever
Dancing on Ice – a similar show on ITV, swapping dancing with skating
Just the Two of Us – the same format, with singing instead of dancing
Let's Dance for Comic/Sport Relief
Dancing with the Stars – versions of the show produced in other countries