We have exciting news to share with you! We’re launching our fabulous online Ballroom and Latin Dance Lessons today and we’d love you to join us and dance your way through lockdown!

Now that you’ve mastered Zoom and FaceTime, learnt a new language or two, exhausted all crafts imaginable, sorted every cupboard and spruced up your garden, why not expand your skill-set by learning to dance?!

World class dance tuition at home
From the comfort of your own home you’ll be able to enjoy the very best of our Dancing With The Stars Weekends thanks to our new fun and easy to follow online dance lessons.

They’ll be brought to you by some of the UK’s finest dance teachers who’ve taught at our Dancing With The Stars Weekends, including World Ballroom Champions Warren and Kristi Boyce, leading Argentine Tango teachers Leandro Palou and Maria Tsiatsiani, rising stars David Cockram and Rosie Ward, and internationally acclaimed instructor Andy Wong. And of course both Amy and I will be part of the incredible line up bringing exceptional dance tuition into your very own home!

Dance your way through lockdown
Whether you’re an absolute beginner, a regular social dancer or somewhere in between, we’ll be offering a variety of styles to suit all levels of dance ability. Every month you can enjoy 20 new online dance lessons covering new steps, dances, choreography and technique, including nine Beginner Lessons, nine Improver/Intermediate Lessons and some fun Latino In Line.

All of our Ballroom and Latin Dance Lessons are accompanied by a fabulous soundtrack courtesy of Ross Mitchell, his band and singers which will have you up on your feet in no time. During each 45 minute dance lesson we’ll teach both the lead and follow steps solo, before demonstrating and practicing in partners. Plus our brilliant Bonus Technique Lessons will help you perfect your hold, posture and style. And with unlimited access to the monthly dances you’ll be able to give them all a go or just the ones that appeal to you most.

Learn to dance whenever and wherever you want at home
Our monthly online dance lessons are available On Demand and can be viewed on a variety of devices which means you can stream them whenever you want and on whichever device you choose. So it could be on your Smart TV in the lounge, your iPad in the kitchen, your laptop in the bedroom or your mobile in the garden! It’s entirely up to you. Plus you can pause, rewind and play the lessons at half speed to really master those all important steps and techniques. All you need is 2 square metres of clear space and you’re good to go!

What dances can I learn this month?

This month our amazing dance teachers will transport you into the wonderful world of dance where you’ll be able to learn the Waltz with Warren and Kristi Boyce, the Argentine Tango with Leandro Palou and Maria Tsiatsiani, and perfect the Cha Cha, Waltz, Rock ‘n’ Roll and Latin Line with Paul and Amy Donahey. Plus master the Foxtrot with David Cockram and Rosie Ward, and learn the Rumba and Tango with Andy Wong. Sounds good, eh?

How much does it cost?
For just £29.00 a month you can experience the joy of dance and unlimited access to world class dance tuition all from the comfort of your own home. That works out at just £6.45 per week when paid monthly. Plus you can even sign up as a household and gently increase your fitness levels together and have loads of fun whilst doing it!

The good news is there’s no lengthy subscription, you just pay per month and enjoy the lessons at a time that suits you and as often as you like. You can cancel at anytime and you’ll still be able to access and enjoy the lessons for the remainder of that month’s subscription.

How do I sign up?
Dancing is a great form of exercise that hits the spot for both physical and mental wellbeing, so why not give it a whirl and learn a new skill that you can enjoy beyond lockdown?

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After all, we’ve got the know-how and you’ve got the time to learn, so let’s get dancing! Just click the link here to enrol via our website.

On Demand

Our monthly lessons are available On Demand – so you can enjoy them whenever’s convenient for you.

Quality Dance Lessons

Both lead & follow steps are taught solo, then we demonstrate and practice in partners – just like a fabulous Donahey’s class.

All Devices

You can enjoy all our dance lessons on your Laptop, iPad, iPhone, Android devices, plus stream to your Smart TV.

45 Minute Lessons

Our lessons will last & feel just like a regular dance class.

Music Included

All our lessons use music courtesy of Ross Mitchell, His Band & Singers. Plus each lesson finishes with a practice demonstration for the full length of the music – just perfect for practicing & dancing along with.

Bonus Technique

We’ve included excellent Bonus Technique lessons covering Hold, Posture & Style – perfect for honing those dance-floor skills.

20 Dance Lessons

Every month we’ll present 20 new dance lessons for you to enjoy. You can expect 9 Beginner lessons and 9 Improver/Intermediate lessons, plus some fun Latino In Line for all. Each month we’ll try and cover most of the core Ballroom & Latin dances for you, plus you’ll have unlimited access to all 20 dance lessons so you can try as many or as few as you like – ideal!

Unlimited Pause, Play, Rewind

You can pause all the lessons, rewind & even play them half speed – just perfect for picking up the steps & technique.

Join Us Now – Just £29 per month

Who’s partnered with who in the Strictly Christmas Special?

The Strictly final is fast approaching and that means once this year’s champions have lifted the Glitterball trophy we’ll be treated to the Strictly Christmas Special. So who’s taking part?

1. Gorka fans will be over the moon to see him back for the Christmas special. He’ll be dancing with girlfriend, Gemma Atkinson, who made it all the way to the final in 2017 with partner Aljaz Skorjanec.

2. Joe Sugg will be partnered with his girlfriend, Dianne Buswell, who he danced with previously in 2018. As runners up, the couple just missed out on winning so perhaps they can snatch the Christmas title instead.

3. Chizzy Akudolu will be dancing with Graziano Di Prima, having previously competed with Pasha Kovalev in 2017.

4. Mark Wright, who partnered Karen Hauer in 2014 and made it all the way to the final coming fourth, will be dancing with Janette Manrara.

5. Funny man, Richard Arnold, will have another shot at the crown with Luba Mushtuk, having danced with Erin Boag in 2012.

6. Debbie McGee will partner up with Kevin Clifton, having made it all the way to the final in 2017 with Giovanni Pernice.

Can these former competitors bring the same calibre of dancing to their Christmas routines as we enjoyed before, or will Richard Arnold swoop in and take the coveted Christmas title from under their noses? We’ll just have to wait and see.

When’s the Strictly Christmas Special on?

The time has yet to be confirmed, but if you tune into BBC1 on Christmas Day in the early evening your festive celebrations will be complete with an ample helping of Strictly. Sticking with tradition, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will host and judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Bruno Tonioli will dish out lashings of constructive feedback.

Once the six couples have performed their dances the studio audience will vote and the champions will be crowned for another year. Past winners include Aston Merrygold, Katie Derham, Melvin Odoom, Harry Judd, Jill Halfpenny and John Barrowman.

The ultimate Christmas gift for Strictly fans

Looking for the perfect gift for a Strictly fan? Then why not make their Christmas truly memorable by treating them to this once in a lifetime opportunity to spend the weekend with Strictly pros Aljaz Skorjanec, Janette Manrara, Anton Du Beke, Erin Boag, Katya and Neil Jones, Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez, Giovanni Pernice, Amy Dowden and Pasha Kovalev?

Our fabulous Weekend Breaks at Alton Towers Hotel & Spa, De Vere Beaumont Estate and Celtic Manor Resort in 2020 include workshops hosted by the pro dancers, as well as the chance to see them perform up close and personal. But that’s not all; you can also enjoy their fun Q&A sessions and Red Carpet Photo Calls, plus all the amazing facilities our 4* and 5* venues have to offer during your stay. So, that’s your Christmas present buying sorted!

With only a few weeks of Strictly left to satisfy our huge appetite for all things sparkly and dance orientated, we at least have the additional joy of Strictly Children in Need and the Strictly Christmas Special to look forward to.

Who’s taking part in Strictly Children in Need?

This year four members of the EastEnders’ cast will partner up with some of our favourite pro dancers and compete for the coveted Pudsey Glitterball trophy.

Gorka Marquez will make a much welcome return to our screens as he takes on the challenge with partner Louisa Lytton. Louisa first took to the Strictly dancefloor in series 4 when she was just 17. As the youngest ever celeb contestant to compete, she wowed us with her dance ability and made it all the way to fourth place with former Strictly pro, Vincent Simone.

Luba Mushtuk will also be back and hoping to nab the trophy with partner Ricky Champ. Her time in this year’s series was short lived when she and James Cracknel l became the first couple to be voted out of the competition.

New girl, Nancy Xu, will get to show us what she’s made of when she partners Rudolph Walker.

And Kevin Clifton may have just finished his stand in duties for an injured Neil Jones, but he’s already back in the training room with partner Maisie Smith.

When’s it on?

This year’s Children in Need is on Friday 15th November and will be hosted by Tess Daly, Ade Adepitan, Graham Norton, Mel Giedroyc, Tom Allen and Marvin and Rochelle Humes. Tune into BBC1 from 7.30pm for a fun-packed evening of fundraising and a sparkly slice of Strictly.
Do your thing for Children in Need

Amazing Fact

Did you know that to date the British public have raised over a £1billion for disadvantaged children? Visit the BBC Children in Need website for more information on how you can raise vital funds and support this worthy charity.

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Here’s how you can have dance classes with the Strictly Stars…

“This weekend sounds like so much Strictly fun”
EMMY GRIFFITHS Hello Magazine – 11th Oct 2019

The stars of Strictly Come Dancing including Neil and Katya jones, Anton Du Beke and Amy Dowden have announced their upcoming plans to reunite in Spring 2020 for a series of special weekends – and you can be a part of it! The weekend will take place across the country, and Strictly fans will be able to stay in 4* and 5* hotels and have the chance to rub shoulders with the talented dancers, take part in Q&As and even have a go at learning some moves yourself.

The experiences will take place in spring 2020

This amazing events has been sold out every year since 2004, and have been described as “the highlight of the entertainment calendar for every Strictly fan”. Speaking about the exciting upcoming series of weekends, Anton said: “It’s the best weekend you’ll have, ever. You get all of the stars come along and the organisation is amazing.” Aljaz Skorjanec, who attended the 2018 events, added: “What an amazing weekend! Thank you so much for inviting us, we are so happy to be part of your beautiful event. A clear 10 from me!” Anton’s dance partner, Erin Boag, added: “Everything is amazing. The accommodation and the organisation. You get workshops every single day – everything you could think of. Everything you see on Strictly, you’ll probably learn here.”

The event organiser, Paul Donahey, added: “One of the things we love most about these weekends is that we see everyone from experienced dancers to beginners. No matter their skill level, they leave at the end of the weekend with a newfound confidence and plenty of fantastic memories of dancing with the Strictly stars.” Each weekend include range of showcase performances, Q&A sessions and all of the photo opportunities you need to meet your favourite performers!

To find out more about Donahey’s Dancing with the Stars Weekends, visit www.donaheys.co.uk/events/

Well, Strictly Movie Week definitely didn’t disappoint with an inspired opening number featuring Anton, Katya, Janette and AJ in red spandex as The Incredibles and a fab Group Dance celebrating iconic moments from our favourite movies. And not forgetting the amazing Pixar tribute and Nadiya and Anton’s stunning routine to Harry Connick Jr’s performance.

The ‘Glam Squad’ and Vicky Gill’s team certainly transported us to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood with Red Carpet worthy outfits and exceptional hair and makeup. Plus the celebs and pro dancers really got into character and delivered some memorable routines.

And the Movie Week Award goes to…
There were many contenders for performance of the night, from Katya’s amazing stunt falls and Anton’s marvellous portrayal of Austin Powers, to Craig’s hilarious false teeth faux pas – oops. But the worthy winners were Kelvin and Oti who racked up the first 10s of the series with their Broadway-esque Charleston to Trip A Little Light Fantastic. Their incredible score of 38 points rocketed them straight to the top of the leaderboard.

Despite a nasty bump to the head, Dianne and Dev’s Couples’ Choice routine to Friend Like Me secured second place with a hugely impressive 36 points. Hot on their dancing heels were Michelle and Giovanni with a show-stopping Quickstep to Cabaret and Catherine and Johannes with a beautiful Rumba to Shallow.

If there was ever a Strictly Lifetime Achievement Award we’re pretty sure Anton deserves it, not just for his dazzling smile, but for his brave wardrobe choices and participation in 17 series of the show.

Who ended up on the cutting room floor?
She may have fallen in love with dancing, but Anneka’s lack-lustre Charleston only earned her and Kevin a score of 11 and a place in the dreaded dance-off. Unfortunately she went into battle with David and Nadiya and lost.

This weekend on Strictly
So, what will Week 4 bring? Well, the pros and celebs will definitely be upping the ante in the hope of taking the top spot on the leaderboard. And despite there not being a theme to get our teeth stuck into (sorry, Anton), we’re hoping for more surprising dance routines to impress us. So, here are the songs and dances we can look forward to:

Alex and Neil: Tango to Go Your Own Way by Fleetwood Mac
Catherine and Johannes: Charleston to Single Ladies by Beyoncé
Emma and Anton: Viennese Waltz to Send In The Clowns by Barbara Streisand
Emma and Aljaz: Jive to Kids In America by Kim Wilde
Michelle and Giovanni: Salsa to Quimbara by Johnny Pacheco & Celia Cruz
Saffron and AJ: Couples’ Choice to Because You Loved Me by Celine Dion

Chris and Karen: Jive to Saturday Night’s Alright by Elton John
David and Nadiya: Quickstep to From Now On by Hugh Jackman
Dev and Dianne: Cha Cha Cha to Dancing With A Stranger by Sam Smith feat. Normani
Karim and Amy: Tango to Paradise by George Ezra
Kelvin and Oti: Rumba to Ain’t No Sunshine by Bill Withers
Mike and Katya: Quickstep to Come On Eileen by Dexys Midnight Runners
Will and Janette: Foxtrot to Señorita by Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello

Coming to a luxury venue near you!
Did you know that every Donahey’s Dancing with the Stars Weekend is a star-studded affair? When you book your places at either our fantastic Weekend Breaks or Short Breaks in 2020 you’ll be rubbing shoulders and polishing your dance moves with the real stars of BBC Strictly Come Dancing.

That’s right; the A-list Strictly pro dancers will be there in all their magnificent glory, from attending our Red Carpet Photo Calls, hosting dance workshops and Q&A sessions to performing sensational dance showcases, all for your enjoyment. But that’s not all, you’ll also be pampered in style as you enjoy all of the luxury facilities on offer at our 4* and 5* venues.

More exciting news!
If a whole weekend is simply out of the question, why not treat yourself to one of our new Short Breaks with your favourite pro dancers instead?

Our new Short Breaks mean you can now spend ‘One Night with Aljaz and Jannette’ at the luxurious 5* Celtic Manor Resort on Sunday 26th April 2020 or ‘One Night with Anton and Erin’ at the swanky 4* De Vere Beaumont Estate on Sunday 29th March 2020. You’ll be able to enjoy fab up close and personal performances and learn to dance with them – all in one night!

Well, that was a phenomenal show for week one of Strictly!

We think Bruno summed it up perfectly when he said, ‘Tonight was one of the most exciting, surprising premieres of Strictly Come Dancing…everybody came out with something I wasn’t expecting!’ We couldn’t agree more. If the calibre of dancing on Saturday night’s show is anything to go by, we’re in for a fantastic season of entertainment.

Which couples look promising?
Now that we’ve finally seen all of the couples dance, a few stood out for all the right reasons. Kelvin and Oti topped the leaderboard with an impressive score of 32 for their amazing Samba to La Vida Es Un Carnaval by Celia Cruz. Karim and Amy were just one point behind with their energetic Cha Cha Cha to If I Can’t Have You by Shawn Mendes. Hitting the highs with a score of 30, Michelle and Giovanni wowed us with their Cha Cha Cha to So Emotional by Whitney Houston and Dev and Dianne graced us with an elegant Foxtrot to Build Me Up Buttercup by The Foundations.

As if that wasn’t enough, there were plenty of firsts too. For starters, Craig got out his 8 paddle more times in one night than we usually see during the whole season. And Bruno not only used his to score, but also to swat a pesky fly! Plus Kelvin and Oti’s score of 32 was the highest for a Samba in any first week of the show in five years and Will and Janette’s score of 26 was the highest for a Quickstep in any first week of the show ever.

Even more surprisingly Anton managed to stay off the bottom of the leaderboard! Thanks to a slick Jive to Honey Honey by ABBA with partner Emma, they found themselves nestled amongst the high scorers. Neil’s four-year wait to dance with his own celeb partner on the show finally paid off with a pretty decent score of 21 for his Quickstep with Alex to I Get a Kick Out of You by Frank Sinatra. And new kids on the block, Catherine and Johannes, were close behind with a score of 20 for their Viennese Waltz to I Got You Babe by Sonny and Cher. That’s pretty good going for their premiere performances with a celeb partner, don’t you think?

Which couples underwhelmed the judges?
With the highs came the lows, but fortunately none of the couples felt the sharp edge of Craig’s tongue this week. However, Emma and Aljaz, David and Nadiya, Anneka and Kevin, Chris and Karen, and James and Luba all found themselves on the bottom half of the leaderboard. Still, at least they had plenty of encouragement and constructive criticism from Shirley and Motsi – wasn’t she great?

Week two’s songs and dances
It’s a new week so that means there’s a new playlist and dances to master. So just what are the Strictly Celeb’s and their Professional partners dancing this week?

Anneka and Kevin: Waltz to Run to You by Whitney Houston
Alex and Neil: Cha Cha to What I Did For Love by David Guetta feat. Emeli Sande
Catherine and Johannes: Samba to Let the Groove Get In by Justin Timberlake
Emma and Anton: Foxtrot to Sunshine of Your Love by Ella Fitzgerald, Ernie Heckscher Big Band and Tommy Flanagan
Emma and Aljaz: Tango to Sucker by Jonas Brothers
Michelle and Giovanni: Viennese Waltz to That’s Amore by Dean Martin
Saffron and AJ: Cha Cha to One Touch by Jess Glynne and Jax Jones

Chris and Karen: Charleston to Out of Our Heads by Take That
David and Nadiya: Paso Doble to Espana cani
Dev and Dianne: Jive to Dance With Me Tonight by Olly Murs
James and Luba: Jive to Tutti Frutti by Little Richard
Karim and Amy: Foxtrot to The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra
Kelvin and Oti: Waltz to What the World Needs Now by Burt Bacharach
Mike and Katya: American Smooth to Rhinestone Cowboy by Glen Campbell
Will and Janette: Salsa to 1-2-3 by Gloria Estefan

Missing Gorka and Pasha?
Of course we all missed Pasha and only got a fleeting glance of Gorka in the opening number and in the ‘Clauditorium’. But not to worry, if you book our Dancing with the Stars Weekend at 5* Celtic Manor Resort you can see them both up close and personal in April 2020. Gorka will be performing with Karen Hauer and hosting brilliant dance workshops, whilst Pasha will dazzle you with his talent and even teach you to dance.

If you book your places now you can benefit from our great Early Bird Discount safe in the knowledge that our Weekend Beak Transfer Flexibility allows you to switch weekends should another engagement pop up. How’s that for accommodating?!

100% peace of mind
And just so you know, when you book one of our Dancing with the Stars Weekends we provide full financial protection for all your deposits and payments through the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT).

Dancing Is Good For You

You just have to look at the latest Strictly celebs to get your answer. Not only are we loving how much their dance ability has improved during their Strictly journey (sorry), but we’re also hugely impressed by their personal transformations.

And we’re not just talking the weekly skills applied by the costume, hair and makeup departments, no; we’re talking the vast benefits of dance revealing themselves in all their wonderful glory.

Incredible weight loss

With the celebs putting in so many hours in the training rooms, it’s no surprise that they’ve improved their general fitness levels, stamina and core strength. Whether they’re perfecting a low-impact Waltz or mastering a cardio-driven Samba, the rigorous training has led to substantial weight loss for many and they couldn’t be happier.

Graeme Swann recently revealed on ‘It Takes Two’ that he’s already lost 2.5 stones. He also told the Mirror that his wife was keen for him to lose weight before appearing on Strictly and even bought him a pair of running shoes. She said, “Right, you can get fit, you’re not going on telly all chubby.” He said, “I suppose she would be pleased, if I ever saw her!”

His Strictly partner, pro dancer Oti Mabuse, also confirmed on social media how dancing has got him into shape, “The body transformation that @bbcstrictly has had on @officialgraemeswann has just been incredible.”

But it’s not just the male celebs who are relishing the positive effects regular dancing can have on the body. Kate Silverton revealed on ‘Lorraine’ that she can now fit into her wedding dress, previously worn eight years ago when she got married in 2010. Which is no surprise considering the Strictly costume team have already had to take her dresses in twice. She also told the Mirror, “I think I’ve lost a stone already, it’s the Aljaz school of weight loss and my husband is very happy about that… nudge nudge. I feel liberated too! I was looking at my thighs today and I’m getting so much definition.”

Faye Tozer is also reaping the rewards of dancing. She told New! magazine, “I’ve definitely dropped a dress size. I was between a size 10 and a size 12 and now I’m a size 10. I thought I was fit before but you’re literally on your feet for at least six hours a day.”

Improved wellbeing

But it’s not just the body that benefits from dancing, the mind does too. Pretty obvious really when dancing is so much fun and boosts your happiness.

Dancing on Strictly helped Lee Ryan give up more than just a little weight. With the encouragement of his Strictly partner, pro dancer Nadiya Bychkova, he ditched the alcohol and shed weight during his Strictly training after she told him, “You should just knock it on the head.” He reportedly told the Press Association at the beginning of October, “If anything I’ve lost a lot of weight, I haven’t weighed myself but my clothes feel massively different and I just feel great. I’ve stopped drinking, I’m on the wagon. It’s good, though, because I have in the past dabbled and struggled and gone to rehab and stuff so I’ve just decided that drink is not good for me and it’s a really good thing (quitting). It’s really good for me, it feels like quite a turnaround for my own mentality, which is not just for the show but for me personally as well.”

Confidence boosting

Another positive effect of dancing was confirmed by Katie Piper in an exclusive interview with Hello! a week before she was eliminated from the show. She said, “I took part in Strictly as I knew I still had areas in my life where I don’t feel as free and confident and this is one of them. I wanted to use the show as a tool to learn how to let go and feel sexy. I used to feel like this some years ago and would like to get a small bit of it back. Dancing definitely doesn’t come naturally to me but it’s about letting go and enjoying yourself – and that’s what I did at my wedding and now on Strictly, but this time in front of millions.”

So there you have it, dancing is good for the mind, body and soul.

Learn to dance

If you want to become the best version of yourself (thanks, Stacey Dooley), have a go at dancing and improve your fitness levels, lose weight and have loads of fun along the way. As well as our fab 2020 Weekend Breaks with the stars of Strictly, where you can learn to dance with the shows incredible pro dancers, we also hold brilliant Ballroom Classes.

Our weekly Ballroom Classes are perfect for both beginners and improvers. You’ll learn to dance the Waltz, Foxtrot, Cha Cha, Jive, Argentine Tango and many more with our team of highly trained dance teachers in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

Too busy to commit to weekly lessons but really want to learn to dance? Then why not Learn to Dance in a Day with our fab 1-day Ballroom Dancing Lessons in Manchester, Solihull, Reading and Bristol? Our 4 hour daytime workshop will have you dancing your favourite Strictly dances in no time and loving it.

Why not make learning to dance your New Year resolution and set the wheels in motion by booking a class today?

Strictly Come Dancing Advent Calendar

Did you know you can grab yourself an official BBC Strictly Come Dancing Advent Calendar?

It realy is the ultimate Advent Calendar for every Strictly Come Dancing Fan!

Count down the day’s until Christmas with this unique Strictly Come Dancing trivia quiz calendar.

Test your Strictly knowledge every day as you answer each Strictly question, then enjoy the delicious Kinnerton nut safe chocolate – in fun Strictly themed shapes.

All new for 2018 , this is part of Kinnerton’s new range of Strictly inspired chocolates, check them out here

Strictly Come Dancing Winners: Who’s won Strictly?

With Strictly Come Dancing 17 well underway, we look back at all the celeb and pro partnerships that have lifted the famous Glitter Ball trophy over the years.

Cast your mind back to 2004 when Strictly first hit our screens and you’ll remember a slightly younger and different panel of judges. The line up included Head Judge, Len Goodman, with his proclivity for pickling his walnuts, Arlene Phillips with her vast knowledge of choreography, Craig Revel Horwood with his newly sharpened tongue, and Bruno Tolioni with his predilection for falling off chairs ‘Ab Fab’ style. No change there then. But amongst the mayhem, hosts Sir Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly endeavoured to keep proceedings running smoothly.

Fast forward to 2009 and series 5 winner, Alesha Dixon, replaced Arlene Phillips on the judging panel only to make room for former guest judge, Darcey Bussell, in 2012. Tess Daly filled the very large shoes of Sir Bruce Forsyth in 2014 and former ‘It Takes Two’ presenter, Claudia Winkleman, became her partner in comedy. Len Goodman bowed out after series 14 in 2016 and Shirley Ballas slipped into his seat as Head Judge in 2017. In 2019 Dame Darcy Bussell bowed out and Motsi Mabuse stepped into her seat.

Strictly Come Dancing past winners

If you’re an avid Strictly fan you will probably be able to recite this list in your sleep, but for the rest of us, here’s a quick recap.

Series 1 – July 2004

Winners: BBC newsreader, Natasha Kaplinsky and Brendan Cole
Most memorable dance: Samba to ‘Love Is In The Air’ in week 5 scoring a perfect 10 from judge Arlene Phillips
Runners up: Actor, Christopher Parker and opera singer, Lesley Garrett

Series 2 – Dec 2004

Winners: Actress, Jill Halfpenny and Darren Bennett
Most memorable dance: Jive to ‘I’m Still Standing’ in week 3 scoring 35 points and a perfect 40 in the final
Runners up: Comedian and writer, Julian Clary and sportswoman, Denise Lewis

Series 3 – 2005

Winners: England cricketer, Darren Gogh and Lilia Kopylova
Most memorable dance: Foxtrot to ‘Big Spender’ in the final earning their first 10 from Head Judge Len Goodman
Runners up: ‘It Takes Two’ presenter, Zoe Ball and sportsman, Colin Jackson

Series 4 – 2006

Winners: England cricketer, Mark Ramprakash and Karen Hardy
Most memorable dance: The infamous Salsa to ‘Hot, Hot, Hot’ in week 5 where their microphones became entangled and they were allowed to have another go. The dance later earned them a perfect 40 in the final
Runners up: England rugby player, Matt Dawson and Spice Girl, Emma Bunton

Series 5 – 2007

Winners: Singer, Alesha Dixon and Matthew Cutler
Most memorable dance: Cha Cha Cha to ‘Crazy In Love’ in week 8 scoring an impressive 39 points
Runners up: Actor, Matt Di Angelo and TV presenter, Gethin Jones

Series 6 – 2008

Winners: Actor, Tom Chambers and Camilla Dallerup
Most memorable dance: Foxtrot to ‘Here You Come Again’ scoring 39 points
Runners up: Singer, Rachel Stevens and TV and radio presenter, Lisa Snowdon

Series 7 – 2009

Winners: BBC Breakfast presenter, Chris Hollins and Ola Jordan
Most memorable dance: Charleston to ‘Fat Sam’s Grand Slam’
Runners up: Actor, Ricky Whittle and actress, Ali Bastian

Series 8 – 2010

Winners: Actress, Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev
Most memorable dance: Tango to ‘El Tango de Roxanne’ in week 10 scoring 38 points
Runners up: TV presenter, Matt Baker and psychologist, Pamela Stephenson

Series 9 – 2011

Winners: McFly’s Harry Judd and Aliona Vilani
Most memorable dance: Argentine Tango to ‘Asi se Baila el Tango’ scoring a perfect 40 in the final
Runners up: Actress, Chelsee Healey and actor and singer, Jason Donovan

Series 10 -2012

Winners: Olympian, Louis Smith and Flavia Cacace
Most memorable dance: Salsa to ‘I’ve Had The Time Of My Life’ in week 3 and in the final, scoring 39 points and nailing the iconic Dirty Dancing lift
Runners up: TV presenter, Denise Van Outen and Girls Aloud’s Kimberley Walsh

Series 11 – 2013

Winners: Model, Abbey Clancy and Aljaž Skorjanec
Most memorable dance: Samba to ‘Faith’ in week 12 scoring 39 points
Runners up: Actress, Natalie Gumede and journalist and TV presenter, Susanna Reid

Series 12 – 2014

Winners: TV presenter, Caroline Flack and Pasha Kovalev
Most memorable dance: Salsa to ‘Maria’ in week 12 scoring the first perfect 40 of the series. The couple also hold the record for the most top scores of 40 and were the first to receive a perfect score for all three of their dances in the final
Runners up: The Saturdays’ Frankie Bridge and Blue’s Simon Webbe

Series 13 – 2015

Winners: The Wanted’s Jay McGuiness and Aliona Vilani
Most memorable dance: Jive in week 3/Movie Week to ‘Misirlou’ scoring 37 points
Runners up: Actresses, Kellie Bright and Georgia May Foote

Series 14 – 2016

Winners: TV presenter, Ore Oduba and Joanne Clifton
Most memorable dance: American Smooth to ‘Singin’ In the Rain’ in week 3 and the final, scoring 39 points and the Jive to ‘Runaway Baby’ in week 4 and the final, scoring the perfect 40
Runners up: Actor, Danny Mac and Eternal’s Louise Redknapp

Series 15 – 2017

Winners: Joe McFadden and Katya Jones
Most memorable dance: Argentine Tango to ‘Human’ in week 12 scoring 35 points
Runners up: Singer, Alexandra Burke, performer, Debbie McGee and actress, Gemma Atkinson

Series 16 – 2018

Winners: Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton
Most memorable dance: Paso Doble in the final scoring 39 points
Runners up: Ashley Roberts & Pasha Kovalev, Faye Tozer & Giovanni Pernice, Joe Sugg & Dianne Buswell

Who will win Strictly 2019?

It’s definitely too soon to call, but there are some great contenders for the title. Whilst you’re rooting for your favourites to win, why not book your places at one of our brilliant Weekend Breaks with the stars of Strictly in 2020?

Not only is the previous champion of Strictly, Katya Jones, performing and teaching workshops at our Weekend Breaks, but we also have 2013 winner, Aljaž Skorjanec, too. And who knows, Strictly’s 2019 winner might also be amongst our fabulous line up which includes Giovanni Pernice, Karen Hauer, Janette Manrara, Gorka Marquez, Neil Jones, Pasha Kovalov, Anton Du Beke and Erin Boag.

Can you really bear to miss out on meeting and learning to dance with these amazing pro dancers?

Strictly is the gift that just keeps on giving. As if the excitement of Movie Week & Halloween wasn’t enough, there’s also the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special to look forward to.

Strictly Christmas Special 2018 line-up

Once this year’s Strictly winners have nabbed the Glitter Ball, it’s time for the Strictly Christmas Special. Eager to know who’s taking part? The Christmas line up includes past winner, Caroline Flack, who lifted the trophy along with Pasha Kovalev back in 2014.

We’re thrilled for Neil Joneswho finally get’s his very own celebrity partner, plus Luba Mushtuk who’ll get her second celebrity partner of the year.

Aston Merrygold, who partnered Janette Manrara last year and left the competition far too early, also has another shot at the title. Also competing this year is 2014 semi-finalist Jake wood who also danced with Janette but lost out to Caroline. Plus 2015 semi-finalist Anita Rani who partnered Gleb Savchenko, Michael Vaughn who danced with Natalie Lowe and finally, Ann Widdecombe who took Anton Du Beke to task week after week in 2010.

Who are the 2018 Strictly Come Dancing Christmas pairings?

Ann Widdecombe and Aston Merrygold are reunited with their original Strictly dance partners – Anton Du Beke and Janette Manrara.

New partnerships include; TV presenter Anita Rani teams up with Neil Jones — Katya Jones’ husband; Caroline Flack will be paired with Gorka Marquez; Jake Wood is paired with Luba Mushtuk; while Michael Vaughan will dance with Nadiya Bychkova in her Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special debut.

• Ann Widdecombe & Anton Du Beke
• Aston Merrygold & Janette Manrara
• Caroline Flack & Gorka Marquez
• Jake Wood & Luba Mushtuk
• Michael Vaughan & Nadiya Bychkova
• Anita Rani & Neil Jones

When is the 2018 Strictly Christmas Special on TV?

Christmas Day of course. The time has yet to be confirmed but keep your TV tuned to BBC1 and you’ll be in for a treat. As usual, the show will be hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman with expert feedback provided by judges, Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Darcey Bussell and Bruno Tonioli.

The six couples will each perform a Christmas inspired dance routine in line with this year’s theme – fairy tales and making dreams come true – as they compete for the Christmas accolade. It’s then up to the studio audience to decide who deserves the crowning glory.

Who won the 2018 Strictly Christmas Special?

The programme will be pre-recorded at the beginning of December.

As the show is pre-recorded there is no viewer votes, the studio audience alone decides by voting once all the contestants have danced.

Occasionally the winners can be leaked onto social media, so avoid the spoilers and tune in on Christmas Day to find out which one of the past celebrities will be crowned 2018 Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Champion..

All I want for Christmas…is an experience like no other

We know the world of Strictly Come Dancing is all consuming, but it can’t have escaped your notice that Christmas is fast approaching. Not only do we celebrate the ‘crowning’ of the new Strictly champions at this time of year, but friends and family also expect a present or two.

So, with that in mind, we’ve got a great gift idea for addicts of hit TV show Strictly Come Dancing – Donahey’s Dancing With The Stars Weekends. Not only will this Christmas present score you an amazing amount of brownie points with loved ones, but it will also catapult you to the top of the leader board. And that’s without throwing a single shape on the dance floor, which is very handy for the ‘Dad Dancers’ amongst you.

Dancing With The Stars Weekend

What does this perfect Strictly Christmas present include? Well, a whole weekend of dancing in the company of the BBC Strictly Come Dancing stars at the stunning 5* Celtic Manor Resort Hotel in Newport. See hot couple Aljaz Skorjanec and Janette Manrara, Ballroom favourites Anton Du Beke & Erin Boag, and the amazing Giovanni Pernice & Oti Mabuse perform dazzling showdances in our stunning Ballrooms. Grill them in the fun Q&A session and take photos in the ‘Red Carpet Strictly Photo Call’s.

All wrapped up for Christmas

Want to find out more? Feast your eyes on this lot then;