Memorable Moments from 20 Years of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’

‘Strictly Come Dancing,’ the BBC’s popular ballroom dance competition, celebrates its 20th anniversary on May 15, 2024. Over the past two decades, the show has delivered numerous unforgettable moments, from dazzling performances to hilarious mishaps. Below are some highlights that have defined the program’s history.

  • Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice’s Silent Dance (2021): EastEnders actor Rose Ayling-Ellis, the show’s first deaf contestant, performed a Bafta-winning Couple’s Choice with Giovanni Pernice. Their dance to “Symphony” by Clean Bandit included a poignant silent segment, paying tribute to the deaf community and leaving judges and viewers in tears.

  • Ed Balls and Katya Jones’s Gangnam Style Salsa (2016): Former Labour politician Ed Balls, guided by Katya Jones, surprised everyone with a salsa to Psy’s “Gangnam Style.” Judges described it as the “best worst dance,” with Craig Revel Horwood summing it up as “O, M, G.”

  • Jill Halfpenny’s Perfect Jive (2004): In the series two final, Jill Halfpenny and Darren Bennett’s energetic jive to Elton John’s “I’m Still Standing” scored the first ever perfect 40 in the show’s history.

  • Russell Grant’s Cannon Stunt (2011): Astrologer Russell Grant was fired from a cannon for a jive performance during a special show at Wembley for Children in Need, a spectacle that didn’t save him from elimination.

  • Angela Rippon’s High Kick (2023): At 79, Angela Rippon became ‘Strictly’s’ oldest contestant. Her striking leg lift with Kai Widdrington in their first dance captivated audiences and made headlines.

  • Danny Mac’s Full-Score Samba (2016): Actor Danny Mac and Oti Mabuse’s samba to Sérgio Mendes’ “Magalenha” earned the first perfect score for a samba in the show’s history.

  • Ann Widdecombe’s Samba (2010): Former MP Ann Widdecombe, dressed in yellow feathers, had a memorable but awkward samba performance that was likened to a motorway accident by head judge Len Goodman.

  • Mark Ramprakash’s Mike Mishap (2006): Cricket star Mark Ramprakash’s microphone got entangled in his partner Karen Hardy’s dress mid-salsa. Host Bruce Forsyth intervened, untangling the pair and ensuring the dance continued smoothly.

  • Bill Bailey’s Street Dance (2020): Comedian Bill Bailey and Oti Mabuse’s street dance to “Rapper’s Delight” defied expectations, earning praise and making Bailey the oldest champion at 55.

  • Johannes Radebe’s Same-Sex Dance (2019): Johannes Radebe and Graziano Di Prima performed a poignant same-sex dance during a group number to Emeli Sandé’s “Shine,” a moment Radebe described as empowering.

These moments, among many others, have solidified ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ as a staple of British television, offering a mix of talent, humor, and emotion over its twenty-year run.