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BBC Celebrates 20 Years of Strictly Come Dancing in Special Programme

On November 16, 2024, the BBC marked the milestone anniversary of one of its most beloved television programs, Strictly Come Dancing, with a special celebratory broadcast commemorating 20 years of dance, glamour, and entertainment. The programme, which first aired on May 15, 2004, has become a cultural institution, captivating audiences across generations with its combination of celebrity competition, breathtaking choreography, and emotional storytelling. The special 20th-anniversary programme served as both a retrospective look at the show’s legacy and a celebration of the stars, dancers, and moments that have made Strictly Come Dancing a fixture of Saturday night television.

BBC The Beginnings of a Cultural Phenomenon

When Strictly Come Dancing first debuted, no one could have predicted just how profoundly it would impact British television and the broader cultural landscape. Inspired by the international success of Dancing with the Stars (the American version of the show), the British version of Strictly was conceived as a mix of competitive ballroom dancing, celebrity participation, and public voting, all set against a dazzling, glitzy stage. The format was simple: a selection of celebrities from various fields of entertainment, sport, and media would pair with professional dancers to compete in a series of weekly dance challenges, culminating in a grand finale. However, the mix of celebrity appeal, high-stakes competition, and the sheer spectacle of the dancing quickly elevated it into something more than just a reality TV show.

Strictly Come Dancing became a showcase for the best in British ballroom and Latin dance, with the stars of the show—both professional dancers and celebrity participants—capturing the nation’s imagination. What set the show apart was its emotional depth and its ability to turn everyday people into graceful dancers, fostering a sense of personal growth for the celebrities and allowing viewers to connect with the contestants on a deeper level. Celebrities like Tom Chambers, Kellie Bright, and Jay McGuiness became household names through their time on the show, often improving their skills beyond anyone’s expectations and leaving a lasting legacy in the process.

BBC A Night of Star-Studded Celebrations

The 20th-anniversary special, which aired two days ago on November 16, 2024, was an opportunity for fans to relive some of the most unforgettable moments from the past two decades. Hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, the broadcast featured a mix of live performances, interviews, and behind-the-scenes clips, bringing together many of the show’s biggest stars.

The programme kicked off with a showstopping opening number featuring current professional dancers performing a medley of iconic routines from throughout the series. From the traditional elegance of the waltz to the fiery passion of the tango, the dancers demonstrated the breadth and variety of styles that Strictly Come Dancing has brought into the homes of millions over the years. Viewers were treated to a dazzling display of choreography, complete with the elaborate costumes and the signature glitz and glamour that have become synonymous with the show.

In between the performances, Daly and Winkleman took the audience on a journey through the history of the show, revisiting some of the most memorable moments. Craig Revel Horwood, Len Goodman, and Bruno Tonioli—who formed the iconic judging panel in the show’s early years—shared anecdotes from behind the scenes, while Darcey Bussell and Shirley Ballas, the judges who followed in their footsteps, also reflected on their experiences.

BBC Celebrating the Stars and Their Journey

One of the standout elements of the anniversary special was the reunion of past contestants, both winners and runners-up, many of whom returned to the ballroom to perform a special routine. Over the years, the show has introduced the British public to a wide range of celebrities, from actors and musicians to athletes, presenters, and even politicians. For many of these celebrities, Strictly represented a journey of self-discovery, learning a new skill while simultaneously forging deeper connections with the audience.

The reunion showcased memorable winners such as Harry Judd (who won in 2011 with professional dancer Aliona Vilani), Stacey Dooley (2018 winner), and Kelvin Fletcher (who triumphed in 2019). As each star took the stage, they shared personal reflections on their time on Strictly, with many speaking about the life-changing experiences they had while participating.

For Kelvin Fletcher, who was brought in as a replacement contestant at the last minute during the 2019 series, the show was more than just a competition—it was a transformative experience. “I came into this completely unprepared, but what I learned, how I grew as a person, it was all worth it,” Fletcher shared in an emotional moment during the anniversary programme. His victory remains one of the most talked-about in Strictly history, especially given his background as a professional actor, not a dancer.

Similarly, Stacey Dooley, a beloved documentary filmmaker who won the show in 2018, spoke about how Strictly gave her a new sense of confidence. “I didn’t think I was capable of doing something like this. But every week, the support from the audience, from the judges, and from my partner Kevin [Clifton], made me believe in myself,” Dooley said, reflecting on her experience.

BBC The Show’s Impact on Dance and Culture

The special programme also delved into how Strictly Come Dancing has had a lasting impact on both dance and British popular culture. The show has introduced millions of viewers to the beauty and precision of ballroom and Latin dancing, fostering a new generation of dance enthusiasts. The Strictly effect can be seen in the popularity of dance schools across the country, many of which have reported an increase in enrolments since the show’s debut.

Professional dancers like Aljaz Skorjanec, Katya Jones, and Oti Mabuse have become household names, with many going on to develop their careers further outside of Strictly. Oti Mabuse, who won the show twice, was particularly celebrated during the anniversary programme for her groundbreaking contributions, both as a dancer and as a choreographer. Mabuse’s rise to fame, from a relatively unknown dancer to a mainstay of British television, is a testament to the opportunities that Strictly has created for dancers from around the world.

Additionally, Strictly has been a platform for diversity, both in terms of the dancers it features and the backgrounds of its celebrities. Over the years, the show has embraced contestants of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds, making it a key part of British cultural life. The diversity in the casting of the show has allowed it to remain relevant, reflective of the changing times, and relatable to a wide audience.

BBC Memorable Moments: The Triumphs and the Tears

One of the defining characteristics of Strictly Come Dancing is its ability to create memorable, emotional moments that resonate with viewers long after the credits roll. The anniversary special looked back at some of the show’s most touching and dramatic moments, from unexpected eliminations to the tears of joy shared by contestants upon receiving high scores from the judges.

One such moment was the iconic John Sergeant episode, where the bumbling news presenter, despite his lack of dance ability, became an audience favorite. His exit from the show was filled with such warmth and affection from both his fellow contestants and viewers that it became one of the show’s most endearing and unforgettable moments.

Similarly, the final of 2021, in which Rose Ayling-Ellis made history by becoming the first deaf winner of Strictly, was one of the programme’s most emotionally charged episodes. Her journey, which saw her overcome significant challenges, including adapting to dance routines without being able to hear the music, moved viewers across the nation. Her victory, alongside her partner Giovanni Pernice, became a watershed moment for inclusivity in the entertainment industry.

BBC The Future of Strictly Come Dancing

As Strictly Come Dancing celebrates 20 years of success, the question on many fans’ minds is what the future holds for the programme. Given its continued popularity, Strictly shows no signs of slowing down. The BBC has already confirmed that the show will continue for the foreseeable future, with more exciting seasons, new professional dancers, and fresh celebrity participants to come.

The programme’s ability to evolve while staying true to its roots is key to its enduring success. As it heads into its third decade, Strictly Come Dancing remains a beloved cornerstone of British television—both a celebration of dance and a showcase of personal transformation.

As the anniversary special drew to a close, the message was clear: Strictly Come Dancing has not just survived for 20 years; it has thrived, evolving with the times while continuing to bring joy, tears, and celebration into millions of homes. The show’s impact on British culture, the world of dance, and the entertainment industry is undeniable, and its next chapter promises to be just as exciting as the first. Here’s to another 20 years of dazzling spins, emotional moments, and the magic of the ballroom.