recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Christmas Special 2019

## Series Chronology

Strictly's **Christmas Special 2019** was broadcast on BBC One on the 25th December 2019.

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman returned to host, as did Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas and Bruno Tonioli to the judging panel. They were joined by Motsi Mabuse who replaced Darcey Bussell in Series 17 of the main show.

There was a musical performance by Liam Payne who sang 'All I Want for Christmas', which Johannes Radebe and Nadiya Bychkova danced to.

The celebrities taking part in the Christmas special was announced on 5 November and their Professional Partners were announced the following week.

It was won by Series 15 runner-up Debbie McGee and her professional partner for the special, Kevin Clifton.

## Couples

The six celebrities and their professional partners that took part were below

## Dances & Scores

Couples are listed in the order they performed.

*Individual judges scores in the chart below (given in parentheses) are listed in this order from left to right: Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, Bruno Tonioli.*

## Gallery

Gemma & Gorka - JiveMark & Janette - SalsaChizzy & Graz - Cha Cha ChaRichard & Luba - FoxtrotJoe & Dianne - Couples ChoiceDebbie & Kevin - QuickstepChizzy & GrazRichard & LubaGemma & GorkaDebbie & KevinJoe & DianneMark & JanetteChampions Debbie & KevinHosts & JudgesLiam Payne with Johannes & Nadiya
Ka-Chung

**Ka-Chung** is one of the six main protagonists in *The Save-Ums!*, voiced by Mitchell Eisner.

## Biography

**From the official website:** *Ka-Chung is an independent and sometimes "mischievous" 4 years and 3 month old boy.*

*Ka-Chung's mischievousness is a bi-product of his desire to touch stuff. Any stuff! Stacking stuff, rolling stuff, climbing stuff, squeezing stuff... The kid's a committed "stuff toucher"! Why? Because he wants to know stuff.*

*Sometimes Ka-Chung makes the other Save-Ums laugh by imaginatively manipulating stuff, like stacking Puffs to the ceiling or playing tricks like hiding in a big bucket and whistling until he's found. Then Ka-Chung bursts out of the bucket, snoring and laughing, and yells "Ka-Chung!"*

*By the way, that's how he got his name, he loves to yell "Ka-Chung!"*

## Personality

According to the Save-Ums website, Ka-Chung is tough, funny, caring and physical.

## Trivia

* Ka-Chung's vehicle is the Ka-Drill.
* In the French dub, his name is changed to Aikido.
* In the Capitol Momoland Islandian dub, his name is changed to Moretio.

## See also

* Ka-Chung/Gallery
* Ka-Chung/Quotes
David James

* David
* with Nadiya

**David James** is an English former professional Goalkeeper. He played for several English clubs and also represented his country, earning himself 53 caps. He is fifth on the all time Premier League appearances, the highest for any goalkeeper. David finally retired in 2013 at the age of 43. Since his retirement he has appeared on game shows such as *Celebrity Catchphrase* (2021), *Pointless Celebrities* (2021), *Celebrity Mastermind* (2022) and *The Chase: Celebrity Special* (2022, 2023).

he was a contestant in Series 17, partnering two-time World and European Champion Nadiya Bychkova and finished in 12th place after loosing to sports presenter Mike Bushell in the dance off. James was the fourth celebrity eliminated in week five in a unanimous judges' vote. He had previously appeared in the series first two dance offs, eliminating rower James Cracknell and television presenter Anneka Rice, respectively. David scored the lowest with the judges in week two and again in week five, before being eliminated in the latter.
Hanna Karttunen

**Hanna Karttunen**is a Finnish professional Latin American and exhibition dancer, who was a professional dancer on Strictly.

## Early Life

She began dancing as a child, also training in ballet, having a love of dance from a very early age.

## Dancing Career

Specialising in Latin American and representing England with Paul Killick, she won the titles of United Kingdom Open Champion, International Champion, World Series Champion, World Masters Champion, Dutch Open Champion, United States Open Champion, Asian Open Champion, Kremlin Cup Champion and also became the British National Champion four times.

Together they were also runner-up in every major professional championship, such as the World Championship, European Championship and also the British Open Championship, where in 2002 they came close to taking the title, after being placed first in two out of five dances, Rumba and Paso Doble.

Before partnering Killick, Karttunen also danced professionally with Sandro Cavallini for Italy, Geir Bakke for Norway and Rick Valenzuela for the United States. As an amateur competitor, she danced for her home country, Finland, becoming a national champion and international finalist with Jaakko Toivonen.

Karttunen has credited Markku Siltala and former world professional Latin American champion Espen Salberg as two of her main coaches throughout her career.

Since then, Karttunen has appeared as a guest performer on the show in Russia, South Africa, Italy, United Kingdom and the United States.

When Paul Killick announced his retirement from competition in May 2004, Karttunen went on to partner Victor Da Silva in the style of Exhibition. Representing South Africa, together they won the World Championships and the British Open Championships three times each. They were also invited to lecture and perform at some of the biggest and most prestigious dance events in the world.

Early on in 2008, Karttunen returned to the style of Latin American, partnering fellow champion Slavik Kryklyvyy. They represented Finland and danced only one competition together, the United Kingdom Open Championship in January 2009 where they placed 6th, before announcing the termination of their partnership just one year after it had begun.

Following this, Karttunen returned to Exhibition and resumed her former partnership with Victor Da Silva.

## Strictly Career

Kartunnen was part of the professional lineup in Series 1, where she partnered Christopher Parker. Although they were regularly placed last by the judges, Parker's enormous fan base was enough to keep them in the competition right up to the final, where they ended the series in second place.
Noodle/Quotes

* "You're beginning to really grind my gears, B.B. Jammies. First it was the toilet, now my pride you attack? You stop at nothing to taint my reputation and my home, reducing me to nothing but a joke! But I'm not a joke, the only fucking joke here is you. Get the fuck out of my house. Never touch my wife again, I already have a restraining order."

## Trivia

* Noodle has only one line of dialogue. It is implied that this is the fault of his very short DNA sequence, which results in a lower IQ.
Kylie Jones

**Kylie Jones**is a professional ballroom dancer, best known as a professional dancer on the BBC One dance series Strictly Come Dancing.

## Early Life

Jones began dancing as a seven-year-old and by the age of 11 she had become the International and Open British Juvenile Ballroom champion. She became the British Junior Champion in three consecutive years at ages 13, 14 and 15.

## Career

Jones won the World Games in 2001 with her then-partner Jonathan Crossley. After winning their second World Ballroom Championship title in 2001, Jones and Crossley turned professional. They competed in a number of professional competitions between 2001 and 2002, including the British National Dance Championships, the 2002 British Open, the 2002 UK Open, the Asian Open Professional Championships, and the 2001 and 2002 Elsa Wells International Championships.

Jones retired from competition in 2002. She now teaches dancing and pilates in Surrey, having obtained a level three diploma in Pilates Technique.

## Strictly Come Dancing

Jones took part in the first series of Strictly Come Dancing, the UK television programme which was exported to 30 other countries as Dancing with the Stars. Jones was partnered with stand-up comedian Jason Wood. They were the first to leave the competition, after being voted out in the second week of the show.
Children In Need 2018

## Specials Chronology

The 2018 **Children In Need Special** of Strictly Come Dancing was broadcast on BBC One during the main show of the Children In Need campaign in the 16th November 2018.

It was hosted by Tess Daly with Craig Revel Horwood, Darcey Bussell, Shirley Ballas and Bruno Tonioli on the judging panel.

The BBC announced that the current members of Boyzone would take part in the 2018 special.

It was won by Shane Lynch and his professional partner Luba Mushtuk.

## Couples & Results

 Mikey Graham
 Ronan Keating
 Shane Lynch

## Gallery

BoyzoneDancing the MedleyKeith & NadiyaMikey & KatyaRonan & GordanaShane & LubaJudgesChampions
Layton Williams

* Layton
* with Nikita

**Layton Williams** is an British actor, best known for playing Stephen Carmichael in the TV series *Bad Education* and recently performed as the lead role in the West End production of *Everybody's Talking About Jamie*.

Layton competed in Series 21, partnered with Nikita Kuzmin. They made it to the final and came second alongside Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell, just losing out on the Glitterball trophy to Ellie Leach & Vito Coppola.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

Layton’s childhood began in Bury, Manchester, before he moved to Leeds, at the age of 11, to train at the Billy Elliot Academy, after responding to a promising newspaper advert. Just six months into his training, he made his theatre debut as Billy in the West End production of the show, and after a year and a half in the role, he became the second-longest serving actor to portray Billy Elliot.

Making his television debut at 14 years old, he starred in *Beautiful People* alongside Oscar-winner, Olivia Colman for two series. Moving on to train in Theatre Arts at Italia Conti Academy, he also featured in CBBC documentary *School for Stars*, before he landed his breakout role of Stephen Carmichael, in the hit comedy series *Bad Education* in 2012.

After the show’s initial three series run, Layton returned to his theatre roots, taking on roles in The Car Man, Rent, Hairspray! and Kiss Me Kate, and in 2021, he took over the titular role of smash-hit musical *Everybody’s Talking About Jamie*, touring both the UK and leading the show in Los Angeles.

In the midst of his seven-year triumphant theatre run, he won the LGBTQIA+ Champion Award at the *Black British Theatre Awards* in 2020, and in 2022 he won the Culture award at the *Attitude Magazine Awards*.

He’s since featured in the acclaimed series *I Hate Suzie Too*, *The Cleaner*, *Queens for the Night* and provided the voiceover for dating show *I Kissed A Boy*. A regular supporter and advocate for LGBTQIA+ issues, Layton regularly visits schools and makes speeches at events to raise awareness anti-bullying rights. Launching *Pros from The Shows*, he also provides workshops for young performers across the UK.

Now it’s time for Layton to star on the Strictly dancefloor and we can’t wait to see what techniques he brings from the stage!

## Strictly Journey

Layton & Nikita made it to the final and came joint second place with Bobby Brazier & Dianne Buswell.
Giovanni Pernice

**Giovanni Pernice** is a professional on Strictly.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

Our Italian Pro always brings his best to the Ballroom.

Back for another year of dancing magic on Strictly, it's the one and only Giovanni Pernice!

He first entered the Ballroom with a bang back in 2015, reaching the Grand Final with Coronation Street actress Georgia May Foote. Their Charleston got a clean sweep of 10s, but ultimately the win went to Jay McGuiness and Aliona Vilani.

With his eyes on the prize in 2016, Giovanni reached Week Seven with partner Laura Whitmore, later making it to the Final for the second time with Debbie McGee in 2017.

In 2018 Giovanni partnered up with Steps singer Faye Tozer and made it to the Grand Final once again! A year later he took his celeb partner Michelle Visage to Blackpool, where their Strictly journey unfortunately ended. 2020 saw Gio nearly go all the way once again, making it to the Semi-Final with newsreader Ranvir Singh.

But at long last, 2021 proved to be Giovanni's year, seeing him lift the Glitterball trophy with Strictly's first ever deaf competitor, EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis! An unforgettable moment for so many reasons, and he's back to reach for the trophy once again in 2022 with BBC Radio 2 presenter Richie Anderson.

### Background

Giovanni was born in Sicily and knew from a young age that he wanted to dance. At the age of 14, he moved to Bologna to concentrate on his passion and was taught by some of the best teachers in the world.

Though his greatest achievement to date is winning the Italian Championships in 2012, Giovanni has competed in numerous international dance competitions, first competing as an adult in 2008.
Emma Weymouth

* Emma
* with Aljaz

**Emma Weymouth** is a fashion model and socialite. She is known for being married to Ceawlin Thynn, the 8th Marquess of Bath. She became a brand ambassador for Italian fashion label Fiorucci in 2017 and has previously modelled for *Dolce & Gabbana*. In February 2018, Emma began working as a fashion editor at British *Vogue*.

She was a contestant in Series 17, partnering 19-time Slovenian champion Aljaž Škorjanec and finished in 9th place after loosing to sports presenter Mike Bushell in the dance off. Emma was the sixth celebrity eliminated in week seven, in a unanimous judges vote. She had previously found herself in the bottom two in week four, eliminating radio presenter Dev Griffin.
Chris Ramsey

* Chris
* with Karen

**Chris Ramsey** is an English comedian and presenter, appearing on comedy panel shows such as *Mock the Week, Never Mind the Buzzcocks,* *8 Out of 10 Cats* and *Celebrity Juice*. In 2016, he co-presented *I'm a Celebrity: Extra Camp* and BBC *Children in Need* since 2020. Alongside his wife Rosie, he co-hosts the comedy podcast *Shagged Married Annoyed* (2019–present) and the BBC chat show *The Chris & Rosie Ramsey Show* (2022–present).

Chris was a contestant in Series 17, partnering Venezuelan-American World Mambo Champion Karen Hauer and finished in 4th place after loosing to CBBC presenter Karim Zeroual in the dance off. He was the eleventh celebrity eliminated in the semi finals, in a unanimous judges vote. Unfortunately Chris found himself in the previous weeks dance off, eliminating England's Lioness Alex Scott. Chris had only found himself at the bottom of the leader board once before the week of his elimination; which was during Halloween Week but managed to avoid the dance off.
Jake Wood

* Jake
* Series 12
* CS2018

**Jake Wood** is a British actor, best known for playing Max Branning in long-running BBC soap opera *EastEnders* and in the United States as the voice of the *GEICO* gecko. He competed in Series 12, partnered with Janette Manrara.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

Actor Jake Wood has Waltzed his way far from Walford to the Strictly ballroom, following a troupe of *EastEnders* actors that have also appeared on the show, including on-screen brother, Scott Maslen (Jack Branning), as well as niece, Patsy Palmer (Bianca Butcher). (So you could say he’s keeping it in the family.)

"*I have no signature moves. I have no moves. I’m here to learn moves.*"
— Jake Wood
Jake is best known for playing used car dealer and serial womanizer, Max Branning; and he’s been at the centre of some of the biggest storylines in the square since joining the show in 2006. His character is particularly well known for his on/off relationship with his wife Tanya and a string of younger girlfriends. Oh, and did we mention his secret wife, Kirsty? Max is also currently one of the suspects for the murder of Lucy Beale, but did he do it?! All will be revealed in February 2015. For now, it might only be murder on the dancefloor that Jake could be accused of committing!

Off-screen Jake couldn’t be anything less like Max Branning. He’s devoted to his wife of 13 years, Alison, and their two children, Amber and Buster. Jake trained at the Anna Scher Drama School in London and after graduating appeared in some of Britain’s best loved shows including *Only Fools and Horses*, *A Touch of Frost* and *Silent Witness*. But how will he take to Strictly in his new role as ballroom dancer? Jake swaps the Square for the Salsa in a bid to find out…
Michelle Visage

* Michelle
* with Giovanni

**Michelle Visage** is an American radio DJ, Singer, Actress and Media Personality. She is most well known for being a judge on *RuPaul's Drag Race,* as well as the All Stars, UK and Australian versions of the show; earning her 3 Primetime Emmy Awards as a producer. In 2015 she was a finalist in Celebrity Big Brother 15 (UK), finishing in fifth place.

She was a contestant in Series 17, partnering Italian Open Latin Dance Champion Giovanni Pernice and finished in 7th place after loosing to social media personality Saffron Barker in the dance off. Michelle was the eighth celebrity eliminated during Blackpool Week, in a unanimous judges vote. She had unfortunately found herself in the previous weeks dance off, eliminating sports presenter Mike Bushell. Michelle was at the top of the leader board for her foxtrot routine during Halloween Week and avoided being at the bottom until her elimination week. She did however appear in the dance off in week 8 despite being second on the leader board.
Glitterball Trophy

The **Glitterball Trophy** is the Champions trophy, given to the winning couple to hoist above their heads in celebration during the series finale.

The trophy gets its name from the fact it looks like a glitter ball. Also known as a disco ball or mirror ball, it is a part of dancing culture and they were first used in nightclubs in the early 1900s.

## Strictly Champions

Natasha & Brendan
Series 1Jill & Darren
Series 2Darren & Lilia
Series 3Mark & Karen
Series 4Alesha & Matthew
Series 5Tom & Camilla
Series 6Chris & Ola
Series 7Kara & Artem
Series 8Harry & Aliona
Series 9Louis & Flavia
Series 10Abbey & Aljaž
Series 11Caroline & Pasha
Series 12Jay & Aliona
Series 13Ore & Joanne
Series 14Joe & Katya
Series 15Stacey & Kevin
Series 16Kelvin & Oti
Series 17Bill & Oti
Series 18Rose & Giovanni
Series 19Hamza & Jowita
Series 20
Karim Zeroual

* Karim
* with Amy

**Karim Zeroual** is a British television presenter and actor. He is best known for being a Children's BBC presenter since 2014, presenting directly from the CBBC HQ. Prior to that he starred as Sadiq in *The Sparticle Mystery*, which ran for three series between 2011 and 2015.

He was a contestant in Series 17, partnering Welsh British Open Latin Dance Champion Amy Dowden. Karim was a runner-up alongside *EastEnders* actress Emma Barton, after being beaten by Kelvin Fletcher in the grand final. Prior to reaching the final he unfortunately appeared in the dance off in week 10 and the semi final, eliminating YouTuber Saffron Barker and comedian Chris Ramsey. Throughout the series he scored three perfect scores; his Jive in the quarter and grand finals, and his Quickstep in the final. Karim appeared at the top of the judges leader board seven times (including the final) but luckily never the bottom.
Graziano Di Prima

**Graziano Di Prima** is a professional dancer on *Strictly*.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

Say ciao to smooth mover Graziano, who joined our Strictly family in 2018!

In his first year, this Sicilian-born dancer made his debut with radio DJ Vick Hope. They navigated the world of sparkles, sequins and Salsas together, before leaving the competition in Week Five.

Graziano remained a key part of the Strictly family and landed his second celeb partner in 2021 - comedian and TV star Judi Love! The pair were beyond fabulous together, bowing out of the competition in Halloween Week.

Now Graz is back for 2022, with TV presenter and actor Kym Marsh by his side. Could it be third time lucky for our Italian stallion?

### Background

Graziano is an Italian Latin Champion. He's also represented Belgium at the World Championships and has competed at the under 21s Latin World Championships. Plus he's toured the world for three years with dance company Burn The Floor, performing to thousands of fans across the globe.
Jowita Przystał

**Jowita Przystał** is a professional dancer on *Strictly*.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

She may be fairly new to the Strictly family, but you might recognise Jowita as the 2020 winner of *The Greatest Dancer*. Her victory saw her perform in the Ballroom that same year, before joining our line-up for good in 2021!

Jowita has had a super successful career in dance, beginning at the age of 12 and going on to become the Polish Open Latin Champion. In 2015 she ended her competitive career to join touring dance company Burn The Floor, where she performed around the world for four years before coming to the UK.

During her time on *The Greatest Dancer*, she was mentored by and performed with our very own Oti Mabuse, getting the best introduction to the Strictly life possible! This year she's partnered with her first celebrity, wildlife cameraman and CBeebies star Hamza Yassin, and we can't wait to see this dynamic duo on the dance floor.

## Strictly Career

### Series 19

In her debut series on Strictly, Jowita did not get a celebrity partner, however she did feature in the professional group dances.

### Series 20

In Series 20, Jowita was partnered with wildlife presenter and cameraman Hamza Yassin. They made it all the way to the final and won the series.
Alex Scott

* Alex
* with Neil

**Alex Scott** is a former English former professional footballer, sports presenter and pundit. She played for Arsenal, Boston Breakers and Birmingham City at club level before retiring in 2018 at the age of 33. Alex earned herself 140 international caps playing for England and a further 5 for Great Britain. Since 2020, she has been a regular presenter on the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards and is also a frequent guest presenter on *The One Show*. In 2021 she was announced as the new presenter of *Football Focus,* replacing Series 19 contestant Dan Walker.

Alex was a contestant in Series 17, partnering British four-times World Latin Champion Neil Jones and finished in 5th place after loosing to comedian Chris Ramsey in the dance off. She was the tenth celebrity eliminated in the quarter finals, with the judges unable to come to a unanimous outcome Shirley Ballas had the final decision and chose to save Chris & Karen. Alex had not appeared in the bottom 2 prior to the week of her elimination. In weeks 6 and 7 she danced with Kevin Clifton due to Neil injuring himself just an hour before the live show in weeks six. She was at the bottom of the judges' leader board in weeks 4 and 10 but managed to avoid the dance off each team, however she was not so fortunate on the third occasion in week 11.
James Cracknell

* James
* with Luba

**James Cracknell** is an English athlete and champion rower. He is a double Olympic Gold medalist, after winning the men's coxless four at the 2000 Sydney and 2004 Athens Olympic games. James has also won six World Rowing Championships. Since then he has competed in various sporting activities to raise money to charity; including rowing, cycling and swimming over 1,400 miles from Britain to Africa in 10 days.

James was a contestant in Series 17, partnering four-time winner of the Italian Dance Championship Luba Mushtuk and finished in last place after loosing to goalkeeper David James in the dance off. He was the first celebrity eliminated in the second week of the show, after a unanimous judges' vote. James appeared at the bottom of the leader board in week one, and after a combined total of weeks one and two appeared there again.
Christmas Special 2015

## Series Chronology

Strictly's **Christmas Special 2015** was broadcast on BBC One on the 25th December 2015.

Tess Daly returned to host the show alongside Claudia Winkleman. This was Claudia's first time hosting a Christmas Special as Bruce Forsyth was recovering from an operation. Also returning were Craig Revel Horwood, Darcey Bussell, Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli to the judging panel.

There was a special musical collaboration from from Dame Shirley Bassey and Blake performing 'The Christmas Song'. Sir Bruce Forsyth also recorded a video message for the celebrities and viewers; which was aired during the show.

The full line-up of the 2015 Christmas special, featuring six returning contestants, was announced on 19 November 2015. This year's special, like the previous year, had a panto theme.

It was won by Series 9 champion Harry Judd and his professional partner for the special Joanne Clifton.

## Couples

The six celebrities and their professional partners that took part were below;

## Dances & Scores

Couples are listed in the order they performed.

*Individual judges scores in the chart below (given in parentheses) are listed in this order from left to right: Craig Revel Horwood, Darcey Bussell, Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli.*

## Gallery

Lisa & PashaLisa & Pasha - QuickstepAbbey & BrendanAbbey & Brendan - WaltzAlison & RobinAlison & Robin - Cha Cha ChaCassidy & NatalieCassidy & Natalie - JiveHarry & JoanneHarry & Joanne - American SmoothTom & OtiTom & Oti - CharlestonClaudia & TessJudgesGirlsBoysDame Shirley Bassey
Johnny Ball

* Johnny
* with Aliona

**Johnny Ball** is a veteran television presenter, who is also father to Series 3 contestant and former It Takes Two presenter Zoe Ball. He competed in Series 10, partnered with Aliona Vilani\*.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

Veteran TV presenter Johnny Ball was making science cool, back when Brian Cox was more interested in bursting spots than bursting stars. Known for popularising maths and science through his extensive back catalogue of TV shows, children’s books and lectures, now he’s hoping the numbers will add up for him on this year’s Strictly scoreboard.

"*I love seeing my daughter, but not on a Monday in the It Takes Two Studio, for some time, please!*"
— Johnny Ball
Johnny Ball became a well-known face presenting Play School from 1964-1988. However it was his ground breaking science and math programmes that won him legions of fans. Think of a Number which ran from 1977–1984 saw Johnny use props and comedy to get across key ideas in mathematics and science, capturing the imagination of his young audience and viewers at home.

Johnny has also written a number of children’s books on fun ways to learn which sell in over 30 countries, as well as producing five hugely successful educational stage musicals which have toured the UK.

He is now a prominent guest speaker and tours schools all around the country, continuing his promotion of education. He has three children of his own, one of whom is, of course, It Takes Two presenter and former Strictly contestant Zoë Ball.

## Strictly Journey

Ball was originally partnered with Aliona Vilani, however Vilani sustained an injury during Week 1 rehearsals, so the BBC hired in Iveta Lukosiute to replace Vilani as a partner for Ball. Unfortunately, they were eliminated in Week 2.
Andrew Cuerden

**Andrew Cuerden**is a Zimbabwean dancer, best known as a professional dancer on the BBC One dance series Strictly Come Dancing.

## Early Life

Cuerden was born in Zimbabwe, grew up in South Africa but moved to England to further his dance career in 1996.

## Career

Dancing with partner Hanna Haarala they reached 4th place in the UK ameteur Latin rankings, before turning pro on February 5. Previously ranked 25th in the world professional Latin rankings with professional partner Haarala, and 2nd in the Finnish Latin Rankings as well as reaching the Quarter Final of "The International Championships" Professional Latin 2006. Andrew and Hanna retired from competing in May 2008. They remain dance partners and now teach in and around London as well as perform their Latin Emotion Cabaret performance around the world.

## Strictly Come Dancing

He was chosen to tutor a celebrity in the third series of Strictly Come Dancing and was partnered with Jaye Jacobs. He was eliminated in week 2, but performed in many professional demonstrations.
Anton du Beke

**Anthony Paul Beke** (professionally known as **Anton du Beke**) was a professional dancer on *Strictly*.

Du Beke swapped dancing shoes for judging paddles, as he joined the judging panel as a stand in guest judge during Series 18, before permanently joining the panel as a judge from Series 19, replacing Bruno Tonioli.

## Personal Life

Du Beke lives in Buckinghamshire with his wife Hannah Summers. In November 2016, Du Beke and his wife were expecting twins, due in spring 2017. In March 2017, his son George and daughter Henrietta were born, which he announced publicly on Instagram.

## Career

### Dance

Du Beke started dancing at the age of 10 at the Holton School of Dance, taking a dance exam in 1978. He started competitive dancing a few years later. He competed with three partners in competitions before the school closed in 1987. His experiences there took him to progress towards a professional dance career.

He competed with Erin Boag at an amateur level, whom he met in 1997. In 1998 and 99, they won the New Zealand Dancing Championships, leading them to turn professional in 2002, competing primarily in the UK. Their best UK result was in November 2003, where they win the IDTA Classic in Brighton.

### *Strictly*

Du Beke and Boag joined Strictly together as part of the professional dancer lineup in the show's launch in early 2004.

Du Beke is the only professional to appear in every *Strictly* series since Series 1 in 2004, until he moved to the judging panel in Series 19.

In addition to the main series, Du Beke appeared on number of Strictly *Children in Need* and Christmas specials, with a particularly highlight of winning the 2008 *Children in Need* special, dancing an American Smooth with Strictly's own co-presenter, Tess Daly.

During Series 18, Du Beke covered as a guest judge for Motsi Mabuse during Weeks 4 and 5, whilst Mabuse self-isolated due to COVID travel restrictions after travelling to Germany. In Summer 2021, the BBC announced that Du Beke would become a permanent judge on *Strictly* for Series 19, replacing Bruno Tonioli.
Ellie Simmonds

* Ellie
* with Nikita

**Ellie Simmonds** is best known for being a Paralympic Swimming Gold medallist, who was a celebrity contestant during Series 20, partnered with Nikita Kuzmin.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

She's got an OBE, five Paralympic gold medals, eight World Championship gold medals and 10 European Championship golds, but now Ellie Simmonds' sights are set on the Strictly Glitterball!

Swimming champ Ellie was born and raised in Aldridge, Walsall, and was a natural in the pool at and early age. By the time she was 11, she'd moved to Swansea for training with the GB squad, before going to her first Paralympic Games at the age of 13. Ellie was the youngest competitor at the 2008 games, taking home gold medals in the 100m freestyle and 400m freestyle events.

He success continued year after year, winning six golds at the IPC Swimming World Championships in 2009, five golds at the 2009 IPC Swimming European Championships, and a total of six golds at the same events in 2010 and 2011. Then the London 2012 Paralympics saw Ellie take home four gold medals at the age of 17 - an incredible achievement which she still counts as one of her career highlights.

Fast forward to the Rio 2016 Paralympics and Ellie reigned victorious again, bringing home another gold medal and setting the world record for the first ever person to swim a sub three minute time in her event. Having achieved all of her life dreams, Ellie stepped away from swimming for a while, before returning for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, but narrowly missed out on a place on the podium.

Throughout all of her success, Ellie has also released a series of children's books called Ellie's Magical Bakery, taken to the seas for fascinating 2016 documentary Ellie Simmonds: Swimming with Dolphins, and fronted her own 2022 documentary Ellie Simmonds: A World Without Dwarfism?, which saw her investigate a new medication designed to treat children with achondroplasia - the most common form of dwarfism.

With so many incredible acheivements under her belt, how will Strictly measure up? We've got a feeling Ellie's going to be fab-u-lous!

## Strictly Journey

Ellie was partnered with Nikita Kuzmin, and they placed 10th, eliminated in Week 7.
Nicola Adams

* Nicola
* with Katya

**Nicola Adams** is a British boxer, who competed in the flyweight division. As an amateur, she became the first female boxer to become an Olympic champion after winning gold at London 2012, and the first double Olympic champion following a second gold medal at Rio 2016. Nicola won the entire set of amateur championships available to her – Olympic, Commonwealth and European Games' titles, and the World, European and European Union championships. She turned professional in 2017 before retiring at the age of 37, with an undefeated record.

Nicola was a contestant in Series 18, partnering Russian dancer Katya Jones; making them the first same-sex partnership in the shows history and finished in 10th place. Due to her professional partner testing positive for COVID-19, they were forced wo withdraw from the show in week four. Nicola had however won the dance off the previous week of her withdrawal and eliminated NFL player Jason Bell in a unanimous judges' vote.

## Weekly Scores, Dances & Songs

 Week 2
Commercial
 Week 3: Movie Week (*Grease)* | 19 (6, 7, 6)
Children In Need 2017

## Specials Chronology

The 2017 **Children In Need Special** of Strictly Come Dancing was broadcast on BBC One during the main show of the Children In Need campaign in the 18th November 2017.

It was hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman with Craig Revel Horwood, Darcey Bussell, Shirley Ballas and Bruno Tonioli on the judging panel.

The BBC announced that former and current *Blue Peter* presenters would take part in the 2017 special.

It was won by Mark Curry and his professional partner Amy Dowden.

## Couples & Results

 Diane-Louise Jordan
 Konnie Huq
 Mark Curry
 Radzi Chinyanganya
 Tim Vincent

## Gallery

Anthea & BrendanDianne- Louise & PashaKonnie & NeilMark & AmyRadzi & ChloeTim & DianneChampionsClaudia & Tess
Mark Benton

* Mark
* with Iveta

**Mark Benton** is a stage and screen actor, best known for playing maths teacher Daniel Chalk in the BBC's *Waterloo Road*, and recently as Frank Hathaway in *Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators*. He competed in Series 11, partnered with Iveta Lukošiūtė.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

Actor Mark Benton has starred in ITV's *Britannia High* and as maths teacher Daniel Chalk in BBC's *Waterloo Road*. Now, Mark is hoping to be schooled in the ways of ballroom, as he steps into the world of Strictly Come Dancing.

"*My biggest fear about Strictly is my trousers falling down live on air, or falling into the audience.*"
— Mark Benton
Born in Guisborough, Yorkshire, Mark’s early acting experience was at Middlesbrough Youth Theatre before winning a coveted place at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. From RADA Mark took to the stage with The Royal Shakespeare Company, working alongside esteemed director Sam Mendes.

After treading the boards successfully for many years, Mark made the transition into feature films. Appearing in Mike Leigh’s Career Girls, Anthony Minghella’s Breaking and Entering and Terry Gilliam’s The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus; starring alongside A-Listers Johnny Depp, Jude Law, Colin Farrell and the late Heath Ledger.

Mark’s British TV career is as prolific as it is varied and he has played roles in The Bill, Kavanagh QC, Ballykissangel, Silent Witness, Doctor Who, Murphy’s Law, Holby City, Hustle and Northern Lights.

Most recently, Mark returned to his stage roots, starring in drag as Edna Turnblad in the 2013 UK tour of Hairspray the Musical. Mark admitted that learning the routines has given him a new love for dance, motivating him to don a spray-tan and sequins for Strictly Come Dancing.
Pet Poodle Puppy

*Last Updated 03/15/23*

The **Pet Poodle Puppy** is a pet. It was originally released in March 2017 during Lucky Day at the Sapphire Shop and Claws 'N Paws for 50 Sapphires or through the Lucky Poodle Bundle for 250 Sapphires. It later returned to the Sapphire Shop and Claws N’ Paws on March 15, 2023 for 50 Sapphires. The **Pet Poodle Puppy** is a small puppy with an oversized head bigger than its body. It has a blue collar with a yellow gem (invariable). This pet also has large semi-circle eyes, a black nose (invariable) and a swirly hairstyle. The fur has a two-toned ombre effect. These pets are commonly referred to as: "**Pet Poodle**", "**Poodle Puppy**", and/or "**Poodle**” as abbreviations.

**Note: The Pet Lab Puppy or Pet Spotted Lab Puppy may be used to impersonate this pet. Watch out for the differences and don’t get scammed.**

**Note: Using a Pet Adoption Token, you may obtain a randomized variant of the Pet Poodle Puppy. Watch out for the differences - the original will never have a pet token icon in the bottom left-hand corner.**

**Note: Using a Golden Pet Token, you may obtain a golden variant of the Pet Poodle Puppy. Watch out for the differences - the original one will never be glowing solid gold in color.**

**Note: Using a Galaxy Pet Token, you may obtain a galaxy version of the Pet Poodle Puppy.**
JJ Chalmers

* JJ
* with Amy

**JJ Chalmers** is a Scottish television presenter and Invictus Games medallist. At the 2014 London Games, he captained the trike team, and received a gold medal for the Men's IRecB1 Recumbent Circuit Race, as part of a British trio who crossed the finishing line together. Earlier that day JJ had already won a bronze in the 1-mile time trial. He also won a bronze medal in the 4 × 100m mixed relay race.

JJ was a contestant in Series 18, partnering Welsh British Open Latin Dance Champion Amy Dowden and finished in 6th place after loosing to *Made in Chelsea* star Jamie Laing in the dance off. He was the sixth celebrity eliminated in the quarter finals during Musicals Week in a 2:1 judges vote with only Motsi Mabuse choosing to save him. Prior to his elimination week he had not appeared in the bottom two, so therefore avoided the dance off. Throughout the series JJ had however appeared at the bottom of the judges leader board twice; in weeks 4 for his Jive and the quarter finals for his Charleston.
Dev Griffin

* Dev
* with Dianne

**Dev Griffin** is a British radio presenter and DJ. He is most well known for his former weekday early morning shows and weekend afternoon shows on BBC Radio 1. Since January 2022, he has presented a weekend evening show on Heart.

Dev was a contestant in Series 17, partnering Australian professional dancer Dianne Buswell and finished in 13th place after loosing to Emma Weymouth in an unexpected dance off. He was the third celebrity eliminated in week 4 after all four judges unanimously chose to save Emma. The previous week in Movie Week, he appeared second on the leader board, scoring four 9’s from the judges for his Street/Commercial routine.

## Weekly Scores, Dances & Songs

 Week 2
 Week 3: Movie Week (*Aladdin)* | 36 (9, 9, 9, 9)
Commercial
 Week 4
Kenny Logan

**Kenneth McKerrow "Kenny" Logan**(born April 3, 1972) is a retired Scottish rugby union player who played wing for Stirling County RFC and Glasgow District at amateur level; Glasgow Warriors, Wasps RFC and London Scottish at professional level; and Scotland at international level. He won three English Premierships with Wasps RFC; and one Scottish Premiership title with Stirling County RFC in 1995, just before the game turned professional.

## Early Life

Logan was born in Stirling, Scotland. As a schoolboy, Logan had football trials as a goalkeeper for Dundee United and Hearts. He left school at sixteen and began his rugby career with his hometown club Stirling County, making his senior debut at 17.

## Club Career

Logan played for the amateur provincial side Glasgow District. In 1996 the professional era began and the side became Glasgow Rugby. He played for the newly professional team in the three matches of the 1996-1997 Scottish Inter-District Championship as well as 2 matches in that season's European Challenge Cup, the European Conference.

In 1997, he joined Wasps for his first season in English rugby. Logan was with Wasps for seven seasons. In 2004, he re-signed for Glasgow before joining London Scottish after a season. He retired from playing in 2005.

## International Career

Logan played for Scotland A. Logan made his Scotland debut in 1992 against Australia at the age of 19. He was in and out of the side before cementing a position in the starting XV at the 1994 Five Nations Championship. He played in the 2003 World Cup. He won 70 caps over a 13-year period, scoring 20 tries in the process. He retired from international rugby union after the 2003 World Cup.

## Personal Life

Logan was diagnosed with dyslexia as a child and found solace in playing sports. He attended Wallace High School but left without sitting for his final exams.

Logan dated newsreader Kirsty Young and moved to London, before the couple separated in 1999 after three years. In July 2001 he married television presenter Gabby Yorath. The couple live in Kew, south west London. After undergoing IFV treatment they had twins, who were born on July 28, 2005.

Logan and his wife took part in the fifth series of the BBC celebrity dancing programme Strictly Come Dancing. Kenny was partnered with Ola and Gabby was partnered with James Jordan. Logan ended in 5th place. Gabby finished in 12th place.

Kenny and his wife are past presidents of the children's charity Sparks. In 2009, Logan and Sparks joined forces to organise an annual mass-participation event entitled Logan's Challenge.

In August 2014, Logan was one of 200 public figures who were signatories to a letter to The Guardian expressing their hope that Scotland would vote to remain part of the United Kingdom in September's referendum on that issue.

Logan supports Rangers F.C.

## Honours

* Scottish Premiership: 1994-1995
* English Premiership: 1996-1997, 2002-2003, 2003-2004
Jill Halfpenny

**Jill Halfpenny** is an English actress, best known for her roles as Rebecca Hopkins in the British soap opera *Coronation Street* (1999-2000); as *Kate Mitchell* in rival soap EastEnders, Izzie Redpath in *Waterloo Road*, and Diane Manning in *In The Club*.

She competed in Series 2, and won the series with her partner, Darren Bennett.

## Champions Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*
Jill Halfpenny flicked and kicked her way to success with partner Darren Bennett during the second series of Strictly. She beat off competition from Julian Clary and Denise Lewis to be crowned the Strictly champion in 2004.

"*Jill is a cracker of a performer. She doesn’t just dance. She explodes on the dancefloor!*"
— Bruno Tonioli, about Jill
To this day, Jill holds the highest score for a Jive in Strictly history, scoring 40 points from the judges.

At the time, Jill was appearing as Kate in *EastEnders* but had been a well-known face on British TV, since her appearance on children’s TV show *Byker Grove*.

After Strictly, Jill went on to win the Strictly Christmas Special in 2004, and now has a flourishing West End theatre career with roles in *Calendar Girls* and *Legally Blonde*.
Hamza Yassin

* Hamza
* with Jowita

**Hamza Yassin** is a wildlife presenter and cameraman, who competed in Series 20, partnered with Jowita Przystał.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

He's more at home photographing wildlife in the great outdoors, but now Hamza Yassin is stepping inside and into glittering lights of the Strictly Ballroom.

Families across the UK will recognise Hamza from his CBeebies show *Let's Go For A Walk*, which all spurred from his lifelong love of adventure and nature. Born in Sudan, Hamza moved to the UK at the age of eight, and later gained a master's degree in Biological Imaging and Photography, and a bachelor's degree in Zoology with Conservation. He went onto become a published wildlife photographer and a tour guide, and is also a skilled ornithologist aka an expert in birds.

In July 2022, Hamza received a Master Honours Degree from Bangor University, which one of his idols, Sir David Attenborough, has also received in the past.

With so much experience in his field, Hamza started working on The One Show as one of their wildlife cameraman, leading him to land his own CBeebies show and *Let's Go For A Walk* companion book. He can also be spotted on *Countryfile* and ITV's *This Morning*, and has filmed and presented Channel 4 shows *Scotland: My Life in the Wild* and *Scotland: Escape to the Wilderness*.

Hamza now lives in a remote rural village on the west coast of Scotland called Ardnamurchan, where he's not only surrounded by wildlife, but has rare creatures living with him too - in fact, European pine martens have set up their home in his attic!

But now it's time for his to hang up his walking boots and slip on some dancing shoes as he explores the world of Strictly!

## Strictly Journey

Hamza & Jowita went all the way to the final and won the series.
Kate Silverton

* Kate
* with Aljaz

**Kate Silverton** is an English journalist, who worked as a broadcaster for the BBC. She was a regular presenter of *BBC News at One* and *BBC Weekend News*, as well as making occasional appearances on the BBC News Channel and BBC World News.

Kate was a contestant in Series 16, partnering 19-time Slovenian champion Aljaž Škorjanec and finished in 8th place after loosing to cricketer Graeme Swann in the dance off. She was the eighth celebrity eliminated in week 10 during Blackpool week in a unanimous judges vote. Kate had not appeared in the bottom 2 prior to the week of her elimination.
Mike Bushell

* Mike
* with Katya

**Mike Bushell** is an English BBC Sports Presenter. He presents the sports on Thursdays, Fridays and at the weekend. For Sport Relief in 2012, he set the world record for travelling across water in a large inflatable ball and currently holds the world record for participating in the greatest number of different sports, on his Saturday morning slot.

He was a contestant in Series 17, partnering Russian dancer Katya Jones and finished in 8th place after loosing to TV judge Michelle Visage in the dance off. Mike was the seventh celebrity eliminated in week eight, in a unanimous judges vote. It was their 4th consecutive week in the bottom two, having previously eliminated goalkeeper David James, *Coronation Street* actress Catherine Tyldesley and model Emma Weymouth. Throughout the series he never appeared at the bottom of the judges leader board until the week of his elimination, despite being on the dance off four times.
Fern Britton

* Fern
* with Artem

**Fern Britton** is an author and television presenter, formerly presenting ITV's daytime show, *This Morning*, who competed in Series 10, partnered with Artem Chigvintsev.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

She is one of the best loved faces on British TV and now Fern Britton turns her hand, or should that be feet, to the challenge of Strictly Come Dancing. Fern follows in the glittering footsteps of other TV presenters such as Chris Hollins and Matt Baker meaning she has some big shoes to fill. Though in all fairness, this isn’t Fern’s first encounter with the glitter ball, as she danced in the 2010 Christmas special of *Strictly Come Dancing*.

"*I’d quite like to dance with Len Goodman.*"
— Fern Britton
Fern became a household name presenting high-profile daytime shows such as *Ready, Steady, Cook* and *This Morning*, which she hosted with John Leslie and Philip Schofield for ten years, before leaving the show in 2009. She has hosted the British Soap Awards on numerous occasions as well as hosting a series for BBC One called *Fern Britton Meets...* in which she interviewed high profile personalities about their religious beliefs.

On top of all of this TV work, Fern is also a novelist, having published her second novel *Hidden Treasures* in 2012.

With the support of her TV chef husband Phil Vickery and her four children, Fern is set to take to the dance floor and prove herself to be a truly great Britton.

## Strictly Journey

Fern & Artem made it to Week 6, before being eliminated in the dance off against Kimberly and Pasha. They placed 10th.