Advertisement

Strictly Come Dancing winners: All the celebrity glitterball champions so far

Ellie Leach is the youngest winner in Strictly history

Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola are the winners of Strictly Come Dancing 2023 (BBC)
Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola are the winners of Strictly Come Dancing 2023. (BBC)

Strictly Come Dancing has reached its 21st series. Can you remember all the celebrities who took home the glitterball trophy over the past 20 series, and their memorable dances that helped them win?

Not to mention the stand-out comedy contestants and the Strictly curse rumours... Here's a quick reminder but first, here is the 2023 winner lifting the Glitter Ball trophy.

Series 21, 2023: Ellie Leach - former Coronation Street actor

Runners up: Actor Layton Williams and EastEnders star Bobby Brazier

Dance partner: Vito Coppola

Most memorable moments: Leach dedicated her win to Coppola, saying: "For once, you're crying more than me." The youngest Strictly winner ever has been on an incredible journey and she impressed the nation with her improvements each week. Finalist Layton Williams fought the trolls and stayed positive after he faced a lot of criticism for his previous dance experience. Plus, Bobby Brazier paid an emotional tribute to his late mum Jade Goody by dedicating one of his dances to her.

Series 20, 2022: Hamza Yassin - wildlife cameraman and CBeebies star

Hamza Yassin lifted the Glitterball trophy with partner Jowita Przystal in Strictly 2022. (BBC)
Hamza Yassin lifted the Glitterball trophy with partner Jowita Przystal in Strictly 2022. (BBC)

Runners up: TV presenter Helen Skelton, singer Fleur East and CBBC star Molly Rainford

Dance partner: Jowita Przystal

Most memorable moments: The judges and viewers all fell for Yassin's humble attitude as he struggled to accept praise after dazzling on the dancefloor with his moves and his mesmerising hair. Helen Skelton also attracted a lot of attention, as the working single-mother of three young kids shook off her split from her rugby player ex amid allegations he had cheated on her. Her feisty Couples Choice dance to Mein Herr from Cabaret was dubbed her 'revenge dance'. Strictly judge Shirley Ballas spoke out after being trolled for her comments on performances, and footballer Tony Adams made headlines when he and partner Katya Jones were caught on camera arguing during the live show.

Career direction post-show: Following his success Yassin has been rumoured to be in line to become the 'new David Attenborough'. He has since appeared on Countryfile and Attenborough's Wild Isles. In April it was announced he will front his first solo wildlife documentary, a one hour film about his top 10 birds of prey.

Strictly curse rumours: Yassin looked at partner Jowita Przysral with such adoration there was speculation that love might have bloomed, but she was later linked to professional dancer Giovanni Pernice. The love that blossomed that years was between two contestants - TV presenter and DJ Tyler West and CBBC star Molly Rainford.

Series 19, 2021: Rose Ayling-Ellis - EastEnders actor

Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice during the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour
Rose Ayling-Ellis is the reigning champion of Strictly Come Dancing after winning the contest in 2021. (Getty Images)

Runners up: Great British Bake Off winner John Whaite and TV presenter AJ Odudu

Dance partner: Giovanni Pernice

Most memorable moments: Whaite became part of Strictly Come Dancing's first all-male couple with Johannes Radebe. They were emotional in rehearsal and masterful on the dancefloor. Finalist AJ Odudu showed incredible skill from the off, but was sadly unable to compete in the final after injuring her leg. But the highlight of the series was Ayling-Ellis' Couple's Choice dance to Symphony by Clean Bandit - giving viewers a glimpse into what it is like to dance when you can't hear the music.

Career direction post-show: Ayling-Ellis left EastEnders, having won an NTA for her performance. She has helped launched the world's first hearing aid Barbie, front a BBC documentary, and no doubt has a pile of offers to choose from for her next move.

Strictly curse rumours: Rumours were abundant that Ayling-Ellis and Odudu had both fallen for their dance partners. And it was speculated Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty and Katya Jones had 'almost kissed' at the end of their passionate Argentine Tango. Peaty has now announced his split from his girlfriend of three years, with whom he shares a young son.

Series 18, 2020: Bill Bailey - actor and comedian

Bill Bailey and Oti Mabuse won the contest in 2020. (BBC)
Bill Bailey and Oti Mabuse won the dance contest in 2020 by being fabulous and fun. (BBC)

Runners up: CBBC star HRVY, EastEnders actor Maisie Smith and Made In Chelsea's Jamie Laing

Dance partner: Oti Mabuse

Most memorable moments: 2020 was a funny old year for lots of reasons. Strictly viewers love a comedy contestant - but the judges don't usually score them to go the distance. However, musician Bailey had all the right moves, and after a year in lockdown everyone needed a laugh. Bailey's win made Mabuse the first ever dancer to win the show two years in a row. And boxer Nicola Adams became part of the first same-sex couple with Katya Jones.

Career direction post-show: Bailey made a strong bid to represent the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest, and perhaps he will someday. In the meantime, he has comedy tours and acting roles to keep him busy.

Strictly curse rumours: Strictly no kissing amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Series 17, 2019: Kelvin Fletcher - Emmerdale actor

Kelvin Fletcher is paired with Oti Mabuse (Credit: BBC)
Kelvin Fletcher was a back-up contestant, but ending up winning with Oti Mabuse. (BBC)

Runners up: EastEnders actor Emma Barton and CBBC presenter Karim Zeroual

Dance partner: Oti Mabuse

Most memorable moments: Soap actor Fletcher was drafted in at the 11th hour after reality star Jamie Laing pulled out due to injury. The ladies loved him and he went from rank-outsider to champion with a number of steamy performances.

Career direction post-show: Fletcher had played Andy Sugden in Emmerdale since he was 12. But after his dance moves proved he could do a lot more than he's had a string of drama roles, including opposite Sheridan Smith in The Teacher.

Strictly curse rumours: This year the rumours were that goalkeeper David James and his pro partner Nadiya Bychkova were more than just friends after a post on social media showed him kissing her on top of the head.

Series 16, 2018: Stacey Dooley - TV presenter

Stacey Dooley, Dr Ranj Singh, Joe Sugg, Graeme Swann, Aljaz Skorjanec, Pasha Kovalev, AJ Pritchard, Giovanni Pernice, Graziano Di Prima and Johannes Radebe attend the photocall for the 'Strictly Come Dancing' live tour at Arena Birmingham on 17 January 2019 in Birmingham, England. Picture date: Thursday 17 January, 2019. Photo credit: Katja Ogrin/ EMPICS Entertainment.
Stacey Dooley was crowned the Strictly champion in 2018. (PA)

Runners up: Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts, Steps' Faye Tozer and Youtube star Joe Sugg

Dance partner: Kevin Clifton

Most memorable moments: Everyone thought professional dancer Ashley Roberts had the glitterball in the bag, but Dooley won over the judges and the viewers with her determination and down-to-earth demeanour. Not to mention the sizzling chemistry she had with Clifton...

Career direction post-show: Already known to a younger audience for her BBC Three investigative documentaries, Dooley's danced her way to a flagship role at the Beeb - presenting The One Show, make-up contest Glow Up and even Panorama. But she did get in trouble with the corporation for breaching advertising rules as the face of a well-known hair dye brand.

Strictly curse rumours: Where to start?! Influencer Joe Sugg is now in a relationship with his partner Dianne Buswell, and Dooley split from her boyfriend of three years and is now expecting a baby with Clifton. But the big drama was around married dancer Katya Jones being photographed sharing a kiss with comedian Seann Walsh. They both apologised, but his then girlfriend spoke out about being gaslit. A year later Jones split from her dancer husband Neil Jones.

Series 15, 2017: Joe McFadden - Holby actor

Joe McFadden and Katya Jones during the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour.
Joe McFadden and Katya Jones were the winners of Strictly Come Dancing in 2017. (Getty Images)

Runners up: Singer Alexandra Burke, TV presenter Debbie McGee and soap star Gemma Atkinson

Dance partner: Katya Jones

Most memorable moments: McFadden was never the judge's favourite - but he won viewer votes for entertaining and became the oldest winner at 42. It was a year for showing age is just a number as newly-widowed Debbie McGee was the oldest celeb to make the final at 63.

Career direction post-show: McFadden appeared on Strictly as his character, surgeon Raf, was about to be killed off in Holby. He has continued to work in theatre and TV but no major roles have materialised.

Strictly curse rumours: Gemma Atkinson met her now husband Gorka Marquez through the show. They were not partnered together but began dating shortly afterwards.

Series 14, 2016: Ore Oduba - CBBC presenter

Karen Clifton and Ore Oduba attend the photocall for the 'Strictly Come Dancing' live tour.
Ore Oduba toe-tapped his way to victory in 2016. (Getty Images)

Runners up: Hollyoaks actor Danny Mac and singer Louise Redknapp

Dance partner: Joanne Clifton

Most memorable moments: Oduba faced tough competition from soap hunk Mac, but entertained the audience with slick moves to hits including Singin' In The Rain not to mention his Jive to Runaway Baby by Bruno Mars. Meanwhile, singer Will Young sensationally quit the show after three weeks. And this was also the year Labour MP Ed Balls swapped politics for reality TV and Judge Rinder stepped out from behind his bench to win legions of fans.

Career direction post-show: Oduba started out on kids show Newsround and moved into sports presenting. But with his Strictly fame he landed guest slots on This Morning, launched a West End and panto career and even made his TV acting debut in BBC drama Noughts + Crosses in 2020.

Strictly curse rumours: Louise Redknapp's shock split from footballer and sports presenter Jamie Redknapp after 19 years of marriage was blamed on the curse, when they announced their split in September 2017.

Series 13, 2015: Jay McGuiness - singer with boyband The Wanted

The Wanted's Jay McGuiness on the dancefloor
The Wanted's Jay McGuiness was the fan's Strictly winner in 2017. (PA)

Runners up: Corrie's Georgia May Foote and EastEnders actor Kellie Bright

Dance partner: Aliona Vilani

Most memorable moments: Kellie Bright was the judges' favourite, with top scores throughout most of the series. But McGuiness's Jive to You Never Can Tell from Pulp Fiction was a knock out and has been viewed on Youtube over 7 million times. Goes to show boyband fans can help you win Strictly.

Career direction post-show: The singer launched a West End career, starring in Big: The Musical, and in 2021 reunited with The Wanted.

Strictly curse rumours: Georgia May Foote split from Corrie co-star Shayne Ward and began dating dancer partner Giovanni Pernice. They didn't last the year though. And Call The Midwife's Helen George also split from her husband of three years during the show.

Series 12, 2014: Caroline Flack - TV presenter

Caroline Flack dancing on Strictly
Caroline Flack was the first and only celebrity to score thee perfect 40s in the Strictly final. (AP)

Runners up: The Saturdays singer Franke Bridge and Blue's Simon Webbe

Dance partner: Pasha Kovalev

Most memorable moments: Caroline Flack is hailed as one of the best dancers ever to compete on Strictly. She will forever be remembered for her breath-taking Charleston and becoming the first contestant to receive three perfect 40s in the live final.

Career direction post-show: It seemed the only was up for Flack after wowing on the dancefloor. She went from Xtra Factor presenter to hosting the main show, starred in West End musicals including Chicago, and then landed the job of presenting ITVs flagship dating show Love Island. But her life was tragically cut short at the age of 40 in February 2020. Flack took her own life following intense public scrutiny after she was charged with assaulting her boyfriend, a case he did not wish to pursue.

Strictly curse rumours: Gossip was flying that rugby player Thom Evans had fallen for his partner Iveta Lukosiute, but they insisted they were just good friends.

Series 11, 2013: Abbey Clancy - model and football WAG

Abbey Clancy and Aljaz Skorjanec rehearse for the Strictly Come Dancing semi-finals at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire.
Abbey Clancy and Aljaz Skorjanec pulled some impressive moves to win Strictly Come Dancing in 2013. (PA)

Runners up: Corrie actor Natalie Gumede and BBC Breakfast host Susanna Reid

Dance partner: Aljaz Skorjanec

Most memorable moments: While Clancy faced tough competition from Gumede she proved to be a technically brilliant dancer - most notably for her Salsa to You Should Be Dancing from Saturday Night Fever. But this year was most memorable for being Sir Bruce Forsyth's last as fulltime host of the main show.

Career direction post-show: Clancy had already dabbled in TV presenting. But after winning Strictly she was made the host of Britain's Next Top Model, the show she began her career on in 2006.

Strictly curse rumours: Relationships were dropping like flies that series. Countdown's Rachel Riley split from her husband of just 15 months during the show and is now married to her dance partner Pasha Kovalev and they have two children. Rugby player Ben Cohen ended up splitting up from his wife of 11 years and now has a baby with his dance partner, Kristina Rihanoff. And Susanna Reid split from her partner of 16 years, with whom she shares three sons.

Series 10, 2012 - Louis Smith, Olympic gymnast

Louis Smith and Ola Jordan during a photocall for Strictly Come Dancing-Live Tour at the NIA, Birmingham. Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour comes to Birmingham on Friday, January 18th for the first night of the 2013 UK tour.   (Photo by Rui Vieira/PA Images via Getty Images)
Oylmpic gymnast Louis Smith had a spring in his step after clinching the glitterball in 2012. (Getty Images)

Runners up: Denise van Outen and Girls Aloud singer Kimberley Walsh

Dance partner: Flavia Cacace

Most memorable moments: Viewers were outraged that Van Outen was signed up as she had a dance background, having trained at the Sylvia Young Theatre School and she consistently topped the leaderboard for the judges. But fresh from his Olympic success Smith won over the viewers with his gymnastic stunts and bulging muscles to add a glitterball to his trophy collection.

Career direction post-show: Smith retired from gymnastics after Strictly, only to come out of retirement a year later for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. He's dabbled in musicals and in 2021 won the first series of The Masked Dancer as Carwash.

Strictly curse rumours: Everyone had their game face on in 2012.

Series 9, 2011: Harry Judd - singer with boyband McFly

Harry Judd and Aliona Vilani perform in the final dress rehearsal for the opening of the 'Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour' at the NIA, Birmingham.   (Photo by David Jones/PA Images via Getty Images)
It was all about Harry Judd in Series nine. (Getty Images)

Runners up: Waterloo Road star Chelsee Healey and singer and actor Jason Donovan

Dance partner: Aliona Vilani

Most memorable moments: Judd really played up to his boyband fans seeking every opportunity to flash the flesh with bare-chested performances. Though Neighbours star Donovan topped the leaderboard many more times, the McFly fans were determined to show the judges it was all about Judd.

Career direction post-show: Judd continues to have a successful pop career with McFly, touring with the band and releasing a new album in 2020. He has made several appearances on celebrity quiz shows

Strictly curse rumours: Looked like the 2010 contestants had used up all the chemistry.

Series 8, 2010: Kara Tointon - EastEnders actor

Kara Tointon (R) and Artem Chigvintsev attend a photocall ahead of the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour 2011 at Nottingham Capital FM Arena on January 14, 2011 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Michelle Moore/WireImage)
Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev shared a kiss on air after being declared the winners in 2010. (Getty Images)

Runners up: Blue Peter's Matt Baker and psychologist wife of Sir Billy Connolly Pamela Stephenson

Dance partner: Artem Chigvintsev

Most memorable moments: While Tointon was an early favourite to win the series, she wasn't really the star of the show. The spotlight was on 63-year-old retired Tory MP Anne Widdicombe - who was dragged about the dancefloor every week by partner Anton du Beke like a sequinned bag of potatoes in the name of entertainment. By becoming the jesters of the show they managed to make it to sixth place.

Career direction post-show: Tointon has had a very successful acting career since becoming a Strictly champion on both stage and screen, with memorable roles including ITV costume drama Mr Selfridge with Jeremy Piven.

Strictly curse rumours: You could cut the sexual tension on the dancefloor between Tointon and Chigvintsev with a knife - and when they won they celebrated with a kiss live on air. The pair went on to date for four years before splitting in 2014. This was also the year Flavia Cacace split from Matt di Angelo as she had fallen for her latest celebrity partner - another EastEnders actor Jimi Mistry, to whom she is now married.

Series 7, 2009: Chris Hollins - BBC Breakfast presenter

Chris Hollins, winner of Strictly Come Dancing, with the trophy during a photocall in Battersea Park, London.
BBC Breakfast's Chris Hollins took home the glitterball trophy in 2009. (PA)

Runners up: Hollyoaks actors Ricky Whittle and Ali Bastian

Dance partner: Ola Jordan

Most memorable moments: Hollins was the lowest scoring finalist, with soap hunk Whittle consistently beating his scores. But the TV presenter's energy and enthusiasm won over the viewers and he never once had to compete in the dance off.

Career direction post-show: Hollins has gone on to present Cash In The Attic, Watchdog and Secret Britain.

Strictly curse rumours: This was the year boxer Joe Calzaghe took part in the dance contest and split with his girlfriend of five years, Jo-Emma Larvin to date his dance partner Kristina Rihanoff. They split in 2013. Runner-up Ali Bastian also dated her dance partner Brian Fortuna for a year after the show.

Series 6, 2008: Tom Chambers - Holby actor

Camilla Dallerup And Tom Chambers At Strictly Come Dancing Live!
Holby star Tom Chambers was the lowest scoring finalist, but still the fans' favourite in 2008. (Getty Images)

Runners up: S Club 7's Rachel Stevens and TV presenter Lisa Snowdon

Dance partner: Camilla Dallerup

Most memorable moments: The highlight of the show was political correspondent John Sergeant, partnered with Kristina Rihanoff, who sensationally quit the show in Week 10 after becoming the first contestant to keep being voted in for comedy value. He said: "The trouble is that there is now a real danger that I might win the competition. Even for me that would be a joke too far." Meanwhile, dishy doctor heartthrob Chambers controversially scored the lowest with the judges in the final. But the viewers showed their love and voted him the winner.

Career direction post-show: Chambers has since starred in school drama Waterloo Road, reprised his role as doctor Sam Strachan in Holby spin-off Casualty and starred in crime drama Father Brown and Emmerdale.

Strictly curse rumours: Not a year for romance.

Series 5, 2007: Alesha Dixon - singer with girlband Mis-Teeq

Alesha Dixon
Alesha Dixon won Strictly Come Dancing in 2007 and went on to become a judge on the show. (PA)

Runners up: EastEnders' Matt Di Angelo and Blue Peter presenter Gethin Jones

Dance partner: Matthew Cutler

Most memorable moments: Dixon totally wowed the judges from the off receiving top scores and gushing comments, including being likened to famous French dancer Josephine Baker by Bruno Tonioli. She received 4.5million votes in the final.

Career direction post-show: Dixon had worried doing a reality show might harm her music career, but after her glitterball success she got her first solo Top 10 hit and landed her own TV show. She went on to become a Strictly judge herself in 2009, sparking a BBC ageism scandal as she ousted choreographer Dame Arlene Phillips, who was 66 at the time. And Dixon has continued to have a very successful TV career - judging Britain's Got Talent since 2012.

Strictly curse rumours: Dixon may have just got divorced from So Solid Crew's Harvey, but it was not her who became the centre of romance rumours that year. Runner-up Matt Di Angelo began dating his dance partner Flavia Cacace, causing her to split from long-term dance partner and boyfriend of eight years, Vincent Simone.

Series 4, 2006: Mark Ramprakash - cricketer

Cricketer Mark Ramprakash and Karen Hardy perform during the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2007 awards, at the NEC in Birmingham.
Cricketer Mark Ramprakash and Karen Hardy perform during the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2007 awards, at the NEC in Birmingham.

Runners up: Rugby player Matt Dawson and Spice Girl Emma Bunton

Dance partner: Karen Hardy

Most memorable moments: Ramprakash demonstrated Darren Gough was not the only cricketer who had rhythm, topping the leaderboard multiple times before becoming the only celebrity to score a perfect 40 in the series, with his Hot Hot Hot Salsa in the final.

Career direction post-show: Despite demonstrating he was technically better at dancing than Gough, Ramprakash went back to playing cricket after Strictly. He retired in 2012, received an MBE for services to sport in 2013 and is now a coach.

Strictly curse rumours: It was all cricket in series four.

Series 3, 2005: Darren Gough - cricketer

Darren Gough with his partner Lilia Kopylova during the final dress rehearsal for the first ever tour of Strictly Come Dancing Live! at the SECC in Finnieston, Glasgow.   (Photo by Michael Boyd - PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images)
Darren Gough was the first male winner of Strictly back in series three. (PA)

Runners up: Athlete Colin Jackson and radio DJ Zoe Ball

Dance partner: Lilia Kopylova

Most memorable moments: Zoe Ball and her partner Ian Whaite were the judges' favourites in series three, consistently topping the leaderboard. But Gough was clearly a hit with viewers as he and Kopylova won the show despite never achieving a top score during the entire series.

Career direction post-show: Since his win Gough has had a successful presenting career, including on A Question Of Sport and Talk Sport.

Strictly curse rumours: The sparks did not fly that year.

Series 2, December 2004: Jill Halfpenny - EastEnders actor

Contestants Jill Halfpenny and Darren Bennet during the final of BBC show Strictly Come Dancing at Blackpool Tower in Blackpool.
Jill Halfpenny was the first Glitterball winner to score a perfect 40 for her dancing. (PA)

Runners up: Athlete Denise Lewis and comedian Julian Clary

Dance partner: Darren Bennett

Most memorable moments: Halfpenny and Bennett became the first couple to score a perfect 40 for their Jive to Elton John's I'm Still Standing in the final. And in a Christmas special which saw them pitted against former winners Kaplinsky and Cole, it was Halfpenny who was crowned the 'Ultimate Champion'.

Career direction post-show: Having starred in soaps Coronation Street and EastEnders, winning Strictly helped Halfpenny to bag her first starring musical role in the West End as Roxie Hart in Chicago. She has continued to have a successful acting career on TV and the stage.

Strictly curse rumours: Nothing to see here.

Series 1, July 2004: Natasha Kaplinsky - BBC newsreader

Strictly Come Dancing's first  winners Natasha Kaplinsky and Brendan Cole in 2004. (Getty Images)
Strictly Come Dancing's first ever winners Natasha Kaplinsky and Brendan Cole in 2004. (Getty Images)

Runners up: EastEnders actor Christopher Parker and opera singer Lesley Garrett

Dance partner: Brendan Cole

Most memorable moments: Their high-scoring Samba in week five to Love Is In The Air, which sparked those romance rumours, along with their sizzling Rumba to Endless Love and seizing the glitterball trophy with their showdance to (I've Had) The Time of My Life from the movie Dirty Dancing.

Career direction post-show: Kaplinsky went on to become the third (and youngest at the time) woman to host the Ten O'Clock News, before being poached from the BBC by Channel Five to relaunch their news programme for a rumoured annual salary of over a million pounds.

Strictly curse rumours: The origins of the Strictly Curse date right back to the chemistry on the dancefloor between Kaplinsky and Cole. They never admitted the rumours of a romance at the time but Cole did end his engagement to fellow Strictly pro Camilla Dallerup during the series.