Strictly stars old and new have reunited to reminisce about 20 years of the BBC dancing show.
Marking its 20th year of glitz and glamour, Strictly Come Dancing is celebrating with a special anniversary episode taking a look back on its highs and lows.
Strictly Come Dancing: 20 Fabulous Years takes a look back at where it all began featuring insights from judges, contestants and professionals alike.
Set to air on Saturday ahead of Christmas, the programme is a sparkling celebration of two decades of Strictly – which has captured the hearts of millions since its debut in 2004.
With exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with past contestants, judges, and production teams, the film delves into the evolution of the show, its cultural impact, and the unforgettable moments that have made Strictly a beloved institution in television.
Going back to the very beginning, Tess Daly, Craig Revel Horwood, Anton Du Beke, Bruno Tonioli, Dame Arlene Phillips, Brendan Cole and Natasha Kaplinsky reminisce about the first ever series of Strictly back in 2004.
Strictly stars old and new have reunited to reminisce about 20 years of the BBC dancing show as it marks its 20th year of glitz and glamour
Strictly Come Dancing is celebrating with a special anniversary episode taking a look back on its highs and lows
The episode will also explore some of the most iconic moments in Strictly history – from Jill Halfpenny’s first ever 40 to Mark Ramprakash and Karen Hardy stopping their salsa for a wardrobe malfunction, as well as Jay McGuiness and Aliona Vilani’s electrifying Pulp Fiction jive and Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice’s ground-breaking and BAFTA winning poignant performance.
Also noted in the programme is the iconic Gangnam Style performance by Ed Balls and Katya Jones and the truly unforgettable samba from Anton Du Beke and Ann Widdecombe.
Past and present Strictly pros, including Oti Mabuse, Pasha Kovalev, Johannes Radebe, Karen Hauer, Kevin Clifton and Aljaž Škorjanec also reflect on their Strictly journeys and the impact it had on them and their careers.
As well as this, much loved Strictly couples Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton, Zoe Ball and Ian Waite, Judy Murray and Anton Du Beke, Joe Sugg and Dianne Buswell, Bill Bailey and Oti Mabuse, Angela Rippon and Kai Widdrington, Gemma Atkinson and Aljaž Škorjanec and Fleur East and Vito Coppola talk about their time on the show and their lasting friendships and relationships.
Speaking about her favourite moments on the show, Shirley said: ‘I’ve got Ann and Anton when she cleaned the floor – I shall forever remember her, I’ve never seen anything quite like it.
‘To be honest, I’ll forever love Ed Balls as a human being and for his Gangnam Style. And, of course, you can never forget Rose and Giovanni’s silent dance, which will be etched in my heart forever.’
Echoing Shirley’s sentiment was Tess Daly, who added: ‘The first that comes to mind is Ed Balls doing Gangnam Style and I bet Claudia agrees with me.
Strictly Come Dancing: 20 Fabulous Years takes a look back at where it all began featuring insights from judges, contestants and professionals alike
Echoing Shirley’s sentiment was Tess Daly , who added: ‘The first that comes to mind is Ed Balls doing Gangnam Style and I bet Claudia agrees with me’
And Tess was right, as Claudia said: ‘I have so many moments. Ed Balls doing Gangnam Style was a moment’
Set to air on Saturday ahead of Christmas, the programme is a sparkling celebration of two decades of Strictly – which has captured the hearts of millions since its debut in 2004
‘We still talk about it to this day. Simply because it epitomised the spirit of the show, and what it’s all about i.e. throwing yourself into it with complete abandon and utter commitment.’
And Tess was right, as Claudia said: ‘I have so many moments. Ed Balls doing Gangnam Style was a moment.’
Brushing off its year of scandal, Craig said he thinks the show will continue to evolve over the next few years.
‘I think the show will keep evolving,’ he said. ‘I think it will incorporate new dance styles as the years go on, following trends.
‘For instance, back in the 1920s, there was a craze for the Charleston. Then, there was swing and all of that. In the 50s, social dancing became popular, where people met through dances like the Jive. In the 60s, there was the disco, in the 70s, pop culture, Culture Club, and all of that sort of dancing. In the 80s we had Madonna and voguing in the 90s. Every decade has had a completely different dance style that was popular.
‘So, the show keeps up with those popular dance styles and challenges people. What’s great about it is that it transcends languages because dance is a medium, an art form, that can tell stories without speaking. I think that’s why it’s been successful worldwide.’
The cast of this year’s show also shared their thoughts on the dancing show’s lasting impact and being part of its 20th anniversary.
em and their careers. As well as this, much loved Strictly couples Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton join
As well as this, Joe Sugg and Dianne Buswell join the sofa to talk their life after the show
The cast of this year’s show also shared their thoughts on the dancing show’s lasting impact and being part of its 20th anniversary
This year’s champion Chris McCausland said: ‘It’s such a hugely loved show, it’s nice to be on it as it hits a big milestone like that.’
Meanwhile JB Gill added: ‘It’s an absolute pleasure to be involved in the 20th anniversary, which certainly wasn’t in my plans.
‘I didn’t realise it was an anniversary series when I signed up, but you know what? It’s incredible.
‘I’ve followed the show for many years, and my Mum has always been a massive fan, so I’ve grown up with it just as much as anybody else. Now, it’s nice to be able to do it and share the experience with my kids as well.’
‘Families love watching it because the grandparents can watch, parents can watch, kids can watch, and it unifies a family,’ Sarah Hadland added.
‘It’s quite a rare thing, which is why I think Strictly is so popular.’
Strictly Come Dancing: 20 Fabulous Years will air on Saturday 21st December on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 1900.
