The show is still going strong after 20 years (Image: BBC)
Since its glittering debut in 2004, has captivated millions, transforming celebrities into dazzling ballroom stars and crowning them with the coveted glitterball trophy. Over the years, the show has not only brought stunning choreography and unforgettable routines to our screens but has also launched its winners into new heights of fame—or, in some cases, back into everyday life.
From actors and pop stars to sports legends, each champion has embarked on a unique journey after their victory. Some have used the spotlight to reignite their careers, such as Alesha Dixon, who went from winning the show to becoming a judge. Others cemented their status as beloved household names, and stepped outside their comfort zones to win over the public’s hearts.
But what happened once the final sequins were packed away? Did the glitterball magic continue, or did some winners quietly retreat from the limelight? As the latest series comes to a dramatic close, let’s delve into the lives and careers of some of ’s most memorable champions over the past two decades.
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Natasha Kaplinsky was the first-ever Strictly Come Dancing champion (Image: ITV)
Natasha Kaplinsky (Series 1, 2004)
Natasha Kaplinsky was the first-ever champion, partnering with Brendan Cole. A newsreader at the time, her win brought a new level of fame.
Natasha returned to journalism after Strictly, working for , Sky News, and ITV. In recent years, she stepped back from broadcasting to focus on family and philanthropy, becoming an advocate for Holocaust education.
Married to investment banker Justin Bower, she has two children and lives a quieter life, though she remains involved in charity work and public speaking.
Natasha, 52, became an OBE and recently become Chair of The Royal Ballet School.
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Jill Halfpenny win boosted her career (Image: BBC)
Jill Halfpenny (Series 2, 2004)
Jill Halfpenny and Darren Bennett wowed audiences with their routines, including a standout jive. Before Strictly, Jill was known for her roles in and .
Her win boosted her career, leading to roles in Waterloo Road, Humans, and theatre productions like Legally Blonde. The actress, 49, recently revealed she’s “finally found love and happiness again” following the tragic death of her partner, Matt Janes, who died from a heart attack in 2017. In her memoir, Jill tells how meeting him had a transformative effect on her life.
She said: “For the first time since Matt died I have met someone and fallen in love. We met eleven days after I was offered this book deal and it was a random and unexpected meeting. His name is Ian and he is kind and funny and intelligent.”
Losing her father led to a battle with drink later in life for Jill, who said she felt a “weight lifted off her shoulders” when she plucked up the courage to admit she was an alcoholic in an AA meeting in 2013.
Darren Gough and dance partner Lilia Kopylova (Image: PA)
Series 3 (2005): Darren Gough
Following his Strictly success, Gough returned to cricket, continuing his career until his retirement in 2008.
He then transitioned into media, becoming a prominent cricket commentator and radio personality. In 2021, Gough was appointed as the managing director of cricket at Yorkshire County Cricket Club, stepping in during a tumultuous period following a racism scandal.
In October 2019, he served as a fast bowling consultant for the England cricket team during their Test series against New Zealand.
In recognition of his services to cricket and charity, Gough was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2020 Birthday Honours.
His love life has been rocky after marrying his wife, Anna, in 1994, with the couple has two sons. They divorced in 2002 after eight years of marriage but remarried in 2018.
Alesha became a judge in 2009, replacing Arlene Phillips (Image: BBC)
Alesha Dixon (Series 5, 2007)
’s partnership with Matthew Cutler led to a thrilling victory. Her subsequent appointment as a judge in 2009, replacing Arlene Phillips, led to allegations of ageism and sexism against the , as Phillips was 66 at the time.
The former Mis-Teeq singer reignited her career after Strictly, becoming a judge on the show in 2009 and later moving to Britain’s Got Talent.
Alesha continues to release music, write children’s books, and advocate for women’s empowerment. Fans were left shocked last week when it was revealed that Alesha Dixon has split from her long-term partner Azuka Ononye after 18 years together, with reports that the couple had become “more like friends”.
The former Mis-teeq star announced she was releasing a brand new single called Ransom earlier this year, nearly a decade since her last hit.
Model Abbey Clancy won alongside Aljaž Škorjanec (Image: BBC)
Abbey Clancy (Series 11, 2013)
Model Abbey Clancy won alongside Aljaž Škorjanec. Her Strictly success boosted her profile, leading to hosting gigs, including Britain’s Next Top Model.
Abbey is now a mother of four and is married to footy ace Peter Crouch. Beyond modeling and television, the Liverpudlian beauty has ventured into podcasting.
She co-hosts the popular podcast The Therapy Crouch with her husband, offering insights into their personal lives and relationship dynamics.
Throughout her career, Abbey has been recognised for her beauty and style, frequently appearing in FHM magazine’s annual “100 Sexiest Women”. The mum—of-four made headlines this year after she thought she had multiple sclerosis (MS) – only to discover the culprit was wearing jeans that were too tight.
The 38-year-old model opened up about her battle with health anxiety on a podcast, admitting she had convinced herself her painful groin numbness was a symptom of the devastating condition.
The star tragically committed suicide in 2020 (Image: BBC)
Caroline Flack (Series 12, 2014)
Riding high on her win with Pasha Kovalev, transitioned to hosting ITV2’s Love Island in 2015, where her warm and cheeky presenting style helped turn the show into a cultural phenomenon.
Her work on Love Island earned her a BAFTA TV Award in 2018. Caroline also tried her hand at acting, starring as Roxie Hart in the West End production of Chicago in 2018.
Tragically, Caroline’s life took a tragic turn in 2019 when she faced assault charges after a dispute with her boyfriend.
Amid intense media scrutiny, Caroline tragically took her own life on February 15, 2020, at age 40.
Her death sparked widespread calls for kindness in the media and mental health awareness.
Jay won with his partner Aliona Vilani (Image: PA)
Jay McGuiness (Series 13, 2015)
The Wanted’s Jay McGuiness showcased his natural rhythm and iconic Pulp Fiction-inspired jive with partner Aliona Vilani, which earned him the glitterball trophy.
After his Strictly win, Jay turned his focus to stage musicals, showcasing his acting and singing talents. He starred in productions like Big: The Musical and Rip It Up, a dance-focused stage show that reunited him with former Strictly champions.
While The Wanted went on hiatus in 2014, they reunited briefly in 2021 to release new music and support bandmate Tom Parker during his illness.
Tom passed away on March 30, 2022, at the age of 33, following an 18-month battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. At Tom’s funeral, Jay, alongside Max George, served as a pallbearer, carrying Tom’s coffin into St. Francis of Assisi church in Petts Wood.
In a heartfelt tribute shared on , Jay reflected on his bond with Tom, saying: “I don’t know where you are now, but I am so honoured we got to spend time together on earth. An honour.”
Stacey is in a relationship with Kevin Clifton, her Strictly partner (Image: Grimsbylive)
Stacey Dooley (Series 16, 2018)
British television presenter, journalist, and documentary filmmaker Stacey Dooley stepped out of her comfort zone by participating in .
Partnered with professional dancer Kevin Clifton, she charmed the nation with her determination and won the glitterball trophy. This marked a turning point in her career, leading to a wider range of presenting opportunities, including ’s Glow Up: Britain’s Next Make-Up Star.
Stacey is in a relationship with Kevin Clifton, her Strictly partner, and the couple welcomed their first child, Minnie, in early 2023
In September 2023, she explored the inner workings of a funeral home in Stacey Dooley: Inside The Undertakers and is set to present Stacey Dooley: Shoplifting, a Three and iPlayer documentary scheduled for January 2025.
In October 2024 she proudly received the Grierson Trustee Award for her contributions to documentary filmmaking.
Kelvin joined as a last-minute replacement for Jamie Laing (Image: GETTY IMAGES EUROPE )
Kelvin Fletcher (Series 17, 2019)
actor Kelvin showcased his hidden talent for dance by joining as a last-minute replacement for Jamie Laing.
Paired with professional dancer Oti Mabuse, Kelvin’s impressive routines earned him the glitterball trophy, cementing his place as a fan favourite.
After his Strictly victory, Kelvin embraced a new chapter by purchasing a 120-acre farm in the Peak District with his wife, Liz Marsland, and their children.
The move led to the series Kelvin’s Big Farming Adventure, which follows their journey from city life to farming. Kelvin has also taken on various acting roles, including appearances in dramas and films, while balancing his newfound passion for agriculture.
Kelvin and Liz have been married since 2015 and share four children, welcoming twin boys in 2022.
Rose was the first deaf contestant to appear on the show (Image: BBC)
Rose Ayling-Ellis (Series 19, 2021)
In 2021, Rose joined , partnered with Giovanni Pernice.
Their journey captivated audiences, especially their “silent moment” dance, which highlighted the deaf experience and went viral.
Rose’s win marked a historic moment, breaking barriers for the deaf community.
Since leaving in 2022, The 30-year-old has focused on advocacy, raising awareness about deaf culture and accessibility. She was named an ambassador for the Royal National Institute for Deaf People and has championed British Sign Language.
The Kent-born star was awarded a BAFTA for her impact on television and society, solidifying her legacy as a trailblazer in both the arts and activism.
She was recently made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours for her voluntary services to the deaf community.
The former actress received the royal honour from at .