Strictly Come Dancing has seen it’s fair share of emotional performances in its 20 year history. As celebrities become more confident in their abilities they often add a personal spin to their dances resulting in tears all round from the judges and audiences.
While there are far too many in the shows history to list each one Express.co.uk has picked out a few memorable faourites.
1. Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice silent dance, 2021
actor Rose Ayling-Ellis and her partner Giovanni Pernice performed a first for the show while paying respept to and raising awareness of the deaf community. Midway through their the music was cut and – blowing viewers and the judging panel away. So much so, the likes of , and were visibly touched by the gesture. The moment won the Virgin Media Must-See Moment award at the 2022 BAFTAs. While the oment remains a fan favourite Rose has since surprisingly revealed .
2. Annabel Croft and Johannes Radebe pay tribute to her husband, 2023
‘s late husband Mel Coleman was a huge fan of and was the reason he agreed to take part, in the show as she wanted to “make him proud” from up above. During her tenure on the programme she and dance partner Johannnes .
After their routine to the song Wings by Birdy, Johannes hugged Annabel and sweetly asked if she was feeling alright as she looked very teary-eyed. Annabel’s children could be seen in the audience wiping tears away from under their eyes as they looked at their mum with pride. Head judge Shirley Ballas was also left crying as she clutched onto tissues in each of her hands.”I don’t tend to get very emotional”, she said: “But I’m sure Amber, Lily, and Charlie are sat at home, or here, watching that. The stars were in the sky and you were sitting on your favourite bench and dancing with the most beautiful human.”
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Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice had viewers in tears with their (Image: BBC)
3. and Karen Clifton pay tribute to the victims of the Hillsborough tragedy, 2017
After an emotional Waltz to You’ll Never Walk Alone in honour of the 96 victims of the Hillsborough tragedy Liverpudlian Sunday Brunch star . The 54-year-old TV chef explained that it wasn’t “done for effect or to garner votes” but to genuinely pay tribute to the victims. “I was there the day it happened at Hillsborough and it’s massively close to my heart,” he said. The performance left judge Shirley Ballas in tears and won him a whole new legion of fans in the families affected by the tragedy.
4. Joe Sugg and Dianne Buswell dancing for his nan, 2018
During his time on Strictly Joe made no secret about his nan Phyllis’s ballroom dancing skills, recalling how she repeatedly performed in the Backpool Tower Ballroom when she was younger. Joe got to show her that the skills ran in the family when she showed up to a taping of the show – something he described as “an honour”. He and , who have since become a couple danced a Quickstep to Dancin’ Fool by Copacabana, and the camera regularly flashed to Phyllis watching in awe from the audience. Following the dance and the viewers were also moved watching his sweet reaction.
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Simon Rimmer was forced to defend his dance in tributeto the Hillsborough victims (Image: BBC)
5. and Dianne Buswel blackout routine, 2024
The latest edition to the emotional list came courtesy of this year’s contestant, blind comedian . Emulating Rose and Giovanni’s silent moment they incorported a backout moment into a recent routine.
Their couple’s choice saw them dance to Instant Karma! (We All Shine On) by John Lennon. During the routine there was a moment of darkness to stimulate what life is like for Chris. There wasn’t a dry eye int he house but Chris later admitted he was worried about the routine.
Speaking on Radio 5 Live when he threw the Australian beauty into a dramatic lift in total darkness. “We did this couple’s choice at the weekend and part of the message was put yourself outside your comfort zone and so things that scare you because you never know. It may go better than you think. And it’s not just me doing it this series, Dianne’s also doing it. She’s taking risks and this could have been as much of a disaster for her as it could be a disaster for me,” he said.
is on One on Saturday nights.