Since its premiere in 2004, Strictly Come Dancing has remained one of the BBC's most eagerly-awaited entertainment shows. Every year, audiences around the world look forward to seeing their favorite contestants take to the dance floor and battle for the coveted trophy. To date, after 19 seasons, there have been 19 celebrities crowned with the famous Glitterball Trophy. From comedians to newsreaders, the winners of the dancing competition have proved they have a common flair for dancing despite coming from different backgrounds. Here, we look back at all 19 celebrities who have won the hit show through the years.
Strictly Come Dancing: Who has won the show through the years
Series 19 - Rose Ayling-Ellis (2021)
The newest winner of the popular series, Rose Ayling-Ellis went down in history as the first deaf contestant to join and win Strictly Come Dancing. Her deafness just couldn't stop the 27-year-old actress and her partner Giovanni bring the Argentine tango to the finale before lifting the Glitterball Trophy. Prior to rising to stardom in Strictly, Rose was already a prominent actress who was famous for her role as Frankie Lewis in EastEnders. Other short films that the English actress starred in include The Quiet Ones and Reverberations. Despite winning the popular show, Rose has largely kept her private light away from the limelight.
Series 18 – Bill Bailey (2020)
In the 2020 series of Strictly Come Dancing, Bill Bailey, whose real name is Robert Bailey, shocked everyone as he became the oldest winner in the show's history at age 55. Prior to beating EastEnders star Maisie Smith, pop star HRVY and Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing to lift the Glitterball Trophy with partner Oti Mabuse, Bailey was already a famous actor, comedian, and author. He has starred in various films and TV shows, such as Hot Fuzz, Chalet Girl, Bill Bailey: Part Troll, and Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang.
Series 17 - Kelvin Fletcher (2019)
English actor and model Kelvin Fletcher entered the 17th season of Strictly without many expectations from the audience. In fact, he was only a last-minute addition to the show after reality TV star Jamie Laing injured his foot. However, his excellent performance wowed the audience week after week. In the end, Kelvin and his dance partner Oti Mabuse (who later won again in 2019 with Bill Bailey) became the winners and favorite stars of Strictly. Prior to lifting the Glitterball Trophy, Kelvin was an actor with roles in a number of TV shows such as Emmerdale and Three Seven Eleven.
Series 16 - Stacey Dooley (2018)
After beating fans' favorite Joe Sugg and runner-ups Faye Tozer and Ashley Roberts in a stiff finale, Stacey Dooley and dance partner Kevin Clifton became the champions of Strictly Come Dancing 2018. Dooley, who rose to fame in 2008 with her role in the documentary Blood, Sweat and T-shirts, is an English journalist, broadcaster and documentary filmmaker. In 2018, she was a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition of her contribution to broadcasting. Throughout her career, she has been making documentaries about social issues for BBC Three.
Series 15 - Joe McFadden (2017)
British actor Joe McFadden entered the 17th season of the show not as a fan's favorite. However, against all odds, he ended up winning the dance competition after beating Alexandra Burke, Debbie McGee, and Gemma Atkinson in the final. The 46-year-old is a TV actor with prominent roles in Holby City, The House on Cold Hill, Dad Savages, and Small Faces.
Series 14 - Ore Oduba (2016)
Season 14 of Strictly Come Dancing saw TV and radio presenter Ore Oduba become the champions alongside dance partner Joanne Clifton. In the final, Oduba topped the leaderboard after scoring 39, 40, and 40 for his last three routines, beating Louise Redknapp and ex Hollyoaks star Danny Mac to lift the trophy. Following his triumph, Oduba returned to his profession as a BBC One presenter of shows like And They’re Off and later returned on screen with SAS: Who Dares Wins.
Series 13 - Jay McGuiness (2015)
Jay McGuiness entered the show's 13th season as a member of the famous boy band The Wanted. Beating soap stars Kellie Bright and Georgia May Foote into second and third place, Jay went from underdog to lifting the Glitterball trophy with his dance partner - professional Aliona Vilani. In 2017, the 32-year-old singer went on to win the first series of Celebrity Haunted with bandmate Siva Kaneswaran.
Series 12 - Caroline Flack (2014)
Champions of the 12th season of Strictly Come Dancing Caroline Flack and Pasha Kovalev went down in history as the highest-scoring winners. In the final, the pair received receive 40 points for all three routines and ended with a perfect 120 points, a record in Strictly. Prior to winning the show, Caroline was already a famous face on TV, having hosted many shows such as The X Factor (alongside Olly Murs), Love Island, The Games: Live at Trackside, TMi and Escape from Scorpion Island. Unfortunately, the TV host took her own life in 2020 due to public pressure.
Series 11 - Abbey Clancy (2013)
Prior to winning series 11 of Strictly Come Dancing, Abbey Clancy was already famous as a lingerie and catwalk model, having covered many famous magazines. In 2013, Abbey and dance partner Aljaz Skorjanec lifted the Glitterball trophy after dominating almost the entire show. Following her triumph, Abbey went on to become a judge in Britain's Next Top Model After. The 36-year-old TV star is now a happy mum of three children, whom she shares with husband Peter Crouch, a famous football star.
Series 10 - Louis Smith (2012)
Gymnast Louis Smith and professional partner Flavia Cacace became the winner of Strictly's 10th series after winning public approval in the final despite receiving the lowest score from the judges. His victory came after he competed in London's Olympic Games and won a silver medal. In recognition of his services to British sports, he was given the title of Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). After retiring from professional gymnast, Smith made a career crossover into dancing and even went to last year's The Masked Dancer.
Series 9 - Harry Judd (2011)
McFly's Harry Judd became the ninth winner of Strictly Come Dancing in 2011 after beating Chelsee Healey and Jason Donovan in the final. After winning the show, Harry returned to his musical career and released the band's latest single, Walking In The Air, in 2021. Last year, the drummer also welcomed his third child with wife Emma Judd.
Series 8 - Kara Tointon (2010)
Series 8 of Strictly saw EastEnders alum Kara Tointon lift the Glitterball trophy with professional partner Artem Chigvintsev after establishing herself as an early favorite. After winning the show, Kara and Artem dated for four years before splitting in 2014. Since her triumphant departure from Strictly, Kara's career has been enjoying success in both TV and stage acting, with notable roles in Pygmalio and ITV's The Sound of Music. She has also starred in some films, including Last Passengers and Let's Be Evil.
Series 7 - Chris Hollins (2009)
BBC Breakfast host Chris Hollins and partner Ola Jordan became the surprise winner of Strictly's series 7 in 2009 when they beat Ricky Whittie and Ali Bastian to be crowned champion. Following his victory, Chris returns to hosting various shows at the BBC, having presented in The One Show, Watchdog, Cash In The Attic, and Secret Britain. At 51, the English TV presenter is happily married to his wife, Sarah Alexander.
Series 6 - Tom Chambers (2008)
In 2008, Tom Chambers became the third man and first Holby City star to win Strictly Come Dancing. In the live final, Tom and partner Camilla Dallerup scored the lowest of the three finalists, but could still lift the trophy thanks to his popularity with viewers. Following his triumph, Tom continued to return for Strictly's Christmas specials in 2008 and 2015 and went on to compete in another dancing show, Top Hat.
Series 5 - Alesha Dixon (2007)
Currently presenting the new BBC show The Greatest Dancer, Alshe Dixon won the fifth series of Strictly with Matthew Cutler. Prior to her victory, Dixon was already famous as a singer of the R&B girl band Mis-Teeq. Two years after winning the show, she became a judge of the dance competition, replacing Arlene Phillips. Her post-Strictly success continued as she became judge of Britain’s Got Talent in 2012, America's Got Talent and then Australia's Got Talent.
Series 4 - Mark Ramprakash (2006)
Former England cricketer Mark Ramprakash received a perfect score of 40 and won Strictly's series 4 with professional partner Karen Hardy. Mark is most famous for his career as a prolific batsman who has scored 100 first-class hundreds. After retiring from professional cricket, Mark went on to coach many cricket teams before calling time on his career in 2019.
Series 3 - Darren Gough (2005)
Before Mark Ramprakash, Darren Gough was the first cricketer to lift the Glitterball trophy of Strictly Come Dancing. In the 2005's final, he and partner Lilia Kopylova beat Zoe Ball, James Martin, and Colin Jackson to become champions of the show. After that, Darren returned to playing professional cricket before calling it quits in 2008. Since 2009, Darren has been hosting the sports radio station Talk Sport.
Series 2 - Jill Halfpenny (December 2004)
The tremendous success of the first series prompted BBC to hold the second season of Strictly Come Dancing. In 2004, soap actress Jill Halfpenny became the second winner ever alongside dancer partner Darren Bennet, with their Jive being the first ever Strictly routine to score 40 points. Halfpenny, who is 47 years old now, is most famous for her roles as Rebecca Hopkins in Coronation Street and Kate Mitchell in EastEnders. Aside from TV shows, Jill has also starred in various theatrical productions such as Uncle Vanya, Legally Blonde, and Calendar Girl. Now, she's a broadcaster for BBC Radio 2, which she has been doing since 2017.
Series 1 - Natasha Kaplinsky (July 2004)
Eighteen years ago, BBC newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky became the first ever winner of Strictly Come Dancing in its first season. Natasha, who is now 49 years old, was a famous journalist and newsreader who hosted various popular shows such as BBC Six o'Clock News, BBC Breakfast, Born To Shine, and Children In Need 2006. Since lifting the coveted Glitterball trophy, she has welcomed two children with her husband, Science Professor Raphael Kaplinsky. In 2019, Kaplinsky had a minor role as an anchorwoman in the Marvel film Hellboy.