Strictly Come Dancing: A recap of the 2022 series
Hamza Yassin won the show!
Last updated 7th Aug 2023
As we await any details about the 2023 series of hit BBC entertainment show Strictly Come Dancing, we've pulled together a recap of the 2022 series, including which celebs took part, which professionals they were paired with, who sat on the famous judging panel and who won the competition.
After 15 celebs signed up in 2022, the series was a huge hit, concluding on Saturday 17th December with hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Who won Strictly Come Dancing in 2022?
After Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice were crowned the winners last year, we could not wait to see what would happen in the 2022 and who would take home the Glitterball Trophy.
After 13 weeks of fierce competition Hamza Yassin and his professional partner Jowita Przystal were crowned the Strictly Come Dancing 2022 winners.
Who was in the 2022 final?
Four couples made it to the final - Fleur East and Vito Coppola, Helen Skelton and Gorka Márquez, Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu, and Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal.
When was the Strictly Final?
The final took place on Saturday 17th December at 7.05pm.
Who was eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing?
Only four of the 15 celebrities made it through to the Final, see who was eliminated each week.
Week One: No elimination
Week Two: Kaye Adams
Week Three: Richie Anderson
Week Four: Matt Goss
Week Five: Jayde Adams
Week Six: James Bye
Week Seven: Ellie Simmonds OBE
Week Eight: Tony Adams
Week Nine: Tyler West
Week 10: Ellie Taylor
Week 11: Kym Marsh
Week 12: Will Mellor
Week 13: No eliminations in the final
What songs and dances were on the Strictly final?
In the final, the couples each performed three routines, two of these dances were ones they had already done in the competition, with one being chosen by the couple and the other chosen by the judges. They also performed a new Showdance routine.
Check out the songs and dances from the Final:
Fleur East and Vito Coppola
Week 13:
Favourite Dance - Couples Choice to 'Destiny's Child Megamix' by Destiny's Child
Judges' Pick - Samba to 'Hot, Hot, Hot' by Arrow
Showdance - 'Find Me' by Sigma ft Birdy.
Helen Skelton and Gorka Márquez
Week 13:
Favourite Dance - Couples Choice to 'Mein Herr' by Liza Minnelli (Cabaret)
Judges' Pick - Jive to 'Tightrope' by Janelle Monáe
Showdance - 'Shine' by Emily Sandé
Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal
Week 13:
Favourite Dance - Couple's Choice to 'Jerusalema - Remix' by Master KG ft Burna Boy and Nomcebo Zikode
Judges' Pick - Salsa to 'Ecuador' by Sash! ft Rodriguez
Showdance - 'Let's Face The Music And Dance' by Irving Berlin
Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu
Week 13:
Favourite Dance - Rumba to 'All The Man That I Need' by Whitney Houston
Judges' Pick - Quickstep to 'Love On Top' by Beyoncé
Showdance - 'Kiss/1999' by Prince
What channel was Strictly Come Dancing on?
Strictly Come Dancing 2022 aired on BBC One on Saturday and Sunday nights, with the spin-off show Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two, broadcasting on BBC2.
Which celebrities were on Strictly Come Dancing 2022?
All of the celebs for the 2022 series of Strictly Come Dancing were confirmed in August. Bosses began to amp up the excitement as they revealed the first two contestants at the beginning of August, in the form of Kym Marsh and Will Mellor. Adding the likes of Kaye Adams and James Bye to the list, they finally completed the line-up with the 15th contestant Helen Skelton.
Check out all of the contestants from Strictly 2022:
Will Mellor
Known for: Actor
Will said: "I'm honestly so chuffed to be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this year!
"Not going to lie, it's totally out of my comfort zone and I know it will be a huge challenge but that's what life is all about.
"I lost my dad in 2020 and from then I've just thought I've got to grab life - I've got to do things and create new memories. My mindset changed and that's the reason why I signed up for Strictly.
"This is also my mum's favourite show and she's had a really tough few years so I'm doing this is for her as well. Bring it on!"
Kym Marsh
Known for: Actress and singer
Kym said: "I've considered doing Strictly for years but the timings never worked out. I'm so delighted that this year they have! I'm a huge fan of the show and can't believe I'm going to go from watching at home in my pyjamas to actually dancing in front of the judges in a glittery dress, it's unreal!"
Richie Anderson
Known for: Radio presenter
Richie said: "This is a dream come true! I cannot wait to get in those sparkles and sequins and shimmy across the most famous dance floor in the world! Strictly is the ultimate feel good show, as soon as I hear that iconic theme tune it's just pure escapism. I'm going to have to cancel my legendary Strictly launch night kitchen party that I throw every year, I'm sure my friends and family will understand. It's also a massive honour to be part of an all-male dance partnership, it's so important we have that inclusion on such a huge show."
Kaye Adams
Known for: Loose Women star and broadcaster
Kaye said: "I said I wanted to make the last year of my fifties memorable and I can't think of a better way of doing it than showing the world my two left feet. Pray for me!"
Jayde Adams
Known for: Comedian
Jayde said: "Since I watched the first series in 2004, I feel like every step I've taken in my career over the last 11 years was to be on Strictly. I cannot begin to express the emotions I am feeling, this means so much to me and my family. I've always watched it, apart from a brief hiatus in 2011 as I was relentlessly gigging every weekend (to try and get on Strictly). I've been a massive fan of the show for years. I feel like I'm watching myself in a dream and I can't believe I've manifested this. Holding this in has been torture for me!"
Ellie Simmonds OBE
Known for: Paralympic swimmer and broadcaster
Ellie said: "Oh my gosh!! I'm literally bursting with excitement!! It's been soooo hard keeping this secret as I've wanted to tell everyone. I'm going on Strictly Come Dancing!! I'm a tad nervous too, well more than a tad… I'm absolutely petrified! To be asked to be part of the Strictly family is just so exciting and I cannot wait, it's going to so much fun. I'm counting down the minutes until it starts; learning to dance, meeting my partner and everyone else involved in the show. Plus wearing the sequins and all that, It's going to be a blast. I've been watching Strictly from as far back as I can remember; it's a traditional lead up to Christmas with my family and it's a genuine privilege to be part of it."
Tyler West
Known for: KISS FM UK presenter
Tyler said: "I am SO gassed to be joining the Strictly family! As I started writing this I already got cramp. It's going to be one crazy incredible journey which will no doubt be SO far outside my comfort zone. It's a show that means so much to me and my family and I can't wait to seriously shake a leg on that shiny dance floor… with a side of sequins."
Matt Goss
Known for: Bros singer
Matt said: I'm extremely nervous and excited, but I'm optimistic because I'm very supple from the knees down."
Ellie Taylor
Known for: Comedian, broadcaster, writer and actor
Ellie said: "Well, cover me in fake tan and roll me in sequins! I'm absolutely over the moon to be a part of Strictly 2022! I've watched the show for years so to be able to take to the dance floor is a dream come true, for both me and mum who is a Strictly super fan! At the moment I'm focusing on the excitement and glitter and choosing to ignore the fact that I have the dancing ability of a newly born giraffe. Bring it on!"
Molly Rainford
Known for: Singer and actress
Molly said: "I'm so excited to be part of Strictly Come Dancing, I've watched it for years and can't wait to meet the pros and the others taking part! I can't wait to learn the moves and get dancing!"
Tony Adams MBE
Known for: Former England and Arsenal footballer
Tony said: "To say I'm excited is an understatement - the lure of the sequins and the call of the salsa has me swapping my battered old football boots for a set of Strictly soft shoes. Am absolutely thrilled to be giving it my all on this year's 20th anniversary of Strictly Come Dancing. I can't wait to meet my partner - god help her - and start the dancing."
Fleur East
Known for: Singer and Hits Radio presenter
Fleur said: "I'm equally nervous and thrilled to be part of this year's Strictly line up. I'm excited to learn new skills and I want to soak up every moment of this magical experience. It's such an honour to be on the show after years of watching it with my Father who loved it so much. Unfortunately my Dad is no longer with us but I know he will be watching over the ballroom in spirit. I'm doing this to make him and my family proud and can't wait to get my dancing shoes on!"
Hamza Yassin
Known for: Wildlife cameraman and presenter
Hamza said: "I am absolutely over the moon to be joining Strictly 2022. Never in a million years did I think I'd be on such a cool show. I've been watching it for years and I can't believe I'll actually be there dancing live in front of the British public. My dance skills are currently at the level of '1970's disco vibe' but I'm ready to work hard and will be shaking it every time I get the chance – shake it 'til you make it!"
James Bye
Known for: Actor on EastEnders
James said: "I'm not known for my shimmy or my twinkle toes - in fact my kids regularly laugh at my dad dancing but it's an honour to be asked and I'm going to give it my best shot. There are some huge dance shoes to fill and it's truly exciting to follow in the footsteps of some amazing EastEnders talent. I'd love to do everyone proud."
Helen Skelton
Known for: TV and radio presenter
Helen said: "I'm really excited to get stuck into a fun adventure. My family and friends have always loved the show and can't wait for me to get started."
Although the likes of Louis Theroux, Scarlett Moffatt, Rosie Jones, and Tom Malone Jr. were rumoured to be joining the Strictly cast, the final line-up announcement revealed they wouldn't be taking part in the 2022 series.
Who was paired with who on Strictly Come Dancing in 2022?
During the pre-recorded launch show on Friday 23rd September, the pairings were unveiled by hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Check out all of the 2022 pairings below:
Ellie Simmonds OBE & Nikita Kuzmin
Tyler West and Dianne Buswell
Kym Marsh and Graziano Di Prima
Will Mellor and Nancy Xu
Helen Skelton and Gorka Márquez
James Bye and Amy Dowden
Fleur East and Vito Coppola
Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal
Matt Goss and Nadiya Bychkova
Ellie Taylor and Johannes Radebe
Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu
Richie Anderson and Giovanni Pernice
Jayde Adams and Karen Hauer
Kaye Adams and Kai Widdrington
Tony Adams and Katya Jones
Who were the Strictly Come Dancing judges in 2022?
Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas and Motsi Mabuse all returned for the 2022 series, with Anton Du Beke officially returning to the show alongside them as a judge, following him stepping in last year in place of Bruno Tonioli.
After rumours were rife that Bruno Tonioli had quit the show after 18 years, in order to focus on Dancing With The Stars, the news was confirmed on 19th May, when it was also revealed that Anton would be taking his place again.
Anton, a former Strictly professional, first took Bruno's place on the panel in 2021 as travel restrictions at the time meant that Bruno couldn't make it.
Which professional dancers were on Strictly Come Dancing 2022?
16 professionals were announced for the 2022 series on Thursday 31st March, including show favourites likes Gorka Márquez, Katya Jones, Johannes Radebe, Dianne Buswell and Karen Hauer.
Then, on 12th July, bosses announced four brand new dancers; European cup winner Vito Coppola, Chinese National Champion Carlos Gu, former Under-21 British National Champion Lauren Oakley, and Latin dance champion Michelle Tsiakkas.
Kai Widdrington
Cameron Lombard
Nikita Kuzmin
Jowita Przystal
Amy Dowden
Dianne Buswell
Dianne was a professional on the Australian version of Strictly Come Dancing before she joined the UK cast in 2017. In 2022, she made it all the way to Blackpool with Kiss FM presenter Tyler West.
Giovanni Pernice
Italian Champion Giovanni Pernice is the longest-serving male professional on the current line-up of Strictly pros, having joined the show in 2015. He lifted the Glitterball with actress Rose Ayling-Ellis back in 2021 and was most recently paired with presenter Richie Anderson.
Gorka Marquez
Gorka joined the show in 2016 and has danced in three finals, most recently with presenter Helen Skelton in 2022.
Johannes Radebe
Karen Hauer
Katya Jones
Graziano Di Prima
Luba Mushtuk
Nadiya Bychkova
Nancy Xu
Neil Jones
Carlos Gu
Michelle Tsiakkas
Vito Coppola
Lauren Oakley
Aljaž Škorjanec announced a few days earlier that he'd left the show.
Sharing a montage of photos alongside his past celeb partners, he wrote: 'On a beautiful sunny day in May 2013 one phone call changed my life forever!
'It went like this... We would like to offer you a position on @bbcstrictly as a professional dancer. A dream became a reality and it was the biggest opportunity for a 23 year old boy from Slovenia. It didn’t matter how many beautiful ballrooms I performed in during my competitive career, stepping onto the sacred Strictly floor was the most nervous I had ever been.
'A little while ago I made the tough decision that Strictly 2021 would be my last. The show has given me an opportunity and freedom to create and express myself in front of millions of people every weekend for the last 9 years. The love and support I got from the team of producers was second to none. @jasongilkison, @sarahjamesface, @kimwinston, @jack.will.g are just a few of the unsung heroes behind the success of the show - I am forever grateful to them!
'Being a part of a group of professionals that inspire and push you to be better every step of the way is humbling and I will carry that inspiration with me forever. Every year the lineup of dancers would change but one thing stayed the same, WE WERE THE BEST! And this is one thing that I know will never change on Strictly!
'Strictly also has the BEST backstage team - the hair and make-up team, costume department, lighting, sound, props and special effects, camera operators… THANK YOU!
'My beautiful partners.. It's hard to put into words how many beautiful memories we have had. I LOVE YOU ALL!
'To my bucka.. from picking songs, creating stories and choreographing steps we always did it as a team. Your talent and selflessness knows no bounds. We got to perform with Andrea Bocelli, Michael Buble, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, BBC Symphony Orchestra.. moments I will keep in my heart forever. I LOVE YOU!
'And finally, thank YOU, the people that watch Strictly who have been so kind to me all these years. Every comment, vote, kind message never went unnoticed. You are the reason we all do it, thank you!
'I have lots of exciting stuff planned that I will fill you in on soon. I can't wait to see what the future holds!
'KEEEEEP DANCING! Aljaz x'. (sic)
When did Strictly Come Dancing 2022 start?
At the beginning of August it was revealed that the 2022 series of Strictly Come Dancing would begin in September, with the first show kicking off on Saturday 17th September.
However, following the sad passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday 8th September, BBC bosses made the decision to postpone the Strictly launch show until after the funeral, with the first live show airing on Saturday 24th September.
Did Strictly Come Dancing go to Blackpool in 2022?
Following a two-year absence due to the Coronavirus pandemic, bosses confirmed the show would return to the iconic Blackpool Tower in 2022.
Sarah James, Executive Producer for Strictly Come Dancing, said: “We know how much viewers love the Strictly themed weeks so it’s fantastic to be able to announce a new one, celebrating the BBC’s centenary. It’s the icing on the cake to be able to confirm that we are returning to the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom this year, we can’t wait to get back to Blackpool!”
What themes were on Strictly Come Dancing in 2022?
As well as the show returning to Blackpool, Movie Week, Halloween Week and Musicals Week also featured in the 2022 series.
To celebrate the BBC turning 100, the 20th series also featured a brand new themed episode which saw this year's couples take to the Strictly ballroom floor, either dancing to a theme tune from an iconic BBC programme or in tribute to one of the BBC’s most loved services.
As well as all the competitive couples' dances, the Strictly pros did two routines that incorporated the BBC 100 theme.
One of these dances focused on the BBC's natural history programming and the other saw the dancers 'gate-crashing' some of the broadcaster's shows.
Who presented Strictly Come Dancing in 2022?
Popular hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman were back once again for the 2022 series.
Check out the rumoured line-up for Strictly Come Dancing 2023:
Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz
According to reports in early 2024, Strictly bosses are keen to make history on the show by signing up married couple Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz to both appear! The rumours are suggesting David and Victoria Beckham's son Brooklyn will be in direct competition with his wife Nicole. Now this would be a huge signing if bosses can pull it off!
Jill Scott MBE
After being crowned Queen of the Jungle during the 2022 series of I'm A Celebrity, former England footballer Jill Scott was heavily rumoured for the 2023 series of Strictly, but after Jill didn't feature, will 2024 be her year?
Phillip Schofield
Rumours have circulated that Phillip Schofield could be taking to the Strictly dancefloor for years, but since his departure from This Morning after 21 years, they've stepped up a notch - with publications reporting that offers have been more "aggressive" this year than for previous series of the show.
Gino D'Acampo
He's loved by the masses, so it's no surprise Strictly bosses are keen to get TV chef Gino D'Acampo on the 2024 series. Gino has been asked to do the show in the past, but he turned the offer down. Will he accept this year?
Louis Theroux
Louis Theroux appeared on The Jonathan Ross show last year, where he said: "I know I've had too many drinks when I'm in the kitchen dancing while listening to something on the smart speaker, often hip-hop, and I start doing the funky robot and then I start doing MC Hammer spins.
"And that's where it happens and I start thinking I should really go on Strictly."
Now we would pay to see that - sign him up!
Sophie Morgan
Loose Women star and TV presenter Sophie Morgan is rumoured to become the first ever wheelchair user to take part in Strictly. A source said: "She is the ideal star to take on the role. Plus, she is very glamorous so will look amazing in the sequined costumes. She already has a huge fan base from Loose Women and is a huge advocate of using her platform to promote inclusivity. It's still very early stages and the crew will officially start on pre-production in the coming months."
Alan Carr
Funny man Alan Carr would make a great addition to the show! Alan appeared on Loose Women where he confirmed he'd been asked to take part in the past, so will we see him on the 2024 series?
Rosie Jones
Comedian and actress Rosie Jones recently admitted watching deaf contestant Rose Ayling-Ellis win the series in 2021 inspired her.
Speaking to metro.co.uk, she said: "I'd say what drives me, is when I was growing up, having cerebral palsy I didn't see anybody like me on TV.
"In recent years, people like Rose Ayling-Ellis on Strictly have just shown that having a disability isn't a disadvantage and it will never stop me!"
Vicky McClure
Following the popularity and success of shows like Line of Duty and Trigger Point, actress Vicky McClure has been linked to the 2024 series of Strictly.
Perri Kiely
Diversity star and KISS FM Breakfast presenter Perri Kiely confessed a few years ago he'd love to take part on the show. Speaking to Digital Spy, the former BGT winner said: "If it was on a technical level, that would be horrendous, so I'd definitely love to give it a go. But I'm not sure people would see that. They'd probably see an unfair advantage. People thought I was cheating on Dancing on Ice, let alone Strictly Come Dancing."
Tom Malone Jr
After leaving Gogglebox in 2021, Tom Malone Jr has expressed his interest in appearing on Strictly in the past. He told the Express: "If the opportunity came up to go on Strictly as a contestant, I've never done Ballroom in my life, so it'd be interesting to see how as someone who breaks."
Munroe Bergdorf
Model Munroe Bergdorf revealed last year she wants to make history by becoming Strictly Come Dancing's first ever transgender contestant.
She told the Make It Reign podcast: "I've always said that 'Strictly' is the only one that I've got a desire to do. I've got a plan. I want to get everything done that I want to achieve, then I can start doing those shows. It's really exciting."
Tommy Fury
After showcasing his 'moves' on his spin-off show The Boxer and the Ballroom Dancer with Love Island co-star Curtis Pritchard, fans have been urging Strictly to sign up boxer Tommy Fury.
Michelle Keegan
Since her husband Mark Wright made it into the Strictly final in 2014, every year rumours have been rife that actress Michelle Keegan will sign up.
But Mark set fire to the rumours even further when he took part in Christmas special back in 2019, telling the Radio Times: "Never say never, but I just think her nerves would go to another level."
Andrew Ridgeley
Wham! star Andrew Ridgeley confessed in July last year he'd love to take part in Strictly, admitting he'd love the chance to learn how to dance properly. He'd be a great signing for 2024!
Strictly Come Dancing will return later in 2023.
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