recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Alesha Dixon

* Series 5
* with Matthew
* Judge

**Alesha Dixon** was a contestant and a former judge on *Strictly*.

Dixon competed in Series 5, winning the series with her professional partner, Matthew Cutler. She then returned to the Strictly family in Series 7 as a judge, replacing Arlene Phillips, which she stayed on until leaving before Series 10, where she was replaced by Darcey Bussell.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

Singer and former Strictly judge Alesha Dixon lifted the Strictly Come Dancing trophy in 2007 with her professional partner Matthew Cutler. Alesha won a very closely contested final, finishing just two points ahead of Matt Di Angelo.

"*From the beginning I knew I was on to a winner*"
— Matthew Cutler
Alesha holds the record for the highest average score in Strictly history with 36.5 points - and that's despite never achieving a perfect 40 point score for a single routine.

Since competing, Alesha sat on the Strictly judging panel alongside Len Goodman and co for three series from 2009-2011. During this time, she also co-hosted Children in Need with Terry Wogan and Tess Daly. She currently presides over her judging duties on Britain’s Got Talent.
John Whaite

* John
* with Johannes

**John Whaite** is a chef and television presenter, known for winning the Great British Bake Off in 2012. He competed in Series 19, partnered in the show's first all male partnership, with Johannes Radebe.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

This Star Baker is about to become a Star Dancer as he joins our class of 2021!

"*I am so excited to be ‘Strictly-fied’. I was wearing glitter in the womb.*"
— John Whaite
John's best known for his spectacular Great British Bake Off win back in 2012, taking the title when he was just 23 years old and in the middle of studying for a law degree. His natural talent for baking came earlier on in life, growing up on a dairy farm and learning a myriad of culinary skills from his mother (and even working in his parents' fish and chip shop as a youngster!).

Post Bake Off, John's cooking career went from strength to strength. He went on to study Patisserie at Le Cordon Bleu in London and opened his own cookery school in the heart of the Lancashire countryside in 2016, alongside making many appearances on our telly screens. He's cooked up a storm on Lorraine, This Morning, Sunday Brunch, Chopping Block with Rosemary Shrager and, most recently, Steph's Packed Lunch.

He's also written and released five cookery books between 2013 and 2019, becoming a household name as one of Britian's best bakers. His dancefloor outfits are sure to be a \*bit\* sparklier than his usual chef's apron, though. "I am so excited to be ‘Strictly-fied’. I was wearing glitter in the womb," he said. "I am excited for the sheer tops, tight trousers, the spray tans, hair and makeup. It’s glamorous and over the top but it’s a Saturday night!"

To that, we say... bring on the glitter!
Georgia May Foote

* Georgia
* with Giovanni

**Georgia May Foote** was a contestant on *Strictly*, known for being a former *Coronation Street* actress.

She competed in Series 13, partnered with Giovanni Pernice.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

Georgia is best known for portraying Katy Armstrong in Coronation Street between 2010 and 2015. From her on-screen relationship with Chesney Brown, becoming a mother and beginning an affair with Ryan Connor, the twists and turns of Katy’s life gripped the nation during Georgia’s five-year stretch in the soap. She’s also twice been nominated for Sexiest Female in the British Soap Awards.

"*I think I’ll get competitive, but only in a good way. I like to keep going until I get things right*"
— Georgia May Foote
Despite loving every moment of her time on Corrie, Georgia is ready to create some new storylines of her own. Having always dreamed of taking part in Strictly, it wouldn’t be unusual to find Georgia watching with her family and dancing around the living room pretending she was on the dance floor. With her dreams now becoming a reality, will this Northern lass’s living room training be enough to cut it in the Strictly ballroom?

Born in Manchester, Georgia lives with her family in Bolton and likes nothing more than chilling at home with her nearest and dearest. Embarking on her television career young, Georgia first graced our screens in Channel 4’s Brookside aged five. Committed to her dream of becoming an actress, she joined the local theatre workshop and began working as an extra at Coronation Street.

Georgia juggled acting roles alongside her studies at school, including the role of Alison Simmons in Grange Hill from 2005 to 2008. This launched Georgia into roles in a number of well-known British shows such as Life on Mars, Doctors, Casualty, Heartbeat, Emmerdale and This Is England 86. Well-versed in remembering lines, Georgia is excited to start learning dances, and won’t stop until she gets it right.

When it comes to dancing, Georgia was banished from ballet when she was younger because she had ‘naughty toes,’ opting for karate and hip hop instead. Nicknamed ‘Bumble Bee’ by her boyfriend Sean Ward because she buzzes around from dawn until dusk, Georgia is a magpie and loves all things sparkly. Determined to expel the public perception as ‘boring Katy from Corrie,’ will Georgia light up the Strictly dance floor with sequins and steps she has collected along the way?
Kaye Adams

* Kaye
* with Kai

**Kaye Adams** was a contestant during Series 20, known for being a panellist on ITV’s *Loose Women*. She was partnered with Kai Widdrington, and unfortunately were eliminated first in Week 2, attaining 15th place.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

We're so excited to welcome journalist and presenter Kaye Adams to the Strictly dance floor this year!

Kaye's a legend in the world of broadcasting, starting out as a trainee journalist at Central Television in Birmingham - a far cry from her Scottish hometown of Falkirk - with a focus on political and news journalism. It was here she got her first big break, securing an interview with Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

She then moved back to Scottish TV in 1988, becoming a reporter for Scotland Today, before fronting talk show Scottish Women for the next six years from 1993-1999. It was soon after that ITV daytime show Loose Women came knocking, seeing Kaye anchor the show from its very first episode up until 2006.

Following a seven-year gap, Kaye returned to the panel and still co-hosts the show regularly to this day, and has appeared in almost 1000 episodes. In fact, she's now following in the footsteps of fellow hosts Gloria Hunniford, Penny Lancaster, Christine Lampard, Frankie Bridge, Sunetra Sarker, Ruth Langsford, Katie Piper and Judi Love, who have all graced the Strictly Ballroom over the years!

In addition to her success on Loose Women, Kaye's established herself as a leading radio host, fronting her own show on BBC Radio Scotland every weekday morning since 2015, and also launched podcast How To Be 60 with Kaye Adams earlier this year. You may have also seen her on The One Show, The Wright Stuff, The People Versus and The Celebrity Circle.

Kaye now resides in Glasgow with her partner Ian and their two daughters Charly and Bonnie, but is about to make the journey south to Elstree as she takes on the challenge of Strictly 2022!
Graeme Swann

* Graeme
* with Oti

**Graeme Swann** is an English former cricketer, who played all three formats of the game. He was primarily a right-arm off-spinner, and also a capable late-order batsman with four first-class centuries, and often fielded at second slip. Graeme could score quickly and his test strike rate is the third highest of any male English batter to have scored at least 1000 runs.

He was a contestant in Series 16, partnering South African Latin dance champion Oti Mabuse and finished in 7th place after loosing to *The Pussycat Dolls* member Ashley Roberts in the dance off. Graeme was the ninth celebrity eliminated in week ten, in a unanimous judges vote. He had unfortunately appeared in the dace off in weeks 6, 8 and 9, eliminating comedian Seann Walsh, actor Danny John-Jules and journalist Kate Silverton, respectively.
Scott Mills

* Scott
* with Joanne

**Scott Mills** is a radio DJ, television presenter and occasional actor, best known for presenting the *Scott Mills Show* on BBC Radio 1. He competed in Series 12, partnered with Joanne Clifton.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

From Innuendo Bingo to Argentinian Tango, this man may have the face for radio, but does he have the body for Ballroom? The first Radio 1 DJ to brave a Strictly series, Scott swaps his radio studio for spray-tans, spandex and sequins.

"*The other contestants need to watch out. Because I’m going to be so tanned, it’ll be hard to see me!*"
— Scott Mills
Currently hosting Radio 1’s weekday afternoon show and the weekly *Official Chart Update* show, award-winning Hampshire-born Scott is one of Radio 1’s longest-serving, and most loved, presenters. Having been at the station for over 15 years, he knows a thing or two about music – but will his sense of rhythm be enough to cut the Rumba?

A dance novice who wants to follow in the footsteps of his Foxtrotting Nan, Scott’s only dancing experience is *Let’s Dance for Sport Relief*. But that doesn’t mean the glitterball isn’t within his grasp! (Though he is admittedly clumsy and has a fear of falling over, so perhaps it’s best if the glitterball’s kept safe at least for now!)

Scott’s radio career started as a teenager aged 16, driving the desk on Hampshire’s local commercial station: Power FM. From here, he worked his way up to become the youngest permanent presenter on mainstream commercial radio. He then made the radio rounds from Power FM to Bristol’s GWR FM, to Manchester’s Piccadilly Key 103, to London’s Heart 106.2, to where he is today.

On TV, Scott presents the semi-finals of the *Eurovision Song Contest*; hosts *The National Lottery Live*; and recently fronted an award-winning BBC Three documentary: *The World’s Worst Place to be Gay*. He’s also played a reporter on *Casualty*; lived with David Hasselhoff for a week for a Living TV documentary; and has undertaken a gruelling 100km trek across a Northern Kenyan desert for Comic Relief. So it’s clear Mills likes his thrills, but has his trek prepared him for the heat of the Strictly Ballroom, or will he kill the Quickstep quicker than Craig can insult it? We present our presenter with perhaps his biggest challenge so far!
Gethin Jones

* Gethin
* Series 5
* CS2016

**Gethin Jones** is a Welsh television presenter, who competed in Series 5, partnered with professional Camilla Dallerup, and later returned to the Strictly family to feature in It Takes Two.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

*Zoe's roving reporter doesn't miss a trick, a kick or a flick*

Gethin Jones is a broadcaster and TV personality who first came to the public’s attention as a presenter for Blue Peter.
In 2007 he took part in Series 5 of *Strictly Come Dancing*, reaching the semi-finals with his professional dance partner, Camilla Dallerup.

During his time on Strictly, Gethin achieved the highest Jive score of the series and realised his top score, a massive 39 points for a Waltz in week 11. Gethin only found himself in the bottom two once, when he lost his place in the final to eventual runner-up, Matt Di Angelo.

In 2015, Gethin returned to the glamour of the ballroom, when he hosted *Dancing With The Stars: All Access*, the spin off show to the US version of *Strictly Come Dancing*.

Gethin joined the *It Takes Two* team in 2016 and returns as our roving reporter at Elstree Studios, getting all the behind the scenes Strictly gossip from rehearsals every Friday!
Katie Piper

* Katie
* with Gorka

**Katie Piper** is an English writer, activist, television presenter and model. She became known to the public eye in March 2008 she aws a victim of an acid attack, causing major damage to her face and blindness in one eye. In 2099 she established a charity, the *Katie Piper Foundation*, aimed at raising awareness of the plight of victims of burns and other disfigurement injuries. Since 2021, she has been a panelist on *Loose Women.*

Katie was a contestant in Series 16, partnering Spanish professional dancer Gorka Márquez and finished in 13th place after loosing to actor Charles Venn in the dance off. She was the third celebrity eliminated in week four in a unanimous judges vote. Katie had not appeared in the bottom 2 prior to the week of her elimination.
Kym Marsh

* Kym
* with Graziano

**Kym Marsh** is an English singer, actress and television presenter, who currently co-presents BBC One programme *Morning Live* alongside former Strictly contestant Gethin Jones. She is competing in Series 20 with professional partner Graziano Di Prima.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

Kym's mastered singing, acting and presenting, but now she's got dancing to add to that list as she joins our class of 2022!

Her career in music began around the age of 11, when she would perform in local pubs and clubs, before rising to fame on singing competition show Popstars in 2001. Kym made the top five, winning a spot in pop group Hear'Say and going on to release two number one singles, a number one album and tour arenas around the UK. When the band split in 2002, Kym enjoyed a successful solo career, before turning her attention to acting.

She went on to play the role of Michelle Connor in *Coronation Street* for 14 years, bagging two British Soap Awards along the way - Best Newcomer in 2007 and Best Female Dramatic Performance in 2017. She also won a National Television Award for Most Popular Newcomer in 2007.

Kym has since gone on to star in TV drama The Syndicate, and has appeared on stage in *Fatal Attraction* and *Elf: The Musical*. Presenting has also come naturally to Kym, seeing her front shows such as *For Love or Money*, *The One Show*, *Loose Women*, *Your Money or Your Life*, and since 2020, *Morning Live*.

We're sure he's given Kym plenty of tips for Strictly success, and we can't wait to see her put them into practice!
Children In Need 2016

## Specials Chronology

The 2016 **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 2016.

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 British Olympic athletes would take part in the 2016 special.

It was won by Taekwando athlete, Lutalo Muhammad and his professional partner Karen Hauer.

## Couples & Results

 Hollie Webb
 Lutalo Muhammad
 Helen Glover

## Gallery

JudgesGroupHelen & PashaHollie & NeilJoe & JanetteLutalo & Karen
Helen Skelton

* Helen
* with Gorka

**Helen Skelton** is a television presenter, best known for presenting the BBC's children's show , *Blue Peter*. She competed in Series 20, partnered with Gorka Márquez.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

Will this world record breaker create Strictly history as she takes to the dance floor? We'll find out very soon...

Helen's life started on a dairy farm, before she headed to the nearby Cumbria Institute of the Arts to get a journalism degree. Her career in broadcast began soon after, working at Border ITV and the CFM Radio, eventually moving into a co-presenting spot at BBC Radio Cumbria at the age of 23.

From 2007-2008, she served also as a reporter and presenter on CBBC shows Newsround and Sportsround, before landing a role as the 33rd Blue Peter presenter at the age of 25. During her five and half years on the show, Helen set many world records and tackled a number of exciting challenges, including winning the 2008 Malta Open Dance Competition with 16-year-old wheelchair user James Ireland and being the second ever woman to complete the Namibia Ultra Marathon.

She also kayaked down the Amazon river for six weeks by herself for Sport Relief, setting the world records for longest solo journey
by kayak and the longest distance travelled in a kayak in 24 hours by a woman. On top of that, Helen's also completed a 500 mile long journey to the South Pole, flown with the Red Arrows and walked a tightrope between the chimneys of Battersea Power Station.

Following her time on Blue Peter, Helen joined the Countryfile presenting team, fronted shows such as Holiday Hit Squad, On The Farm and Instant Gardener, and has been a part of BBC Sport coverage across many major events, including the London 2012 Olympics and Rio 2016 Olympics.

She's also just begun hosting BBC Radio 5 Live's Sunday morning show, and is about to join us on the dance floor every Saturday night! We can't wait to see Helen shake her stuff and smash some Strictly records.
Claire Sweeney and John Byrnes

**Claire Sweeney and John Byrnes**are a dance partnership from Series 1 of Strictly Come Dancing, the dancing competition on BBC One.

Claire Sweeney is an English actress, singer and television personality, best known for playing Lindsey Corkhill on Brookside whilst John Byrnes is a professional dancer. They came in 5th place in the competition.

## Strictly Come Dancing

### **Week 1**

In the first week of the competition the couple danced a Waltz to the song "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers from the film Ghost. They received 27 points from the judges.

### **Week 2**

In the second week of the competition the couple danced a Rumba to the song "Angels" by Robbie Williams. They received 26 points from the judges.

### **Week 3**

In the third week of the competition the couple danced a Tango to the song "Roxanne" by The Police. They received 34 points from the judges.

### **Week 4**

In the fourth week of the competition the couple danced a Paso Doble to the song "Espana cani" by Pascual Marquina Narro. They received 31 points from the judges.

### **Week 5**

In the fifth week of the competition the couple danced a Samba to the song "Shake Your Bon-Bon" by Ricky Martin. They received 32 points from the judges.

The couple were in the bottom two along with Lesley Garrett and Anton Du Beke and were eliminated from the competition.
Christmas Special 2022

## Series Chronology

The 2022 **Christmas Special** of Strictly Come Dancing was broadcast on BBC One on 25th December 2022.

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman returned as presenters, with Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton du Beke returning to the judging panel.

As like the previous year, six new celebrities were taking part this Christmas. They were announced across three days from the 30Th November 2022 until the 2nd December 2022.

It was won by Former *Coronation Street* actress Alexandra Mardell and her professional partner Kai Widdrington.

## 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, Anton Du Beke.*

## Gallery

Rosie & NeilRosie & Neil - JiveAlexandra & KaiAlexandra & Kai - QuickstepGeorge & AmyGeorge & Amy - CharlestonLarry & NadiyaLarry & Nadiya - American SmoothNicola & GiovanniNicola & Giovanni - WaltzRickie & LubaRickie & Luba - SalsaChampions
## Trivia

* The festive show marks the return of former judge Bruno Tonioli, who last featured in Series 18 digitally due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.
Annabel Croft

* Annabel
* with Johannes

**Annabel Croft** is a former British tennis professional player and television presenter, who has been involved in the BBC's coverage of the *Wimbledon Tennis Championship* and formerly presenting coverage of the *US Open* for Sky Sports in 2012.

## Trivia

* After winning the Wimbledon and Australian girls tennis tournaments in 1984, Croft went on to win the Virginia Slims of San Diego tournament in 1985, and played for Great Britain in the Fed Cup.
* She retired from professional tennis at the age of 21, tired of the relentless travel and feeling that she "no longer enjoyed playing".
Oti Mabuse

**Oti Mabuse** was a professional dancer on *Strictly*.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

First joining the Strictly family in 2015, Oti was partnered with boxer Anthony Ogogo, but the couple made an early exit in Week Two. Her second round went a whole lot better, seeing her go all the way to the final with Hollyoaks hunk Danny Mac in 2016.

In 2017 she partnered with the show's first ever Paralympic competitor Jonnie Peacock, finishing in a respectable eighth place. Oti then put cricketer Graeme Swann to work in 2018 and the couple made it all the way to Week 10.

But 2019 really was Oti's year, despite losing her original partner Jamie Laing before Week One even begun due to an injury. Soap star Kelvin Fletcher stepped in to partner Oti and the dazzling duo ended up taking the Glitterball home!

Just when she thought she couldn't top that, Oti lifted her second Glitterball trophy in 2020 with comedian Bill Bailey. With back to back wins in her locker, she's taking to the dance floor with ex-Rugby player Ugo Monye in 2021... but can she make it a hat-trick?

Born in Pretoria in South Africa, Oti began dancing as a young child alongside her sister Motsi, who is also a professional dancer and now a Judge on our very own panel!

Despite studying Civil Engineering at University, dancing was always Oti's true passion. As a result, she moved to Germany to broaden her dancing horizons. Across her career she's won plenty of titles, including third place in World Cup Freestyle Latin in 2014, second place European Championship Latin in 2014 and first place in German Championship PD Freestyle Latin.
She's also taken seat on the judging panels of BBC One's *The Greatest Dancer* and ITV's *The Masked Dancer* & *Dancing on Ice*.

## Strictly Career

### Series 13

Oti first joined the Strictly professional lineup, making her debut in Series 13, partnered with Olympic boxer, Anthony Ogogo. They were eliminated in Week 3, placing 14th.

### Series 14

For the fourteenth series, Oti was partnered with former Hollyoaks actor, Danny Mac. They placed joint second, alongside Louise Redknapp and Kevin Clifton.

### Series 15

In Series 15, Oti was partnered with Paralympic sprinter, Jonnie Peacock. They placed 8th.
Ricky Groves

**Richard "Ricky" Groves**(born April 23, 1968) is an English actor best known for playing Garry Hobbs in EastEnders from 2000-2009. Before his role in EastEnders he appeared in the series Burnside, a spin-off from The Bill. He trained at The Poor School in London.

## Career

He also appeared in London's Burning (Series 12, Episode 15 on June 16, 2000) as Brett, a lad who is locked in a room with a bomb at a disused swimming pool.

Groves appeared on BBC's School's Out on July 28, 2007, and won $1600 for his school. In the show he revealed his nickname at school was "The Rickster", a name which he is still referred to today by close family and friends.

He participated in the seventh series of Strictly Come Dancing and was paired with professional dancer Erin Boag. They were voted out in Week 10.

He and his family appeared on the sixth series of All Star Family Fortunes.

On February 18, 2010 Groves appeared on The Weakest Link EastEnders Special. He was the second contestant voted off.

Ricky took part in TV series Celebrity Coach Trip partnered with friend Alex Ferns.

In 2011 he appeared in one episode of Holby City, transmitted on July 12.

He participated in the 2011 series of Celebrity MasterChef.

Also took part in the 2014 series of Splash in ITV.

In 2016 he appeared on the ITV programme "Who's Doing the Dishes?"

## Personal Life

Groves became engaged in 2005 to girlfriend and EastEnders co-star Hannah Waterman who played Laura Beale. The pair married in a ceremony on September 2, 2006, in a country church in Dartmoor. In January 2010, it was announced that Groves and Waterman, were to separate after 3 and a half years of marriage.

He is a keen supporter of Leyton Orient. Groves has also talked of his love of gardening shows on television, and partook in a gardening trivia quiz when he was interviewed by Tony Livesey on Five Live in October 2010.
Joanne Clifton

**Joanne Clifton** is a former *Strictly* professional dancer, who has returned to join the *It Takes Two* team, permanently heading up the dance segment, Choreography Corner.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

Joanne Clifton returns to Strictly Come Dancing, but this time as part of the BBC Two weekday sister show, It Takes Two, where she is heading up Choreography Corner.

Joanne is a 2013 Ballroom Showdance World Champion, as well as five-time British Champion, three time Italian Champion and Professional World Dancesport Games Champion 2013.

She joined Strictly as a professional dancer in 2014, dancing with Radio DJ Scott Mills. The pair made it through to week six before being eliminated in the Halloween Show. The following year Joanne won the Strictly Christmas Special with dance partner Harry Judd.
But 2016 was to become Joanne’s most successful year on the show when she was partnered up with Ore Oduba and the pair took home the Glitterball trophy.

Joanne has also carved out a successful career in musical theatre, playing iconic roles such as Millie in *Thoroughly Modern Millie*, Janet in the *Rocky Horror Show*, and Morticia Addams in *The Addams Family*.
Hazel Newberry

**Hazel Catherine Newberry MBE**is one of the United Kingdom's leading Ballroom dancers and dance teachers, who was a Strictly professional in Series 2.

## Dancing Career

She was three times undefeated World Professional Ballroom champion, dancing with Christopher Hawkins (2002-2004).

The couple also won the International Professional Ballroom Championship in London in 2002 and 2003. This couple also won the European, Open British, UK, US Open and Asian Open.

Before this, Newberry won both World and European Amateur Ballroom championships with Hawkins, in 1997, Newberry's career as an amateur concluded with thirteen successive victories in championship events in Europe and the USA, during 1997, including the World Games.

From 2008, Newberry danced with Jonathan Wilkins. The two came second in the 2008 Embassy Ball World Cup Standard competition, behind Wilkins' former partner, Katusha Demidova, and Demidova's new partner, Arunas Bizokas.

In 2009 Newberry and Jonathan Wilkins won the European Championships held at the Kremlin, Moscow, and came second in the WDC Professional Ballroom Championship, held in Japan. The winners were Arunas Bizokas and Katusha Demidova. Newberry and Wilkins have now announced their retirement from competitive dancing.

Hazel Newberry was appointed MBE in 2007 for her exceptional services to Ballroom dancing.

## Strictly

Newberry appeared in the second series, partnering Quentin Wilson. They were the first couple to be knocked out of the competition, and made the lowest score in Strictly history at the time, with a total of 8 out of 40 for their Cha-Cha-Cha.
Nikita Kuzmin

**Nikita Kuzmin** is a professional dancer on *Strictly*.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

From Ukraine to Italy to Elstree, say hello to the brilliant Nikita!

This fab-u-lous performer started dancing at the age of four, although he actually wanted to practice karate like his hero Jackie Chan, but the call of the Ballroom had other plans...

Nikita and his family moved from Ukraine to Italy when he turned nine, to support his sister's dancing career, but it was also the start of his own success. Here he became a six-time Italian Champion in Latin and Ballroom, and later joined the German version of Strictly called *Let's Dance* as a professional dancer.

He then joined our Pro line-up in 2021, partnering with TV and social media star Tilly Ramsay for his debut year, and is hitting the dance floor with Paralympic champion Ellie Simmonds for 2022!

### Series 19

Nikita joined the Strictly family in Series 19, and was partnered with television and social media star Tilly Ramsay. They placed 6th.

#### Scores

1 Score given by guest judge Cynthia Erivo, in place of Horwood.

2 Score given by guest judge Cynthia Erivo, in place of Mabuse.

### Series 20

In Series 20, Nikita has been partnered with Ellie Simmonds.
Christopher Parker and Hanna Karttunen

**Christopher Parker and Hanna Karttunen**are a dance partnership from Series 1 of Strictly Come Dancing, the dancing competition on BBC One.

Christopher Parker is an English actor and television presenter, best known for playing Spencer Moon on EastEnders whilst Hanna Karttunen is a Finnish Latin-American professional dancer. They came in 2nd place in the competition.

## Strictly Come Dancing

### **Week 1**

In the first week of the competition the couple danced a Cha-cha-cha to the song "Lady Marmalade" by Labella. They received 19 points from the judges.

### **Week 2**

In the second week of the competition the couple danced a Quickstep to the song "You're the One That I Want" from the film Grease. They received 23 points from the judges.

### **Week 3**

In the third week of the competition the couple danced a Jive to the song "Do You Love Me" by The Contours. They received 19 points from the judges.

### **Week 4**

In the fourth week of the competition the couple danced a Foxtrot to the song "Flying Without Wings" by Westlife. They received 28 points from the judges.

### **Week 5**

In the fifth week of the competition the couple danced a Samba to the song "Soul Bossa Nova" by Quincy Jones. They received 15 points from the judges.

### **Week 6**

In the sixth week of the competition the couple danced their first dance, a Waltz to the song "I Have Nothing" by Whitney Houston to which they received a score of 22 points from the judges. For their second dance, they performed a Paso Doble to the song "Bamboleo" by Gipsy Kings and received a score of 15 points from the judges.

### **Week 7**

In the seventh week of the competition the couple danced their first dance, a Tango to the song "Toxic" by Britney Spears to which they received a score of 21 points from the judges. For their second dance, they performed a Rumba to the song "Careless Whisper" by George Michael and received a score of 16 points from the judges.

The couple were in the bottom two along with Lesley Garrett and Anton du Beke but were saved by the judges.

### **Week 8: Final**

In the eighth week of the competition (the Final) the couple danced their first dance, the same Waltz from Week 6 to which they received a score of 24 points from the judges. For their second dance, they performed the same Jive from Week 3 and received a score of 17 points from the judges. They then danced a Showdance for their third performance to the song "Fame" by Irene Cara and were given a score of 22 points from the judges.

The couple were voted second place in the competition and were the runners-up to Natasha Kaplinsky and Brendan Cole.
Charles Venn

* Charles
* with Karen

**Charles Venn** is an English television actor. He is best known for Ray Dixon in *EastEnders* and Jacob Masters in *Casualty.* Charles has also played Curtis Alexander in Sky One's *Dream Team*, and Tremaine Gidigbi in *Footballers' Wives*.

He was a contestant in Series 16, partnering Venezuelan-American World Mambo Champion Karen Hauer and finished in 6th place after loosing to *The Pussycat Dolls* member Ashley Roberts in the dance off. Charles was the tenth celebrity eliminated in the quarter finals, in a unanimous judges vote. He has previously survived three dance offs in weeks 3,4 and 7, eliminating *Blue* singer Lee Ryan, activist Katie Piper and television doctor Ranj Singh, respectively.
Vanessa Feltz

* Vanessa
* with James

**Vanessa Feltz** is an English television presenter and journalist, known for appearing in shows such as *Celebrity Big Brother* and *This Morning*. She competed in Series 11, partnered with James Jordan.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

Presenting topical chat shows on TV and radio for well for over a decade, Sony Radio Award-winning Vanessa Feltz has been dubbed 'the hardest working woman in broadcasting' due to her weekday radio commitments presenting on both Radio 2 and BBC London 94.9. But in 2013 our Strictly Judges will be looking for less chat chat chat from Vanessa... and more Cha Cha Cha!

"*When Chris Hollins and Ola Jordan did the Charleston I burst into tears, it was beautiful. I am a big fan – I really love the show*"
— Vanessa Feltz
Graduating with a first class honours degree at Cambridge University, Vanessa worked as a temp writing for The Daily Mirror and then on radio with BBC GLR (now BBC London 94.9).

Morning television beckoned and after replacing Lily Savage on Channel 4's *The Big Breakfast*, Vanessa landed her own self-titled talk show with ITV. A reported £2.7 million deal and a move to the BBC ensured Vanessa's role as queen of daytime TV in the late 1990s.

In 2001 she became a contestant on the first series of *Celebrity Big Brother*. Alongside her fiancé Ben Ofoedu, Vanessa has also appeared in Channel 4's *Celebrity Wife Swap*, teaming up with former Strictly contestant Paul Daniels and his wife Debbie McGee.

Vanessa has a winning streak on TV shows, securing £150,000 for a cancer charity on *Who Wants To Be a Millionaire* and £10,000 for Cancer Care as a victorious member of our own Anton Du Beke's team on BBC One game show *Hole in the Wall*.

She recently revealed her first kiss was with a famous BBC Radio 1 DJ. So will it all go Pete Tong on the Strictly dance floor for Vanessa? Or will Feltz Waltz away with the glitterball trophy?
Hayley Holt

**Hayley Holt** is a New Zealand snowboarder and ballroom dancer, who was a professional dancer on Strictly.

## Early Life

Holt was born in Auckland. She grew up in the Epson district of the city, and attended Epsom Girls' Grammar School.

## Career

### **Dancing Career**

Holt started Ballroom and Latin dancing at the age of seven, and was placed 19th in the Blackpool Rising Star Professional Ballroom Competition and was sixth in the US Open Rising Star Professional Ballroom Competition. She has also trained in Jazz dance and studied for many years with Candy Lane.Holt's professional dance partner is David Yeates.

Holt joined the second season of the New Zealand version of *Dancing with the Stars* in 2006, becoming the professional partner of swimmer Danyon Loader - the couple were eliminated in the semi-final. During the third season, Holt was the partner of basketball player Brendon Pongia and was again eliminated in the semi-final. In the fourth season, Holt was partnered with DJ Peter Urlich and was eliminated in episode three.

### **Boxing Career**

Holt has had two fights in the ring, both in 2011, both won by decision.

### **Political Career**

In 2016, Holt announced she would be contesting the 2017 general election for the Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand. On February 17, 2017 it was announced that she will stand in the Helensville electorate, held by retiring former Prime Minister John Key.

## Strictly Career

Holt participated in Series 6 as the professional partner of swimmer Mark Foster, where they placed 11th overall. She did not return for Series 7.
Flavia Cacace

**Flavia Cacace-Mistry** is an Italian-British professional dancer. She danced professionally with her partner Vincent Simone (they are branded when performing together as 'Vincent and Flavia'), and they both joined the *Strictly* professional lineup in 2006, which they were both involved in for 10 years.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

In 2011, Flavia was credited with bringing out Russell Grant's 'inner-diva', taking the former astrologer to week eight's Wembley spectacular, where he was shot out of a cannon across Strictly's biggest ever dancefloor.

"*I love the feeling of gliding across a dance floor to beautiful sensual music.*"
— Flavia Cacace
Flavia was born in Naples in southern Italy, but moved to Guildford in Surrey with her family when she was four. Her mum Rosaria is a housewife, and her father Roberto is a retired chef.

She started dancing at the age of 6 when she attended Saturday classes at a dance studio in Guildford. Flavia took to dancing extremely quickly, and began to take the junior medals (known as rosettes). At the age of 12, one of the teachers suggested that Flavia take part in competitions rather than continue with medals.

Several years later, Flavia met Vincent Simone (who had come over to England to find a partner), by pure coincidence as they were both having lessons from the same teacher.

Flavia and Vincent have been extremely successful on the competition circuit since starting to dance together thirteen years ago. They performed in places such as Singapore, Canada and Japan, before turning professional.
Pixie Lott

* Pixie
* with Trent

**Pixie Lott** is an English singer songwriter, with many songs, particularly "*All About Tonight*", reaching number 1 on the UK Singles Charts. She competed in Series 12, partnered with Trent Whiddon.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

With three top 10 albums and three number one singles, chart-topping pop princess, Victoria Louise Lott, aka Pixie Lott, is a singer-songwriter, actress and model, best known for her singles: *Mama Do (Uh Oh, Uh Oh)*, *Boys and Girls* and *All About Tonight*.

"*Whoever my dance partner ends up being needs to be prepared to go on the road with me and rehearse backstage and at festivals, so get your wellies out!*"
— Pixie Lott
Born in Bromley, her mum Beverley gave her the nickname Pixie as she was "such a tiny, cute baby who looked like a fairy"! But will she have the magic to become Ballroom Queen? We’ll have to wait to see if this Strictly story has a fairytale ending...

Expressing early musical promise, Pixie began singing at the age of just five, and by 11 she’d joined the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts. At 13, her first glimpse of fame flew her way when she starred in the West End production of *Chitty Chitty Bang Bang*. Just one year later, Pixie landed herself a manager - by pretending to be 16. And throughout her GCSE’s she worked on her first album – but, despite being ‘a lott’ to take on, this didn’t stop the singing scholar from scoring straight A’s.

By the time she actually did turn 16, Pixie was writing songs for artists as big as Alexandra Burke. Skip to 18, and she’d bagged two number-one hits, with *Mama Do* and *Boys and Girls*; a double-platinum debut album, *Turn It Up* and a full British tour. Since then she’s released another two albums: *Young Foolish Happy*, and *Pixie Lott*.

It isn’t only singing and acting that Pixie’s turned her talents to. She is also signed to model agency, Select; has been an X Factor judge; and has also designed her own fashion range, (including sequin-embellished shorts - how very Strictly!).

So no stranger to sequins, bright lights, or making every move she knows, will Pixie manage to Waltz her way to the top of the Strictly leaderboard and score a 10 from Len, or will her poptastic moves fail to translate to the Argentinian Tango? With a new pair of shoes and a new attitude, it’s all about the night!
Rhys Stephenson

* Rhys
* with Nancy

**Rhys Stephenson** is an English television presenter and actor. He has been a children's presenter on CBBC since 2016, presenting programmes such as *Blue Peter* and *Saturday Mash-Up!* and appeared on *the Dengineers*, *Remotely Funny* and *Newsround*.

Rhys was a contestant in Series 19, partnering the 2013 International Singapore Championship runner-up Nancy Xu and finished in 4th place after loosing to baker John Whaite in the last dance off of the series. He was the eleventh celebrity eliminated in the semi finals in a unanimous judges vote. Prior to his elimination, Rhys had found himself in the dance off in weeks 5, 9 and 10, eliminating England rugby player Ugo Monye, McFly singer Tom Fletcher and social media influencer Tilly Ramsay, respectively. He scored the first 10 of the series during Movie Week off Motsi Mabuse for his Couple's Choice routine and scored a perfect 40 for his Charleston in week eight. Throughout the competition, he topped the leader board twice in weeks 8 and 11, but only appeared once at the bottom; which was the week he was eliminated.
Chloe Hewitt

**Chloe Hewitt** was a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing.

## Biography

Chloe joined the cast of Strictly in 2016 alongside her professional partner AJ Pritchard. The pair have racked up trophies including British Open Youth Latin Champions, National Youth Latin Champions and European Open Youth Latin Champions. They became known to television audiences when they reached the semi-finals on the seventh series of *Britain's Got Talent* in 2013 at 17 and 18 years old.

## Strictly Career

When Chloe joined the show, she was the youngest female professional at just 21 years old. She was part of the professional dance troupe and participated in weekly group numbers. During the two years she was part of the cast, Chloe did not receive a celebrity partner on the main show. She did however take part in two special episodes. The first one was the Christmas Special 2016; where she partnered Series 5 third place finisher Gethin Jones. They danced the Quickstep to the theme tune of *The Polar Express*; and scored a 38 from the judges. She then appeared in the Children In Need 2017 Blue Peter Special; with Radzi Chinyanganya. For the special, all couples danced a group Jive where the judges choose Mark Curry & Amy Dowden as the winners.

## Gallery

Chloe & GethinChloe in 2016Chloe & Gethin's QuickstepRadzi & Chloe's JiveChloe in 2017
Lauren Steadman

* Lauren
* with AJ

**Lauren Steadman** is a British Paralympic athlete, who has competed in four Summer Paralympics, in both swimming and the paratriathlon. She won a silver medal at the 2016 games in the Women's PT4 and then a gold in the Women's PTS5 four years later in Tokyo.

Lauren was a contestant in Series 16, partnering British dancer AJ Pritchard and finished in 5th place after loosing to *The Pussycat Dolls* member Ashley Roberts in the dance off. She was the eleventh celebrity eliminated in the semi finals, in a unanimous judges vote. Lauren had not appeared in the bottom 2 prior to the week of her elimination.
Matt Goss

* Matt
* with Nadiya

**Matt Goss** was a contestant in Series 20, best known for being the lead singer of the 1980s pop group Bros. He was partnered with Nadiya Bychkova.

After being at the bottom of the leaderboard, he was eliminated in Week 4 after a dance off against Kym Marsh, in which all the judges chose to save Kym.

He had previously appeared in the dance off in Week 2, in which Kaye Adams was eliminated.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

Selling out stadiums, record sales in the millions, scooping up music awards... it's all in day's work for musician Matt Goss. Let's hope he can hit the same highs in our Ballroom!

Hailing from south London, Matt burst onto the music scene back in 1987 as part of band Bros, alongside his twin brother Luke and school friend Craig Logan. Their second single When Will I Be Famous catapulted them to global fame at lightning speed, and their debut album Push went seven-times platinum soon after.

Matt's career in Bros kept on climbing, and by 1989 they had won a BRIT Awards, sold out arena tours around the world and released several more singles, but bandmate Craig then decided to leave. While Matt and Luke continued to make music together for a while after his departure, the pair parted ways in 1992 to focus on solo endeavours.

As a solo artist, Matt's sold over five million records and has released five albums. He's also recently wrapped up a hugely successful Vegas residency, which began in 2009 at The Palms Casino Resort and concluded at The Mirage Hotel and Casino, with many years at the iconic Ceaser's Palace in between.

In 2016, Matt and his brother Luke regrouped for a one-off show at London's O2 arena, which sold out in a record seven seconds. The pair performed together 28 years to the day of their final show at Wembley Stadium in 1989, and documented their journey to the stage in BAFTA-winning 2018 documentary Bros: After The Screaming Stops.

The Strictly superfans among you may also remember Matt's appearance in our 2013 Christmas Special, where he danced the American Smooth and scored a fabulous 35. Nearly a decade later, he's back for another spin around our Ballroom and we cannot wait to watch him go!
Johannes Radebe

**Johannes Radebe** is a professional dancer on *Strictly*.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

Johannes earned his stripes on Strictly Come Dancing South Africa for two seasons, but in 2018 he packed his bags for the UK and joined our Strictly family!

His first year saw him take part in some amazing Pro performances, landing his first celebrity partner for the 2019 series in the form of Coronation Street star Catherine Tyldesley. The pair danced their way to Halloween, bowing out after performing a spooky Cha Cha Cha.

For his second stint in 2020, Johannes partnered up with actress Caroline Quentin, keeping us all entertained until Week Five. But 2021 saw him sail through to the Final with fabulous baker John Whaite, taking to the dance floor as the first ever all-male partnership in Strictly history and bringing us some iconic routines.

Johannes is back to bring joy to the Ballroom again for 2022, dancing with the delightful comedian and actor Ellie Taylor!

### Background

Johannes is no stranger to Glitterball glory, having reached the Final of *Strictly Come Dancing South Africa* twice!

But before he stepped into the world of Strictly, Johannes made moves as part of the Afro Arimba Dance Company, as well as being a two-time Professional South African Latin Champion and three-time South African Amateur Latin Champion.

So it's no surprise the UK came knocking for this talented dancer, and he couldn't be happier to be part of our Strictly family. “Joining Strictly Come Dancing is one of the greatest achievements of my dancing career," he said. "It is such an honour to be chosen to be a part of an incredible cast and be part of one of the biggest shows that is celebrated worldwide."
Len Goodman

**Len Goodman** was an English professional ballroom dancer, dance judge, and coach.

### *Strictly*

Goodman appeared as head judge on Strictly alongside Craig Revel Horwood, Bruno Tonioli and Arlene Phillips from the first series in 2004, and with Alesha Dixon (replacing Phillips) from 2009 to 2012, and Darcey Bussell (replacing Dixon) from 2012 to 2016.

Following the 2016 series, Goodman left the show, with the year's Christmas Special being his last appearance on the show. He was replaced by Shirley Ballas.

### *Dancing With the Stars*

*For Dancing With the Stars, see Len Goodman (DWTS)*

Alongside *Strictly*, Goodman has also appeared on Strictly's American adaptation, *Dancing with the Stars*, appearing with Carrie Ann Inaba and fellow Strictly Judge, Bruno Tonioli, from the show's inception in 2005, and for five seasons with a fourth judge Julianne Hough and then Derek Hough.

Despite leaving the Strictly judging panel in 2016, he continued to be on the judging panel for Dancing With the Stars as Head Judge, until Series 31.

## Trivia

* He never wanted to be a ballroom dancer. He left school at fifteen to become a welder, working on the docks for ship-building firms. His father urged him to try ballroom dancing again. When he was twenty, he broke his foot playing five-a-side after work, and the doctor suggested ballroom dancing as a way of rehabilitating it.
* Len was married to Cherry Kingston from 1972 to 1987.
* He was in a relationship with a woman named Lesley, with whom he has a son.
	+ His son, James William Goodman, was born in 1981.
* In 2012 he married his companion for over ten years, Sue Barrett.
* His favorite football team is West Ham.
	+ He was featured on the BBC football magazine show *Football Focus* in 2009.
* He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in March 2009.
	+ It was treated surgically in London, and he is now cancer free.
* He left Dancing With Stars in Series 31, as he wished to return to England and spend more time with his grandchildren.
* He sadly passed away from bone cancer in a hospice in Royal Tunbridge Wells, on 22 April 2023, just three days before what would have been his 79th birthday.

1. ↑ oprahmag.com
2. ↑ oprahmag.com