For years, Strictly Come Dancing has been providing TV audiences with Saturday night entertainment and some truly unforgettable performances.
First airing in 2004 with Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly as hosts, Strictly seemed like a celebrity reality TV show like any other.
But, the show soon became a huge national and international hit, with everyone from politicians to YouTubers taking on the challenge of learning to ballroom dance.
Along the way, there have been some performances you just can’t forget regardless of whether they’re worthy of a perfect 40 or burnt onto your brain for all the wrong reasons.
From the very best to the very, very worst, here are 12 of Strictly’s most memorable moments.
Ed Balls does “Gangnam Style”
When Ed Balls of “tweeting his own name” fame was announced as a contestant, it was assumed that he would be a joke act eliminated in one of the first weeks.
First airing in 2004 with Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly as hosts, Strictly seemed like a celebrity reality TV show like any other.
But, the show soon became a huge national and international hit, with everyone from politicians to YouTubers taking on the challenge of learning to ballroom dance.
Along the way, there have been some performances you just can’t forget regardless of whether they’re worthy of a perfect 40 or burnt onto your brain for all the wrong reasons.
From the very best to the very, very worst, here are 12 of Strictly’s most memorable moments.
Ed Balls does “Gangnam Style”
When Ed Balls of “tweeting his own name” fame was announced as a contestant, it was assumed that he would be a joke act eliminated in one of the first weeks.
- 9/6/2022
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - TV
Strictly Come Dancing's sister show It Takes Two is coming back bigger and better than ever before.
The show will be offering fans even more news and backstage gossip from the new series, with an extra hour-long edition on Friday nights in addition to its daily half-hour instalments.
Strictly Come Dancing 2015 winner: We rank the celebrities' chances of topping BBC One's dance-off
Host Zoë Ball will also be joined by Robin Windsor, Joanne Clifton, Karen Hardy and Ian Waite this year.
She said: "I can't wait to get back into the It Takes Two Glitterdome, my home from home, and dust off the sparkly shoes and jumpers and start grilling our glorious Strictly Class of 2015 daily on their trials and tribulations and tangos - and what a line up so far!
"I'm thrilled that my gorgeous dance partner Ian Waite and our Queen of Choreography Karen Hardy will...
The show will be offering fans even more news and backstage gossip from the new series, with an extra hour-long edition on Friday nights in addition to its daily half-hour instalments.
Strictly Come Dancing 2015 winner: We rank the celebrities' chances of topping BBC One's dance-off
Host Zoë Ball will also be joined by Robin Windsor, Joanne Clifton, Karen Hardy and Ian Waite this year.
She said: "I can't wait to get back into the It Takes Two Glitterdome, my home from home, and dust off the sparkly shoes and jumpers and start grilling our glorious Strictly Class of 2015 daily on their trials and tribulations and tangos - and what a line up so far!
"I'm thrilled that my gorgeous dance partner Ian Waite and our Queen of Choreography Karen Hardy will...
- 8/26/2015
- Digital Spy
After last week's Friday and Saturday night double-header, the BBC have decided this week to squeeze all 15 celebrities into a single bumper marathon show. Over two hours and 20 minutes to be precise.
There's more dancing tonight than when the Grease megamix comes on at a wedding disco.
Strictly Come Dancing: The full song and dance list for week two
Strictly week one: As it happened
Frankie and Kevin are currently sitting pretty at the top of the leaderboard, while Scott Mills is rooted to the bottom after a stinking time in week one. But that could all change tonight and we'll be bringing your our verdict on all the dazzling celebs as they perform.
Join us from 6.20pm when we'll be bringing you live updates on all the action.
20:33Thanks for joining us tonight. We'll be back next Saturday for more sparkles, dancing and silliness. See you in seven days time.
There's more dancing tonight than when the Grease megamix comes on at a wedding disco.
Strictly Come Dancing: The full song and dance list for week two
Strictly week one: As it happened
Frankie and Kevin are currently sitting pretty at the top of the leaderboard, while Scott Mills is rooted to the bottom after a stinking time in week one. But that could all change tonight and we'll be bringing your our verdict on all the dazzling celebs as they perform.
Join us from 6.20pm when we'll be bringing you live updates on all the action.
20:33Thanks for joining us tonight. We'll be back next Saturday for more sparkles, dancing and silliness. See you in seven days time.
- 10/4/2014
- Digital Spy
Darcey Bussell is to be the new judge on 'Strictly Come Dancing'. The 42-year-old dancer - who was once the Royal Ballet's principal dancer - will replace Alesha Dixon on the panel of the BBC One show after agreeing a £100,000 deal. Bosses were keen to get Darcey - who beat of competition from professional dancers Karen Hardy and Karen Bruce - as they thought she would be the best candidate and had to persuade her to temporarily quit her adopted home of Sydney, Australia. A source told The Sun newspaper: ''Darcey is a living legend as far as dancing is concerned -...
- 4/25/2012
- Virgin Media - TV
Choreographer Karen Bruce has been tipped to become a judge on Strictly Come Dancing. Bruce, who has also worked on the Take That musical Never Forget and So You Think You Can Dance, is reportedly the front runner to replace Alesha Dixon after impressing bosses with two screen tests. As well as being on the shortlist for the job, alongside Karen Hardy and previous winner Kara Tointon, she has also received backing from the show's professional dancers, The Sun reports. "Karen has really impressed bosses. She is gutsy and ballsy and not afraid to give (more)...
- 2/25/2012
- by By Colin Daniels
- Digital Spy
Karen Hardy is Digital Spy readers' pick to be the new Strictly Come Dancing judge. Following Alesha Dixon's exit from the BBC One talent show at the start of the year, Digital Spy's readers have been voting for who they believe should replace the pop singer on the panel. Hardy, a former pro dancer on the ballroom dance contest, picked up over 40% of the vote. Over 11,000 people voted in the poll in total. Ex-judge Arlene Phillips, who was controversially replaced by Dixon, has 23.4% of readers backing her for a surprise return. Other possibilities (more)...
- 2/7/2012
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Miranda Hart is reportedly in the frame to judge 'Strictly Come Dancing'. The 39-year-old comic is seen as a "startling" choice to replace Alesha Dixon - who has left to join the panel of ITV1 rival 'Britain's Got Talent' - because show chiefs don't want to go for an "obvious" choice, such as former contestants Kara Tointon or Zoe Ball, professional dancer Karen Hardy or former judge Arlene Philips. A source told the Daily Mail newspaper: "They're all so obvious. The producers want someone really startling. "Miranda is seen as a brilliant left-field choice. She totally loves the show and...
- 1/3/2012
- Virgin Media - TV
Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Karen Hardy has become the bookmakers' favourite to replace Alesha Dixon on the show's judging panel. The 'Boy Does Nothing' singer and former Strictly champion quit the BBC contest for ITV programme Britain's Got Talent earlier today (January 2). William Hill is offering odds of 4/6 that Hardy will join Len Goodman, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli on the panel next series. The ballroom pro competed on Strictly from 2005 to 2008, winning the 2006 competition with Mark Ramprakash. Hardy is followed in the betting by Darcey Bussell at 6/1 and Dirty Dancing actress Jennifer Grey with odds of 8/1. Both have made guests appearances on the Strictly panel in recent years. Dixon's predecessor Arlene Phillips, (more)...
- 1/2/2012
- by By Daniel Sperling
- Digital Spy
If these acts don’t buck up the ratings of BBC’s So You Think You Can Dance, then we don’t know what will!
Nigel Lythgoe has great connections (given that he is currently executive producer of the hugely popular American Idol and the Us version of Sytycd) and has managed to sign up The Black Eyed Peas, The Wanted and Jessie J to perform on upcoming episodes of the UK dance competition.
The Wanted will take to the stage first, performing on this weekend’s results show, which will see another two performers being voted off the show. Jessie J and the Black Eyed Peas will perform next week, May 14.
Moving on from last week’s Royal Wedding themed show, tonight the remaining dancers will take part in a group dance inspired by Hairspray and Strictly Come Dancing’s Karen Hardy will be in the studio, after working...
Nigel Lythgoe has great connections (given that he is currently executive producer of the hugely popular American Idol and the Us version of Sytycd) and has managed to sign up The Black Eyed Peas, The Wanted and Jessie J to perform on upcoming episodes of the UK dance competition.
The Wanted will take to the stage first, performing on this weekend’s results show, which will see another two performers being voted off the show. Jessie J and the Black Eyed Peas will perform next week, May 14.
Moving on from last week’s Royal Wedding themed show, tonight the remaining dancers will take part in a group dance inspired by Hairspray and Strictly Come Dancing’s Karen Hardy will be in the studio, after working...
- 5/7/2011
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Brian Capron has claimed that appearing on Strictly Come Dancing in 2007 was a "humiliating" experience. The former Coronation Street actor partnered Karen Hardy in 2007, but was booted off the show in the first elimination. Joking about his brief stint learning ballroom dancing, the soap star admitted that it kept him grounded. Speaking to WhatsOnStage about his experience on the reality show, he said: "Well the funny thing is (more)...
- 10/13/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
X factor boss Simon Cowell is said to be furious that the BBC have landed Take That stars Gary Barlow and Robbie Williams to perform on their first live show.
The full Take That lineup had been booked to appear on the X Factor later in the series and Cowell is said to be livid that the BBC will be allowed to showcase the boys’ new material first.
The Mirror reports that Cowell has now waged war on his rivals and told bosses to do “whatever it takes” to help The X Factor beat Strictly.
An X Factor insider said: “This was like waving a red flag in front of a bull for Simon. He’s a perfectionist, he wants to be the best and he hates to lose.”
A Strictly source said: “Getting Robbie and Gary on is just the start of an incredible series we’ve got planned.
The full Take That lineup had been booked to appear on the X Factor later in the series and Cowell is said to be livid that the BBC will be allowed to showcase the boys’ new material first.
The Mirror reports that Cowell has now waged war on his rivals and told bosses to do “whatever it takes” to help The X Factor beat Strictly.
An X Factor insider said: “This was like waving a red flag in front of a bull for Simon. He’s a perfectionist, he wants to be the best and he hates to lose.”
A Strictly source said: “Getting Robbie and Gary on is just the start of an incredible series we’ve got planned.
- 9/17/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Camilla Dallerup attending the Comfort Prima High Street Fashion Awards 2010 in London.Photo copyright by Landmark / PR Photos. Elen Rives attending the Comfort Prima High Street Fashion Awards 2010 in London.Photo copyright by Landmark / PR Photos. Lulu attending the Comfort Prima High Street Fashion Awards 2010 in London.Photo copyright by Landmark / PR Photos. Brendan Cole and guest attending the Comfort Prima High Street Fashion Awards 2010 in London.Photo copyright by Landmark / PR Photos. Elen Rives attending the Comfort Prima High Street Fashion Awards 2010 in London.Photo copyright by Landmark / PR Photos. 09/09/2010 - Karen Hardy and guest - Comfort Prima High Street Fashion Awards 2010 - Arrivals - Battersea Evolution...
- 9/13/2010
- by James Wray
- Monsters and Critics
One of the funniest moments on tonight’s Got To Dance show, was when 40 year old Karen Small auditioned for the judges.
Karen told the cameras:
“Dancing is my life and my aim is to win this! I’ve been dancing since I could walk, I have had lots of gigs all over the country.”
She then explained her claims to fame saying:
“I’ve danced with Right Said Fred and I even did the initial choreography for Atomic Kitten. Please vote for me girls!”
So Karen took to the stage and looked like my old mum trying to body pop. Of course she was furious when the judges all gave her red stars and demanded to know what she had done wrong.
Ashley Banjo tried to let her down gently by explaining that many of the other acts had been of a very high standard. But that wasn’t good enough for Karen.
Karen told the cameras:
“Dancing is my life and my aim is to win this! I’ve been dancing since I could walk, I have had lots of gigs all over the country.”
She then explained her claims to fame saying:
“I’ve danced with Right Said Fred and I even did the initial choreography for Atomic Kitten. Please vote for me girls!”
So Karen took to the stage and looked like my old mum trying to body pop. Of course she was furious when the judges all gave her red stars and demanded to know what she had done wrong.
Ashley Banjo tried to let her down gently by explaining that many of the other acts had been of a very high standard. But that wasn’t good enough for Karen.
- 1/3/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Chris Hollins has claimed that he doesn't care about the judge's scores on Strictly Come Dancing. The BBC Breakfast presenter and his professional partner Ola Jordan finished second on the leaderboard last Saturday, scoring 34 for their Charleston. However, former Strictly champion Karen Hardy claimed that Hollins had been undermarked for his performance because he wasn't considered a potential winner by the judges. Speaking about their performance on It Takes Two, the journalist said: "I don't know what I'm talking about, so I can't really say anything. But Karen actually texted me to say that I stole the show, which was really lovely. (more)...
- 12/3/2009
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Karen Hardy has claimed that fatigue is behind the recent bout of Strictly Come Dancing injuries. Actress Laila Rouass, soap star Ricky Whittle and ex-cricketer Phil Tufnell complained about ailments on last weekend's show, while athlete Jade Johnson was forced to pull out of performing her tango due to a problem with her knee. Hardy, who won the programme in 2006 with Mark Ramprakash, claimed that the celebrities are struggling with the demands placed on them by the BBC One reality show. "A lot of fatigue will be setting in," she told (more)...
- 11/18/2009
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
The Apprentice’ star Kate Walsh might have got further in the boardroom, but her boyfriend (and fellow ‘Apprentice’ star) Phil Taylor insists he’s going to be the boss of the ballroom!
‘Strictly’ pro-dancer Karen Hardy is giving dance fans Phil, 29, and Kate, 27, a treat with some expert dance classes. The pair are tango’ing every day this week on Kate’s show, ‘Live From Studio Five’, but after witnessing his first attempt, Little Miss Showbiz wasn’t impressed!
‘It’s not as bad as it looks, honest! I hate to admit it, but Miss Twinkletoes Walsh is better than me at the moment, I can’t believe it because I’m a mint dancer in nightclubs!’ laughed Phil. ‘I promise by the end of the week it will be a different story!’
And even the skin-tight, sparkly lycra outfits aren’t enough to put him off going on next year’s show.
‘Strictly’ pro-dancer Karen Hardy is giving dance fans Phil, 29, and Kate, 27, a treat with some expert dance classes. The pair are tango’ing every day this week on Kate’s show, ‘Live From Studio Five’, but after witnessing his first attempt, Little Miss Showbiz wasn’t impressed!
‘It’s not as bad as it looks, honest! I hate to admit it, but Miss Twinkletoes Walsh is better than me at the moment, I can’t believe it because I’m a mint dancer in nightclubs!’ laughed Phil. ‘I promise by the end of the week it will be a different story!’
And even the skin-tight, sparkly lycra outfits aren’t enough to put him off going on next year’s show.
- 11/10/2009
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Former Strictly Come Dancing star Karen Hardy has started teaching Apprentice duo Kate Walsh and Philip Taylor how to dance. The professional dancer has been training the reality TV couple how to tango on Walsh's talkshow Live From Studio Five. "Miss 'Twinkletoes' Walsh is better than me at the moment, I can't believe it because I'm a mint dancer in nightclubs!" Taylor told AOL. "I promise by the end of the week (more)...
- 11/10/2009
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Professional dancer Karen Hardy has tipped Ricky Groves to surprise viewers on this year's Strictly Come Dancing. Hardy, who won the show in 2006 with Mark Ramprakash, claimed that viewers would be wrong to presume that the ex-EastEnders star was going to be "the clown" of the series. Groves and Erin Boag scored 29 points on Saturday for their Paso Doble, with judge Bruno Tonioli describing him as being like "a bull in mating season". "Erin chose her choreography well. He had to match her arms, he knows his counts... there were a lot of hard moves," Hardy told It Takes (more)...
- 10/7/2009
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Former Strictly Come Dancing champion Karen Hardy has backed the decision to revamp the show's judging panel. The professional dancer, who triumphed with Mark Ramprakash in the 2006 series, admitted that she can understand why producers opted to axe Arlene Phillips in favour of Alesha Dixon this year. Speaking on Live From Studio Five, she commented: "Do you know what, there are so many judges in the world. If you limit it to four then you think that only four people have knowledge. Our world of dance has been around for 120 years and we have hundreds of professionals. "I think it's only fair that other people should be given a chance. Otherwise, (more)...
- 9/29/2009
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Former Strictly Come Dancing winner Karen Hardy has claimed that the standard of dancing on this year's show is "fantastic". The ex-World Masters Championships winner, who triumphed on the BBC One reality series with Mark Ramprakash in 2006, said that she was amazed by the opening week's performances. "The standard is amazing for one simple reason, they all had to do two dances in the first show," she told It Takes Two. "I was expecting lots of mistakes in the choreography, but other than one or two mistakes, they all made it through two dances - fantastic! "Because they had two dances in week one, the technique will not be that strong yet, so don’t penalise (more)...
- 9/23/2009
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Former Strictly Come Dancing champion Mark Ramprakash has revealed that he would like to appear as a judge on the show. The cricketer, who triumphed with professional dancer Karen Hardy on the 2006 series, suggested that the BBC could recruit him as a temporary replacement for head panellist Len Goodman. His comments come following the decision to axe Arlene Phillips from the panel in favour of 2007's winner Alesha Dixon. "I am available if the BBC ever want to give Len a bit of a rest and appoint (more)...
- 9/15/2009
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Lynda Bellingham has claimed that the Strictly Come Dancing ageism debate has got out of hand. The BBC One reality series was accused of favouring the young after it replaced judge Arlene Phillips with Alesha Dixon and axed professional dancer Karen Hardy. However, Bellingham argued that the criticism levelled at the show's producers is unjustified. "The whole ageism thing has got rather out of hand and is being taken out of proportion," she told Digital Spy. "It's an angle, but hopefully when the programme starts people will forget about all of that and just watch it for what it is - which is entertainment." The actress also explained that she is proud to be representing senior women on the show. She said: "I don't feel a pressure, I feel rather pleased to be representing them. I've just spent the year taking my clothes off (more)...
- 9/8/2009
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Loose Women panellist Lynda Bellingham has signed up for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing, a report claims. Producers hope that the 61-year-old actress's presence will defuse the current ageism row surrounding the show, according to The Mirror. This year's run has already sparked over 1,000 complaints from viewers before it has even begun. The decision to drop 66-year-old Arlene Phillips from the judging panel in favour of popstar Alesha Dixon, 30, has been criticised by fans, while the exit of professional dancer Karen Hardy, 39, has also been controversial. (more)...
- 8/17/2009
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Professional dancer Karen Hardy has confirmed that she will still be involved in the new series of Strictly Come Dancing. Tabloid reports claimed yesterday that she had been axed from the BBC reality show. Hardy admitted that she will not be on the show as normal, but revealed that she has been working with producers so that she can participate in the new series in some capacity. "I'm discussing new ways I can be involved in the show this year," she told The Sun. Meanwhile, the BBC has rubbished claims that Hardy's departure is anything to do (more)...
- 8/4/2009
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Professional dancer Karen Hardy has been axed from Strictly Come Dancing after four series, a report claims. According to The Mirror, bosses have decided to drop the 39-year-old and other experienced stars in favour of younger faces. More departures are expected to be confirmed before the new series launches in the autumn. The move leaves the BBC open to fresh allegations of ageism amid the continuing controversy surrounding 66-year-old Arlene Phillips, who was recently sacked from the judging panel and replaced by popstar Alesha Dixon, 30. An insider revealed: "Karen is gone and it is no surprise seeing what is happening to older females at the BBC. As far as the bosses are concerned they are keeping (more)...
- 8/3/2009
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Former Strictly Come Dancing champion Mark Ramprakash has said that this Saturday's final is impossible to predict. The cricketer, who won the contest with Karen Hardy in 2006, said that Lisa Snowdon, Rachel Stevens and Tom Chambers have all improved greatly as the competition has progressed. "They're so hard to separate," he told Claudia Winkleman on Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two. (more)...
- 12/18/2008
- by By Michael Thornton
- Digital Spy
Gary Rhodes has become the latest contestant to be voted off Strictly Come Dancing. The celebrity chef and dance partner Karen Hardy ended up in the bottom two alongside Mark Foster and Hayley Holt after failing to impress the judges and public with their jive on Saturday's show. Judge Arlene Phillips said of their performance: "Enthusiasm - yes! You need to stop counting in your head, feel the rhythm and dance. Your footwork was kind of as flat as a pancake." Len Goodman added: "You had terrible comments a couple of weeks ago and (more)...
- 10/5/2008
- by By Michael Thornton
- Digital Spy
Gary Rhodes has hit back at Craig Revel Horwood's criticism of his performances on Strictly Come Dancing. The TV chef was slated by Horwood in week one of the competition before being awarded just one point from the judge for his routine with dance partner Karen Hardy. "It's like jumping from the frying pan into the fire being in Strictly," Rhodes told The People. "The first week Craig gave me a complete battering and was vicious. I only had ten hours of dancing time to learn last night's jive. "He should come into one of (more)...
- 10/5/2008
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
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