recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Dominic Littlewood

**Dominic Littlewood**(born March 29, 1965) is a British television presenter and journalist who specialises in consumer affairs. He is best known for his roles with BBC and Channel 5, presenting programmes such as Fake Britain, Cowboy Builders, Saints and Scroungers and Don't Get Done, Get Dom.

## Early Life

From 1976 to 1981, Littlewood attended St Thomas More High School for Boys, Westcliff-on-Sea. Littlewood was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in his teenage years, and takes insulin to keep his diabetes under control.

## Career

### **Television**

In 2005 Littlewood presented a show called Beat the Burglar alongside an ex-burglar who burgled people's homes to highlight their lack of security and show them how it feels to have your home ransacked and personal possessions stolen. Littlewood watched the break-in on a monitor along with the homeowners and at the end of the show he had an expert come in and put right all of the security flaws pointed out by the ex-con.

In 2007, Littlewood took part in the BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing. Since 2010, he has co-presented Cowboy Builders on Channel 5. From 2010 to 2012, he presented Fake Britain on the BBC, but was replaced by Matt Allwright, he returned to the show in 2017. In 2012, Littlewood presented the Postcode Lottery draws on Channel 5. Beginning on January 27, 2015, Littlewood hosted a three-part series on ITV called Bad Builders: Bang to Rights. Since 2016 he has presented Dom on the Spot on BBC One. He has appeared in other television shows including To Buy or Not to Buy, Holiday and The One Show.

### **Other Work**

Littlewood was first seen on TV as a contestant on the BBC dating show The Other Half. He contributes to the Top Gear Magazine and has written pieces for the Motoring section of The Daily Telegraph.

## Personal Life

Littlewood broke the C5 vertebra in his neck in an accident in Australia, which required recovery at Rockhampton, Queensland and Southend-on-Sea.

In 2017, Littlewood revealed that in 2013, he was treated for prostate cancer.
Nancy Xu

**Nancy Xu** is a professional dancer on *Strictly*.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

Our 2019 newcomer is back for another year of Strictly magic - it's dancing champ Nancy Xu!

A specialist in Latin, Nancy was a finalist in the U21 World Championships in 2010, took third place in the 2010-2012 CBDF National Amateur Latin Championships and was a runner up at the 2013 International Singapore Championship.

But that's not all. The fierce female has since been a finalist on *So You Think You Can Dance* in China and starred in West End and Broadway show *Burn The Floor*.

In 2021, she took to the Strictly dance floor with her first ever celebrity partner CBBC presenter Rhys Stephenson. The pair made it all the way to the Semi-Final, and now she's back for round two with actor Will Mellor in 2022!

## Strictly Career

 20 (2022)
 21 (2023)

### Series 19

In Series 19, which was her debut series as a professional, Nancy was partnered with CBBC presenter Rhys Stephenson. They placed 4th.

### Series 20

For Series 20, Nancy partnered stage and screen actor, Will Mellor.
Samba

**Samba** is a dance performed on *Strictly*.

A latin dance, originated in Brazil in the early 1910s, it is known for its strong hip action, rhythm, and bounce.

It is one of the five latin dances currently competed internationally by professional dancers, along with the Cha-Cha-Cha, Jive, Rumba, and Paso Doble.

The Samba has been featured on *Strictly* since Series 1.

## Origins

The ballroom samba has its origins in Samba of Brazil at the beginning of the 20th century. Many steps can be traced back to the Maxixe danced in the 1910s.

## Technique

As a ballroom dance, the samba is a partner dance. Ballroom samba, even more than other ballroom dances, is very disconnected from the origins and evolution of the music and dance that gives it its name.

Most steps are danced with a slight downward bouncing or dropping action. This action is created through the bending and straightening of the knees, with bending occurring on the beats of 1 and 2, and the straightening occurring between. However, unlike the bouncing of, e.g., Polka, there is no considerable bobbing. Also, Samba has a specific hip action, different from that in ballroom Latin dances (Rumba and Cha-Cha-Cha).

The ballroom samba is danced to music in 2/4 or 4/4 time. It uses several different rhythmic patterns in its figures, with cross-rhythms being a common feature.

## Music

The ballroom samba is danced under several different rhythms, including the original Samba (music). It is also possible to dance ballroom samba with flamenco, zouk, and other South American rhythms.
Nancy Dell'Olio

* Nancy
* with Anton

**Nancy Dell'Olio**(born August 23, 1961) is an Italian-British lawyer who first came to public notice as the girlfriend of Sven-Goran Eriksson, then manager of the England national football team.

## Early Life

Dell'Olio was born in New York in 1961 where her mother Antonia was born and her immigrant father ran a series of delicatessens. She is the eldest of four children; when she was five her family moved back to Italy, to the town of Bisceglie in the Province of Barletta-Andria-Trani (Puglia).

## Projects

In 2005, Dell'Olio hosted the show Footballers' Cribs on MTV. She gave viewers tours of the luxury homes of English football players. "Nancy is a dream signing for us," said series executive producer Sean Murphy. "She's the first lady of football, so is in the perfect position to give us a real insider's view."

In June 2007, Dell'Olio had an autobiography published titled My Beautiful Game.

In December 2008, Dell'Olio was interviewed on the BBC news analysis programme Newsnight, but, according to interviewer Jeremy Paxman, no one could understand what she said.

In 2011, Dell'Olio took part in the ninth series of BBC One show Strictly Come Dancing. On October 30, she and partner Anton du Beke were eliminated.

On February 23, 2012, The Sun announced that Dell'Olio would begin contributing to its Sunday editions.

On January 5, 2016, it was revealed that Dell'Olio would be one of the sixteen housemates competing in the seventeenth series of Celebrity Big Brother. She entered on Day 1. She became the second housemate to be evicted on Day 11.

## Philanthropy

Dell'Olio has visited British Red Cross projects in the UK and in Kenya. She stated, "I have always been a great admirer of the principles and values behind the work of the Red Cross. The thing that really impressed me is that the Red Cross seems to go everywhere, more than any other charity."

Dell'Olio is the chairwoman of Truce International, the British-based charity she founded with Eriksson, which aims to use football as a means of uniting people in areas affected by war.

Dell'Olio is a member of the Accademia Apulia UK.

## Personal Life

In May 1998, Dell'Olio was introduced to Sven-Goran Eriksson, the manager of the Lazio football team, and they began a relationship six months later. In 2001, Eriksson became manager of the England team, and he and Dell'Olio relocated to London. In early 2002, Eriksson had a short-lived affair with television presenter Ulrika Jonsson, but he returned to Dell'Olio.

In August 2014, Eriksson had an affair with secretary Faria Alam. Dell'Olio was upset but chose to stay with Eriksson. The couple eventually split up in August 2007.

As of May 2011 Dell'Olio was in a relationship with Sir Trevor Nunn, but by the end of the year it was reported the relationship had ended. In December 2011 she lost a High Court libel action against Associated Newspapers, publishers of the Daily Mail newspaper, over an article that referred to her as a "man eater".
Thom Evans

* Thom
* with Iveta

**Thom Evans** is a former Scottish international rugby union player and model. He competed in Series 12, partnered by Iveta Lukošiūtė.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

Former Scotland international Thom Evans has swapped the rugby ball for the Strictly Glitterball, and aren’t we glad!

I do like the musical theme week. I’ve always wanted to be in musicals since I was a kid, but playing rugby I had to keep that quiet.

Thom started playing rugby at school and played for England at Under 16, 18 and 21 levels. After school, he played for the London Wasps and in 2006 he moved to the Glasgow Warriors, where he still holds the record for the most tries scored.

In 2007, Thom played for Scotland in the rugby sevens team, making his debut for Scotland in the rugby union team the following year. Then disaster struck; whilst playing against Wales in the 2010 Six Nations, he suffered a severe neck injury when colliding with another player. After four months of rehabilitation, sadly Thom was advised to retire from rugby.

But it isn’t just rugby Thom has turned his talents to. In 2004, he took an unusual gap year from the sport and joined his friend’s boyband Twen2y4se7en! They released two singles and even supported *McFly*. (We wonder if Harry’s shared any tips on how to bag the Glitterball
Trophy.)

Thom also took part in a French artistic nude calendar shoot called ‘Gods of the Stadium’ and has most recently modelled swimwear so he should feel right at home in Strictly’s tight and skimpy costumes! But will he tackle his dance routines as well as his wardrobe? And what should be his penalty if there’s any foul play?
James Bye

* James
* with Amy

**James Bye** was a contestant on Series 20, best known for being an actor on *EastEnders*. He was partnered with professional Amy Dowden.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

Trading learning lines for learning routines, meet *EastEnders* actor turned Strictly star James Bye!

Most of us will know James from the streets of Walford, where he's played character Martin Fowler since 2014, appearing in over 800 episodes. In 2016, he won Best Storyline at the British Soap Awards for his part in Stacey's post-partum psychosis journey, exploring Martin's struggle to get his fictional partner the right help after giving birth.

But James' acting career began back in 2005, when he graduated from Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Arts in London and landed roles in shows and films including *The Bill*, *Cemetery Junction*, *Hummingbird*, *The Hooligan Factory* and *The Great Train Robbery*.

James has also been a big presence on the *EastEnders* YouTube and social channels, hosting online quiz show *Albert Squared* and cooking show *Getting Bye With The Basics* over the past few years. He's also appeared on our screens in *Pointless Celebrities*, *Take Off with Bradley and Holly*, and *The Wall*.

He currently lives in Buckinghamshire with his wife, three children and two dogs - Bombardier and Beefeater - and is best mates with EastEnders and Strictly alumni Davood Ghadami. We're sure he's given James some top tips to get him prepped for his Strictly journey, and we can't wait to see them in action!

## Strictly Journey

James and Amy made it to Halloween Week (Week 6), where they took 11th place.
Dianne Buswell

**Dianne Buswell** is a professional dancer on *Strictly*.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

Our Aussie Pro is ready to go!

All the way from Australia, Dianne is bringing even more of her incredible energy to Strictly for another year!

Her first celebrity partner Reverend Richard Coles didn't quite dazzle the Judges, bowing out of the 2017 competition in Week Three. But in 2018, coupling up with social media star Joe Sugg proved to be a great success, as they made it all the way to the Grand Final.

She didn't get quite so far in 2019 with radio DJ Dev Griffin, as the couple were voted out in Week Four. Dianne saw the same fate with pop star Max George in 2020, leaving in Week Four once again. In 2021, Dianne coupled up with comedy actor Robert Webb for 2021, who had to withdraw in Week Four due to health concerns.

So we're keeping our fingers crossed for this ravishing red-headed Pro, as she takes to the dance floor with radio DJ Tyler West for Strictly 2022!

### Background

Dianne's starred on *So You Think You Can Dance Australia* and *Dancing with the Stars Australia*, so she's no stranger to a bit of competition.

She’s also an Australian Open Champion and four-time Amateur Australian Open Finalist, as well as being part of the *Burn The Floor* production on Broadway from 2011.

## Strictly Career

### Series 15

For her debut series, Dianne partnered the Reverend Richard Coles. They were eliminated in Week 3, placing 14th.

### Series 16

In Series 16, Dianne partnered YouTube sensation Joe Sugg. They made it to the final, and were joint second place.

1 Score given by guest judge Alfonso Ribeiro.

### Series 17

In Series 17, Dianne partnered BBC Radio 1 presenter Dev Griffin. They were eliminated in Week 4, in 13th place.

### Series 18

For Series 18, Dianne partnered *The Wanted* singer Max George. They placed 9th.

### Series 19

In Series 19, Dianne partnered comedian Robert Webb. Despite being safe from elimination in Week 3, they withdrew from the competition due to Robert's ill health.

### Series 20

In Series 20, Dianne partnered Kiss FM presenter and DJ Tyler West. They were eliminated in Blackpool Week (Week 9), taking 8th place.
Siobhan Hayes

**Siobhan Hayes**(born July 21, 1974) is an actress, best known for playing Abi Harper in the BBC sitcom My Family and her character "Sandy", the office trainee in the BBC Radio series Absolute Power.

## Career

Hayes starred as Abi Harper in the British television series My Family. Hayes portrayed Abi Harper, as a dimwitted and clumsy student in the British sitcom My Family, a role she held between 2002 and 2008, when the character became a nun, allowing a potential return. She has also made guest appearances in Little Britain, Paul Merton: The Series, Agatha Christie's Marple,  Birds of a Feather and The Bill.

Her only appearance included playing a pupil of class 5C from 1991 onwards in the series Up the Garden Path.

On October 15, 2005, she appeared in the third series of the BBC's pro celebrity dancing show Strictly Come Dancing, dancing with professional Matthew Cutler. The couple were the first to be eliminated. On February 1, 2008, it was announced that Hayes would be joining EastEnders, with the role of Melinda, the partner of the show's returning Ricky Butcher played by Sid Owen. This is Siobhan's second role in EastEnders, as she played Jane on July 4, 1991.

Hayes starred in the 2011 British live action 3D family comedy film Horrid Henry: The Movie, playing the role of the titular character's mother.
Ainsley Harriott

* Ainsley
* Series 13
* CS2016

**Ainsley Harriott** is a chef and television presenter, best known for his BBC cooking show, *Ready Steady Cook*. He competed in Series 13, partnered with Natalie Lowe.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

While his dancing experience may be limited to “dancing around the kitchen with Suzy Salt and Percy Pepper”, Ainsley can’t wait to swap the oven gloves for a pair of dancing shoes, saying: “I’m most looking forward to the discipline and I admire the dedication it takes to be a good dancer.”

I won’t be cooking any breakfast for Craig!

The 58-year-old celebrity chef has a cupboard stocked full of television credits, including *Good Morning with Anne and Nick*, *Can’t Cook, Won’t Cook*, *Ainsley’s Barbeque Bible*, *Ainsley’s Meals in Minutes* and, perhaps most famously, *Ready Steady Cook*. It won’t be long before Ainsley is cooking up a storm on the Strictly dancefloor!

Ainsley trained at Westminster College of Catering, before becoming an apprentice at Verrey’s restaurant in London’s West End. He then became Head Chef at Lord's Cricket Ground before transitioning into the media as the presenter of *More Nosh, Less Dosh* on BBC Radio 5. Alongside his television career, Ainsley is also a bestselling author, having sold more than two million books worldwide.

Born and bred in Wandsworth, South London, Ainsley is the son of Jamaican pianist Chester Harriott and nurse Peppy Strudwick, and has two grown-up children, Jimmy (24) and Maddie (21).

Sharing his father’s musical genes, Harriott formed the Calypso Twins with school friend Paul Boross. The pair released a light-hearted hit record in the early 1990s called ‘World Party’ and went on to be regular performers at the Comedy Store and Jongleurs and made appearances on TV and radio.

Clearly a man of many talents, in 1993 Ainsley played the part of a GELF chief in the sci-fi comedy series Red Dwarf. In 1998, for the show's 10th anniversary, Harriott presented a special edition of *Can't Cook, Won't Cook* with the cast of Red Dwarf cooking a meal while remaining in character.

In 2000, Ainsley made his US debut with *The Ainsley Harriott Show*, which ran for more than 100 episodes. Following this, he went on to host the US version of *Ready, Steady Cook*. Back in the UK, in 2008, Harriott took part in the genealogy documentary series *Who Do You Think You Are?*
Tom Fletcher

* Tom
* with Amy

**Tom Fletcher** is an English singer, musician, songwriter, composer, author and vlogger. He is best known for being one of the lead vocalists and rhythm guitarist of English pop rock band *McFly*, alongside Series 9 winner Harry Judd; who plays drums. In his 20-year career as a professional songwriter, Tom has written 10 UK number one singles and 21 top-ten singles. He is the co-writer of a series of children's books entitled 'The Dinosaur that Pooped'.

Tom was a contestant in Series 19, partnering Welsh British Open Latin Dance Champion Amy Dowden and finished in 7th place, after loosing to CBBC presenter Rhys Stephenson in the dance off. He was the eighth celebrity eliminated during Musicals Week in a 3:1 judges vote; with only head judge Shirley Ballas opting to save him. In week two both him and Amy tested positive for COVID-19 and were unable to perform on the live show. Under the rules of the show, he was granted a bye to the following week. Throughout the competition Tom never topped the judges leader board and only ever appeared at the bottom during the week he was eliminated. Prior to his elimination she had not appeared in the bottom two.
Vicky Gill

**Vicky Gill** is the Wardrobe Lead for *Strictly Come Dancing*.

She is responsible for all the costume designs for the outfits worn by both the celebrities and professionals during each series.

Vicky joined the Strictly team in 2012, where she has headed up the show's costume team. The costume and wardrobe team work from August to begin initial thoughts around the costumes for each series.

Over the last few series, she has featured on Strictly's sister show, *It Takes Two*, with Zoe Ball originally, and now Janette Manrara, in a segment called "Puttin' on the Glitz" during the Thursday show, where she goes through some of the outfits to be worn by either celebrity or professional during that week's Saturday live show.

### The Wardrobe Designing Process

In an article by the Daily Mail in 2021, Vicky commented on the process of developing the costumes and wardrobe both ahead of and during each series:

'It's very fast-paced; I feel like we all step on to a train back in August and then it picks up speed and it's a case of us keeping everyone on the train, We don't know who is going out so it is very much a seven to ten-day process.'

'On a Sunday night, Monday morning I do very, very rough sketches of all the silhouettes I feel will exist within the show,' she explains. 'I need to think about the whole picture, not just one person and then I go back to each individual and try to think what shape do I need for the dance style and what shape do I think they will be happy wearing.'
Richard Coles

* Richard
* with Dianne

**Richard Coles** is an English writer, radio presenter and Church of England clergyman, who frequently appears on radio and television, having previously been the co-host of BBC Radio 4's *Saturday Live* programme.

Richard competed on *Strictly* in Series 15, partnered by Dianne Buswell.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

He’s ready to bow at the altar of Strictly, but will swapping bibles for the ballroom be Richard’s new spiritual calling?

"*Call that bling? You should see what I wear for Midnight Mass*"
— Richard Coles
Often hailed as Britain’s most famous vicar, many forget that Richard Coles has quite the musical past. In his late teens, he moved from Northamptonshire to London to work as a session musician in the theatre, where he met future collaborator Jimmy Sommerville.

The pair sashayed into showbiz in the 1980s as pop outfit *The Communards*, with Richard flexing his musical talents on the saxophone, clarinet and keyboard. It was here, in the world of 80s pop where Richard would first encounter a Strictly legend ­– Bruno Tonioli, who choreographed the band’s video for *Never Can Say Goodbye*.

After several number one hits and some whirlwind years in the music biz, Richard swapped the pop star life for priesthood, snapping up a Theology degree at King’s College London in the early 90s.

By 2005, he’d been ordained into the Anglican faith and he hasn’t looked back since. He’s even the inspiration behind the lead character of BBC comedy *Rev*, on which he also served as a main advisor.

But despite his dabbles with showbiz, Richard claims he’s not got a head start when it comes to owning the Strictly dancefloor. “I once did the running man in a nightclub but I fell off the podium,” which probably explains why his prediction is that he’ll go as far as “Blackpool... A&E” this series.

While smooth moves may not be his strong point, he is looking forward to a few things about his Strictly debut, including "learning new things, spending time with new people and having an excuse for a spray tan."

## Strictly Journey

Coles competed with Dianne Buswell, and sadly were eliminated second, in Week 3.
Neil Jones

**Neil Jones** is a British professional dancer on Strictly.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

Neil has been part of the Strictly family since 2016, starring in many memorable Pro routines and bringing fun and expertise to It Takes Two.

But after a four-year wait, Neil was finally paired with a celebrity in 2019, taking to the dance floor with footballer Alex Scott. The pair blazed a trail all the way to the Quarter Final, before being voted out of the competition in our Musicals Week extravaganza.

He's remained a treasured part of the Strictly family ever since, partnering with actor Nina Wadia in 2021 and returning as part of our stellar Pro line-up for 2022.

### Background

Born in a British Army Camp in Munster, Germany, Neil almost started dancing as soon as he’d taken his first steps. He began ballet classes at the tender age of three, and it proved to be the start of a long and successful relationship with dance.

After his first foray into ballet, Neil also trained in tap, modern, ballroom and Latin. He later met fellow Pro Katya Jones in Blackpool in 2008 and they instantly became a force to be reckoned with, becoming the undefeated four-time British National Champions, and the three-time winners of the World Amateur Latin Championships.
Nick Navarro

**Nicholas Navarro** is a college football player for San Diego State in The Bowl Game. He and his husband Manny are the only two SD ST players who have left their home field using OBT.

## Appearances

* Chapter 1: Atlanta, Georgia. - Nick and Manny, living in a condo on the Georgia State field, discover Georgia Tech's football hiding spot nearby. Realizing that it's unguarded, the two move quickly to take it, not realizing that there would actually be nine footballs in that spot.
* Chapter 3: Cherokee County, Georgia. - Carrying all nine footballs in backpacks, Nick and Manny camp out at Georgia Tech's 70,000 yard line. Meanwhile, Juice explains how they built up OBT for 1500 years to leave their home field and spent 30 years living in various places around Atlanta to avoid suspicion.
* Chapter 6: Roane County, Tennessee. - Nick hides in the hills near Petros, Tennessee, scouting trains in Oliver Springs to pass to Manny on the Michigan Tech field.
* Chapter 7: Emory Gap, Tennessee. - Nick calls Mike Batiste to work out how much fuel the train needs for this pass. He opts to uncouple the freight cars to make it easier, but loses 1:06 of OBT to do it. He is left with 16:53 of OBT.
* Chapter 8: Iuka, Illinois. - Nick calls Manny to discuss their next move and why he wasted so much OBT.
* Chapter 10: Ponce de Leon, Florida. - Nick and Manny have moved to West Kentucky University's field, covering 75 miles in a day. Behind them, many teams converge on the WKU/Georgia Tech intersection.
* Chapter 11: Columbus, Georgia. - Heading west on Oklahoma State University's field, while crossing Big Sandy River, Nick and Manny are caught off guard by Oklahoma State's entire team.
* Chapter 12: Bumpus Mills, Tennessee. - Fleeing Oklahoma State, the two are cornered on Northwestern University's field. Nick escapes with the balls by running across Donelson Parkway to the Ole Miss field, burning 16:28 of OBT to do it. The two reconvene on the beach of Lee Towhead in Missouri.
Natalie Gumede

* Natalie
* with Artem

**Natalie Gumede** is an English actress, best known for playing Kirsty Soames in ITV's soap opera, *Coronation Street*. She competed in Series 11, partnered with Artem Chigvintsev.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

Natalie is best known for portraying Kirsty Soames in *Coronation Street*, a role which saw her at the centre of one of the soap’s most gripping storylines as the abusive fiancée of Tyrone Dobbs. Having won Best Newcomer and Best Storyline at *The British Soap Awards* in 2012 and 2013 respectively, Natalie left the cobbled streets of Weatherfield in April.

"*I'd love to be partnered with Brendan Cole. I know he's a hard taskmaster but I like a challenge*"
— Natalie Gumede
Born in Burnley, Natalie’s a northern gal at heart. She got the showbiz bug young, starting dance lessons at three before joining her local theatre. It was clear she was destined for great things when she was picked to present a regional insert for *Children in Need* at just 11 years old!

Moving to the bright lights of London as a teenager to pursue her acting dream, she graduated from the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in 2003. It wasn’t long before Natalie was talent spotted and just a year later she won the role of China in BBC Three’s *Ideal*, alongside comedy legend Johnny Vegas.

In 2008, she appeared with former Strictly contestant Colin Salmon and Neil Morrissey in the film Clubbed, soon followed by BBC Two sitcom, *The Persuasionists*.

Having previously tried out for the role of Kelly Crabtree, Natalie got her big break in 2011, landing the part of Kirsty Soames in Corrie. She was working as an estate agent at the time, and continued to do so right up until three days before she started filming! Her nerves took over on her first day on set when she snapped a car mirror, smashed a glass and dropped her lunch in front of her colleagues... Let’s hope she’s a little less clumsy on the Strictly dance floor!
Darren Bennett

* Lilia Kopylova
* Jill
* Gloria
* Letitia
* Jessie
* Lynda

**Darren Bennett** was a professional dancer on *Strictly* and its American version, *Dancing With the Stars*.

## Personal Life & Career

Bennett was born in Sheffield, and is married to fellow former *Strictly* professional and choreographer, Lilia Kopylova.

Bennett first met Kopylova after his twin brother Dale, also a dancer, introduced them. In November 2005, Bennett and Kopylova won the British Championships for Professional Latin, coming first in all five dances. In November 2006, they successfully defended this title against a challenge from Olga Rodionova and Paul Richardson, who had been competing for the USA but had recently registered as a British couple. Bennett and Kopylova triumphed winning all five dances to retain the title.

In February 2008, Bennett and Kopylova were winners of the Carl Alan Award for Ballroom, Latin and Sequence (performers)- a prestigious title described by the IDTA as 'the Oscars of the world of dance'.

The couple starred in a West End dance show, *Latin Fever*, which they choreographed themselves, as well as choosing the music and costumes to reflect the mood of each Latin dance.

Bennett is a consultant creative producer for *Dancing with the Stars Ireland*, working alongside his wife and choreographer Lilia Kopylova.

## Strictly Career

Bennett joined Strictly's professional lineup from Series 2 in Autumn 2004, and was part of the lineup until leaving the show alongside his wife, Kopylova, at the end of Series 7 in 2009.

### Series 2

In Series 2, Bennett was partnered with *EastEnders* actress, Jill Halfpenny. Jill and Darren went onto win the series.

### Series 3

In Series 3, Bennett was partnered with television presenter Gloria Hunniford. They placed 10th.

### Series 4

In Series 4, Bennett was partnered with Spice Girls singer Emma Bunton. They reached the Series Semi-Final, and placed 3rd.

### Series 5

In Series 5, Bennett was partnered with *EastEnders* actress Letitia Dean. They placed fourth.
Joe Sugg

* Joe
* with Dianne
* CS2019

**Joe Sugg** is an English YouTuber and actor. In 2012, he began posting videos on the YouTube channel **ThatcherJoe**, currently at over 7 million subscribers. Joe made his appearance in the West End production of *Waitress,* portraying Ogie Anhorn in 2019.

He was a contestant in Series 16, partnering Australian professional dancer Dianne Buswell. Joe was a runner-up alongside *Steps* Singer Faye Tozer and *The Pussycat Dolls* member Ashley Roberts, after being beaten by Stacey Dooley in the grand final. He never appeared in the bottom 2, so therefore never had to compete in the dance off.

## Gallery

JiveCharlestonAmerican SmoothCha Cha ChaWaltzFoxtrotPasodobleSambaQuickstepStreetSalsaViennese WaltzArgentine TangoShowdanceChristmas Special 2019 (Couples Choice)Christmas Special 2019
Strictly: The Christmas Countdown

## Specials Chronology

Strictly’s *2020 Christmas Special* was unfortunately unable to go ahead due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman still brought some Strictly magic for Christmas in 2020.

Whilst the Christmas Special could not take place as normal, *Strictly: The Christmas Countdown* was broadcast in its replacement, where Tess and Claudia took a look back and counted down the 25 most memorable dances in Strictly history, as ranked by the British public, with 2015 champions Jay McGuiness and Aliona Vilani’s Jive in Week 3 voted as the most memorable dance, with Danny Mac and Oti Mabuse’s Samba in 2016 taking second.

### The Strictly Countdown

The 25 memorable dances in Strictly history were listed as follows:
Tilly Ramsay

* Tilly
* with Nikita

**Tilly Ramsay** is an English television presenter, chef and social media influencer. She is best known for presenting the BBC cooking show *Matilda and the Ramsay Bunch* on CBBC alongside her family. Tilly is the daughter of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, and has appeared in several of his shows including *The F Word* (2005, 2006, 2017), *Hell's Kitchen* (2010-2018) and *MasterChef Junior* (2015, 2018). She was also the runner up in the second series of *Celebrity MasterChef Australia* in 2021.

Tilly was a contestant in Series 19, partnering Italian six-time Latin and ballroom national champion Nikita Kuzmin and finished in 6th place, after loosing to CBBC presenter Rhys Stephenson in the dance off. She was the ninth celebrity eliminated in week ten in a unanimous judges vote. Prior to her elimination Tilly had appeared in two consecutive dance off's in weeks 7 and 8, eliminating Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty and *Dragons' Den* investor Sara Davies, respectively. During Musicals Week, she scored a perfect 40 for her Couple's Choice routine; which was the third perfect score of the series.
Seann Walsh

* Seann
* with Katya

**Seann Walsh** is an English stand-up comedian. He has won awards for Best Newcomer at the 2009 Chortle Awards, *Leicester Mercury* Comedian of the Year 2009 and Chortle award for best show 2022. Seann has also had four UK tours, performing over 276 shows. He also appeared in *I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!* in 2022.

Seann was a contestant in Series 16, partnering Russian dancer Katya Jones and finished in 11th place after loosing to cricketer Graeme Swann in the dance off. He was the fifth celebrity eliminated during Halloween Week in week six, in a unanimous judges vote. Unfortunately Seann had found himself in the previous weeks dance off eliminating radio presenter Vick Hope.
Ellie Taylor

* Ellie
* with Johannes

**Ellie Taylor** is a comedian who competed on Series 20, partnered with Johannes Radebe.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

There isn't much Ellie Taylor hasn't turned her hand to, but now she's giving dancing a whirl as she joins the Strictly family for 2022!

Born in Brentwood, Ellie first got a touch of life in front of the camera when she was scouted as a model, starring in campaigns for big clothing and beauty brands. She soon stepped away from the flashing lights, bagging a corporate events job and trying stand-up comedy on the side as a hobby.

It was comedy competition Show Me The Funny in 2011 that changed Ellie's whole trajectory, seeing her make the semi-final and go on to to snap up a presenting role on BBC Three's Snog, Marry, Avoid. Then Edinburgh Fringe came calling in 2014 and 2016, where she debuted her her stand-up shows Elliementary and Infidelliety to adoring crowds, repeating her success in 2017 with her This Guy set. Ellie's rave reviews saw her tour the latter show across the UK well into 2018, then in 2019 she became one of just five UK-based comedians to star in Netflix series Comedians of the World. Her touring continued that same year as she performed her show Don't Got This across the country.

On top of all of this success, Ellie also hosted the first episode of the 14th series of Live At The Apollo in 2018, which she cites as one of her career highlights, and became a household name as part of satirical comedy series The Mash Report. Clips of her delivering tongue-in-cheek headlines as newsreader Susan Treharne have since been shared and seen by millions across the world.

She's also presented TV shows The Great Pottery Throw Down and Let's Make A Love Scene, hosted a Heart FM radio show, acted in hit shows Family Tree, Sick Note, Brotherhood, The Lodge, Plebs and, most recently, Ted Lasso.

So performing clearly comes naturally to Ellie, but how will she deal with becoming a Ballroom dancer? Grab the sequins and we'll find out!

## Strictly Journey

Ellie & Johannes managed to reach Week 10, where they faced the dance-off against Fleur & Vito, and thus were subsequently eliminated, taking 7th place.

## Promotional Video

File:Meet Ellie Taylor ✨ BBC Strictly 2022
Vincent Simone

**Vincent Simone** was a professional dancer on Strictly.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

Vincent joined Strictly Come Dancing in series four and was partnered with actress Louisa Lytton. The couple were successful and reached the quarter final.

"*The Rumba is the dance of love, romantic, sensual and full of 'passione'*"
— Vincent Simone
In 2008, Vincent was paired with singer, Rachel Stevens. This was Vincent’s most successful series and together they reached the final, only to be beaten by Tom Chambers and former Strictlydancer, Camilla Dallerup.

In 2009, Vincent was partnered with former EastEnders' actress Natalie Cassidy. The couple were tipped to win in the media, but were voted off in fifth place.

In the eighth series, 2010, he partnered Felicity Kendal; in the first five weeks they scored 23, 25, 29, 29 and 30.

In September 2011, Vincent returned for the ninth season. Vincent was revealed to be the professional dance partner to former MP, author and broadcaster, Edwina Currie. However, the couple were eliminated first and came last place.

### Background

Vincent was born in Southern Italy, in a town called Foggia. He lived there with his mother Anna, father Gaspare and his younger sister Alessandra.
All of Vincent's family are dancers and so his career is something that he says was bound to happen as "dancing is such a massive part of Italian life". He began teaching at the age of 12.

At 16, Vincent became the Italian Youth Champion. This was the turning point for him, as he realised that his level was too high to stay competing just in Southern Italy.

When Vincent was 17, he met Flavia Cacace. They were having dance lessons in Guildford at the same school when it was suggested that they should try dancing together. Since then, Vincent and Flavia have been extremely successful on the competition circuit. They have an impressive list of titles between them, both at an amateur and professional level.

### Trivia

Vincent's second love is his motorbike. He currently owns a black, chrome motorcycle with an impressive 1.3l engine. Earlier in 2011, he purchased a section of a race track in Brooklands Motor Museum so he can ride his bike there.

Vincent loves to do 'normal' things too, and he has said that if he wasn’t a dancer he would be involved with computers in some way.

In 2009, Vincent became a father to his son Luca. "Day by day he looks more like me, which is very promising, and I am so proud of him for this."
Bruno Tonioli

Bruno Tonioli was a former judge on *Strictly* and has been a judge on the American adaptation, *Dancing With the Stars*. He left Strictly ahead of Series 19 in 2021, following continual broadcasting conflicts between the two shows. Despite leaving Strictly, he continues to be a judge on DWTS.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

He's Strictly's fabulous and flamboyant Judge, who always knows how to raise our stars' spirits on a Saturday night!

Legendary dancer and choreographer Bruno has worked with some of the biggest and best names in the music, including as Elton John, Michael Jackson, Freddie Mercury, Tina Turner and Paul McCartney. But he comes from humble beginnings, hailing from Ferrara - a small town in north eastern Italy.

"*A deflated balloon would have had more rhythm..!*"
— Bruno Tonioli
He made the move into the world of dance after seeing the 1972 musical Cabaret eight times in a row, instantly knowing that on stage is where he belongs. Despite his parents encouraging him to take a job in a bank, he made his way to Rome and started taking ballet lessons.

At 18, he left Rome to perform with Parisian dance company La Grande Eugene, before settling in London permanently two years later. He danced his way through a variety of major shows and music videos, including Elton John's I'm Still Standing, moving into choreography after his work was featured on Not The Nine O'Clock News.

Bruno has been a permanent fixture on the Strictly judging panel since 2004, as well as being a regular guest Judge on Dancing with the Stars in America.

But dancing isn't his only talent, as he can also speak five languages: Italian, English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French!

### *Strictly*

Tonioli was on the Strictly judging panel from the show's inception in 2004 up to 2021.

As he was a judge in both *Strictly* and its American counterpart, *Dancing with the Stars*, in Series 16 and 17, during two weeks in both series, he was replaced by guest judge Alfonso Ribeiro, due to a broadcasting conflict between the two shows.

In 2020, due to COVID restrictions, Tonioli was stuck in the US and therefore did not appear on the judging panel at all during the series, but instead featured each week during the Judges' chat with Claudia via video call during the results show.

In 2021, Anton du Beke, the longest-running Strictly professional, stood in for Tonioli during the series as a judge, and in 2022, the BBC announced that Tonioli would not return to Strictly, and that du Beke would replace him permanently.
Will Bayley

* Will
* with Janette

**Will Bayley** is an English professional Paralympic table tennis player, and is currently ranked number one in the world. He won a gold medal at the 2016 Summer Paralympics Games; and silver at the 2012 and 2020 games, representing Great Britain.

Will was a contestant in Series 17, partnering Cuban-American professional dancer Janette Manrara and finished in 10th place. Due to a knee injury he sustained in rehearsals he was unable to perform during Halloween Week and was given a bye into the following week. However he later had to withdraw from the competition. Throughout the series Will never appeared in the dance off.
Tyler West

* Tyler
* with Dianne

**Tyler West**, best known for being a DJ and radio presenter on Kiss FM, was a celebrity contestant during Series 20, partnered with Dianne Buswell.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

KISS FM drivetime DJ Tyler West knows his way around a good tune, but how will he get on with the dance floor? It's almost time to find out!

This south Londoner can be heard on the airwaves on weekdays, having joined the KISS FM presenting roster in 2019 in the 7-11pm slot, and within sixth months was bumped up to his current 4-7pm show. As a result, Tyler was nominated for Best Newcomer at the 2020 ARIAs.

Before he became the voice of millions of people's drives home, Tyler hosted CBBC series called Kickabout+, and in 2017 became the host of MTV News. He's also presented segments for Blue Peter and was the face of LEGO's YouTube network.

In 2021 he co-hosted his first BBC Three series, Flat Out Fabulous, alongside Whinnie Williams. The interior design show for millennials sees young people's rented homes transformed into something amazing for the cost of a night out. He also hosts online show The MTV Movie Show and is an ambassador for The Prince's Trust.

So we know he's got the chat, but has he got the moves? Only time will tell as he takes on a whole new challenge in our famous Ballroom...

## Strictly Journey

Tyler & Dianne successfully made it to Blackpool Week, where they were sadly eliminated from the competition, taking 8th place.

## Gallery

Tyler & DianneASmooth.webpTyler & DianneJive.webp
Saffron Barker

* Saffron
* with AJ

**Saffron Barker** is a social media influencer. She is best known for her self-titled vlog channel on YouTube, which she created on 30 July 2015. Saffron still continues to create content about lifestyle and beauty, fashion and fitness, and currently has over 2 million subscribers. In 2022 she won the talent show *The Real Dirty Dancing* with Series 16 contestant Lee Ryan.

She was a contestant in Series 17, partnering British dancer AJ Pritchard and finished in 6th place after loosing to CBBC presenter Karim Zeroual in the dance off. Saffron was the ninth celebrity eliminated in week 10, in a unanimous judges vote. She had unfortunately found herself in the previous weeks dance off at Blackpool, eliminating television personality Michelle Visage. Saffron scored the highest mark with the judges in week five and eight for her Foxtrot and Waltz, respectively; therefore was at the top of the leader board each time and managed to avoid being at the bottom throughout the series, even during her elimination week.
Rachel Riley

* Rachel
* with Pasha

**Rachel Riley** is a television presenter, best known for co-presenting Channel 4's daytime puzzle show *Countdown* and its comedy spin-off *8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown*. She competed in Series 11, partnered with Pasha Kovalev.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

Best known for presenting both *Countdown* and *The Gadget Show*, let's hope the Strictly scoreboard numbers light up for Rachel Riley in 2013 or if not, that she has a gadget up her sleeve!

"*I've never had a spray tan so that would be interesting because I'm trying to get away from the whole Essex Girl stereotype*"
— Rachel Riley
Plucked from relative obscurity Rachel had absolutely no television experience when she took over from former Strictly star Carol Vorderman on *Countdown* in 2009. It wasn’t her ambition to be a presenter but she decided to apply for the job because she was interested in the numbers part of the game. Remarking at the time “there's only one cool maths job around and I was lucky enough to get it so I'm absolutely thrilled”.

Born in Rochford in Essex, it’s no surprise to hear Rachel excelled at school achieving four A’s in her A levels, before studying maths at Oxford University.

The most dancing experience Rachel has had was learning a simple routine for her wedding day, which she performed in front of her guests. However Rachel did host a Strictly Come Dancing-themed 21st birthday party, wearing a backless Latin-style dress, which whet her appetite for the requisite Strictly sequins of this series. On glamming up for the show Rachel said “I’m like a magpie – I want it all! I’m looking forward to that part.”

Rachel’s most looking forward to dances like the American Smooth and The Charleston. She’s keen to be taught poise and elegance as she’s known to be clumsy and is worried about falling down the stairs on set. “I keep getting my heels stuck in the floor. When I was playing hockey once, I just fell over when standing still.” Don’t tell Craig that, Rachel!

We’ve got a feeling that if Rachel can handle *Countdown* co-host Nick Hewer, then Craig Revel Horwood will be as easy as x=2y-7... well easy for Rachel that is!
Robin Windsor

**Robin Windsor** was a professional dancer on *Strictly*.

### Background

Robin’s inaugural year saw him team up with actress Patsy Kensit. His manner and technique helped Patsy’s confidence, and the couple did well but were voted off in the eighth week. He said he "loved" dancing with Patsy. The two remain good friends.

"*I love all high energy, fast dances where you can really go for it.*"
— Robin Windsor
One of the main reasons Robin joined Strictly was because it combined two of his favourite things - performing and teaching.

In 2011, Robin's dance partner was Anita Dobson. They were voted out after nine weeks in the competition.

Last year he took actress and TV Presenter Lisa Riley all the way through to week 11 where they made fifth place, becoming firm friends in the process.

Robin was raised in the countryside just outside Ipswich. He felt like he was born to dance and grew up entering dance competitions all over the UK. At just 15 years old he moved to London to pursue dancing and had a successful youth career. He would regularly train until midnight and get up at 6am for work.

At 22, Robin was cast in a major world–wide touring dance show. During his nine year stint on the show, he got to travel all over the world and even found himself performing on Broadway and in the West End.

The show also saw him perform on the Australian version of Strictly, as well as co–choreographing on the So You Think You Can Dance, also in Australia.

Robin and Kristina Rihanoff are professional dance partners.

### Trivia

When Robin's not in the dance studio he's in the gym. He loves spending time keeping his fitness levels up and his body in shape.

He's just bought a puppy called Lukaz and also recently got engaged so loves spending time with them.

In 2010, Robin won the prestigious It Takes Two Grand Piano Challenge, beating the rest of the professional dancers in a landslide victory.
Caroline Quentin

* Caroline
* with Johannes

**Caroline Quentin** is an English actress, broadcaster and television presenter. She became first known for her role as Dorothy in *Men Behaving Badly* from 1992 until 1998. Caroline then went on to portray Maddie Magellan in *Jonathan Creek* (1997–2000), and DCI Janine Lewis in *Blue Murder* (2003–2009).

She was a contestant in Series 18, partnering two-times Professional South African Latin champion Johannes Radebe and finished in 8th place after loosing to *EastEnders* actress Maisie Smith in the dance off. Caroline was the fourth celebrity eliminated in week five in a unanimous judges vote. Prior to her elimination week she had not appeared in the bottom two, so therefore avoided the dance off. Throughout the series she had not topped nor appeared at the bottom of the leader board, scoring 21 for her first three routines.