Strictly Come Dancing 2023: Your ultimate recap
Ellie Leach won the show!
Popular BBC show Strictly Come Dancing has graced our screens since 2004, but some how every year the show just gets better and better! After Hamza Yassin and his professional partner Jowita Przysta won the 2022 series, and the show picked up Best Talent Show at the NTAs, the 2023 series launched in November, with the final taking place on Saturday 16th December.
Now the show is over for another year, check out your ultimate recap of series 21 of Strictly.
Who won Strictly 2023?
Former Coronation Street actress Ellie Leach and her professional partner Vito Coppola were crowned the 2023 winners of Strictly Come Dancing.
After each performing three dances during the final, Ellie and Vito won the Glitterball Trophy following a public vote.
Ellie said: “Words cannot describe how I am feeling right now and I cannot believe we have just won Strictly Come Dancing 2023. It’s been a life-changing opportunity and I’ve had the time of my life dancing with Vito every week.
“It has been so special and to be able to do it with such a great teacher has made it an experience I will never forget.
“Thank you so much for that, Vito, and thank you for finding the dancer in me. We couldn’t have won without the voting public, so a huge thank you to everyone at home who picked up the phone for us, we appreciate every single one of you!
“Finally, a big congratulations to all the finalists and all the 2023 cast, who are incredible and came alongside this journey with me.”
Professional dancer Vito was equally as shocked, saying: “This is unbelievable, thank you so much to everyone who voted for us, we love you and it means the world to us!
“Ellie, my Lulu, I am so, so proud of you.
“I have seen how hard you have worked, the dedication and determination you have shown, and how much you have grown as a person these past three months.We’ve had the best time dancing together and I’ve enjoyed every second of it!
“Thank you for being the best dance partner and thank you to everyone who has supported us each week and voted for us!"
Who was in the final?
Three celebs made it to the 2023 final, including Layton Williams, Bobby Brazier, and Ellie Leach.
When was the Strictly final?
The final took place on Saturday 16th December, with the show kicking off at 7pm.
When did Strictly Come Dancing start?
The new series of Strictly started on Saturday 16th September, running for 13 weeks.
In early September, bosses released a teaser trailer featuring this year's professionals, writing: 'Get your dancing shoes on… Strictly Come Dancing 2023 coming soon🪩 #strictly #iplayer'. (sic)
Which celebs took part in Strictly?
Bosses started to unveil this year's famous faces on Friday 4th August, with 15 celebs being announced in total. See the full confirmed line-up below:
Ellie Leach - WINNER
Age: 22
Known for: Coronation Street actress
Layton Williams - FINALIST
Age: 28
Known for: Actor/West End star
Bobby Brazier - FINALIST
Age: 20
Known for: EastEnders actor
Annabel Croft - ELIMINATED
Age: 57
Known for: Former professional tennis player
Nigel Harman - QUIT
Age: 49
Known for: Actor
Angela Rippon - ELIMINATED
Age: 78
Known for: Journalist/TV presenter
Amanda Abbington - QUIT
Age: 49
Known for: Actress
Angela Scanlon - ELIMINATED
Age: 39
Known for: Irish TV presenter
Krishan Guru-Murthy - ELIMINATED
Age: 53
Known for: Journalist/News reader
Adam Thomas - ELIMINATED
Age: 34
Known for: Actor
Zara McDermott - ELIMINATED
Age: 26
Known for: Former Love Island contestant and TV presenter
Eddie Kadi - ELIMINATED
Age: 40
Known for: Comedian/Radio DJ
Jody Cundy - ELIMINATED
Age: 45
Known for: Gold medallist Paralympian
Nikita Kanda - ELIMINATED
Age: Unknown
Known for: Radio DJ
Les Dennis - ELIMINATED
Age: 69
Known for: TV presenter, comedian and actor
Eliminated in Week Two
Who were the Strictly pairings?
This year's pairings were announced during the launch show on Saturday 16th September, take a look through the full list below.
Nikita Kanda and Gorka Marquez
Zara McDermott and Graziano Di Prima
Annabel Croft and Johannes Radebe
Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola
Angela Scanlon and Carlos Gu
Luba Mushtuk and Adam Thomas
Angela Rippon and Kai Widdrington
Dianne Buswell and Bobby Brazier
Lauren Oakley and Krishnan Guru-Murthy
Nikita Kuzmin and Layton Williams
Nigel Harman and Katya Jones
Jowita Przystal and Jody Cundy
Eddie Kadi and Karen Hauer
Giovanni Pernice and Amanda Abbington
Les Dennis and Nancy Xu
Who was eliminated on Strictly?
Week One: No elimination
Week Two: Les Dennis
Week Three: Nikita Kanda
Week Four: Jody Cundy
Week Five: Eddie Kadi
Week Six: Zara McDermott
Week Seven: Adam Thomas
Week Eight: Krishnan Guru-Murthy
Week Nine: Angela Rippon
Week Ten: Angela Scanlon
Week 11: No elimination
Week 12: Annabel Croft
Who was top of the Strictly leaderboard?
Week One: Nigel Harman and Katya Jones (32/40)
Week Two: Layton William and Nikita Kuzmin (65/80) - combined with Week One
Week Three: Angela Scanlon and Carlos Gu (35/40)
Week Four: Layton William and Nikita Kuzmin (37/40)
Week Five: Layton William and Nikita Kuzmin (39/40)
Week Six: Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola (38/40)
Week Seven: Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola (39/40)
Week Eight: Layton William and Nikita Kuzmin (39/40)
Week Nine: Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola, and Layton William and Nikita Kuzmin (39/40)
Week Ten: Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola (38/40)
Week 11: Layton William and Nikita Kuzmin (40/40)
Week 12: Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin (40/40)
Final: Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin (119/120)
Why did Nigel quit Strictly?
Just hours before the Quarter-Final on Saturday 2nd December, it was confirmed that Nigel Harman and his partner Katya Jones had been forced to withdraw from the competition due to Nigel picking up an injury.
Unfortunately, Nigel Harman and Katya Jones have had to withdraw from the competition. We wish Nigel a speedy recovery and they both will be very much missed by our entire Strictly family ❤️'. (sic)
Nigel later appeared on the episode where he confirmed he'd broken a rib in rehearsals.
Due to Nigel's injury, no elimination took place on Sunday 3rd December.
Why did Amanda quit Strictly?
After missing Week Five, actress Amanda Abbington made the decision to quit this year's show.
BBC bosses confirmed the news on Monday 23rd October, saying in a statement: 'Amanda Abbington is unable to continue in Strictly Come Dancing and has decided to withdraw from the competition. The show wishes her all the best for the future.'
Although Amanda hasn't spoken herself, her Strictly partner Giovanni Pernice did share a supportive message for the 49-year-old.
Sharing a number of photos alongside Amanda, Giovanni wrote: Amanda ..I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love ♥️ @amanda_abbington74 @bbcstrictly'. (sic)
Who won Strictly Come Dancing in 2022?
After 13 weeks of fierce competition Hamza Yassin and his professional partner Jowita Przystal were crowned the Strictly Come Dancing 2022 winners, during the live final on Saturday 17th December.
See a full recap from the 2022 series right here.
What channel is Strictly Come Dancing on?
Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One on Saturday and Sunday nights, with the spin-off show Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two, broadcasting on BBC2.
Who are the judges on Strictly Come Dancing?
Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas and Motsi Mabuse returned for the 2023 series, as well as Anton Du Beke, who replaced Bruno Tonioli on the panel last year.
BBC bosses confirmed the judging panel on Friday 21st April 2023.
Which professional dancers were on Strictly in 2023?
The professional line-up is for the 2023 series was announced on Friday 21st April, with dancers Gorka Márquez, Katya Jones, Johannes Radebe, Dianne Buswell and Karen Hauer, and more all returning.
In 2022, 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, all of these will return for the 2023 series.
Gorka Marquez
Gorka joined the show in 2016 and has danced in three finals, most recently with presenter Helen Skelton in 2022.
Vito Coppola
Vito joined the show in 2022 and made it all the way to the final with Hits Radio presenter Fleur East.
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.
Karen Hauer
Karen is the longest serving dancer in the current line-up, having joined in 2012. Last year she was paired with comedian Jayde Adams.
Katya Jones
Katya lifted the glitterball with actor Joe McFadden in 2017 and has been a Strictly professional since 2016. She danced with footballing legend Tony Adams in 2022.
Johannes Radebe
Johannes has been a Strictly pro since 2018. He danced with comedian Ellie Taylor last year.
Kai Widdrington
Kai became a professional dancer in 2021, when he reached the final with presenter AJ Odudu but had to pull out due to an injury. Last year, Kai was paired with Loose Women star Kaye Adams.
Jowita Przystal
Jowita joined the show in 2021 and was given her first professional partner, Hamza Yassin, in the 2022 series. The pair went on to win the show, making Jowita the reigning champion.
Carlos Gu
Carlos joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2022 and was partnered with CBBC star Molly Rainford. The pair reached the final of the show.
Graziano Di Prima
Graziano has been a Strictly pro since 2018. Last year, he reached the quarter finals with Kym Marsh.
Nadiya Bychkova
Nadiya joined the show in 2017. In 2022, she danced with Matt Goss.
Nikita Kuzmin
Nikita joined the show in 2021. He was paired with Paralympian Ellie Simmons in 2022.
Nancy Xu
Nancy was paired with actor Will Mellor in 2022. She has been a professional on the show since 2019.
Neil Jones
Neil has been a Strictly professional since 2016. His celebrity partners include professional footballer Alex Scott and actress and comedian Nina Wadia.
Lauren Oakley
Lauren joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2022.
Luba Mushtuk
Luba became a professional dancer on the programme in 2018. She has danced with two celebrity partners in the main series: James Cracknell in 2019 and Jason Bell in 2020.
Michelle Tsiakkas
Michelle joined Strictly in 2022.
Aljaž Škorjanec announced in 2022 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)
Who hosted Strictly Come Dancing this year?
The lovely Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman returned for the 2023 series, with the news being confirmed on Friday 21st April.
After presenting the Sunday night results show for a number of years, Claudia took over Bruce Forsyth's role as co-presenter alongside Tess in 2014.
Who hosted Strictly: It Takes Two?
Strictly Come Dancing spin-off show Strictly: It Takes Two has become nearly as popular as the main show since it first hit BBC Two in 2004.
After four years presenting the show, Rylan Clark confirmed in April 2023 that he's quit his hosting role, leaving fans wondering who will replace him.
Following the news, it was later announced that last year's contestant Fleur East would join Janette Manrara to host the show.
How does the Strictly Come Dancing voting work?
The voting on Strictly Come Dancing combines both the judges scores and the public votes, meaning no couple is safe, even if they receive the top score of 40 from the judges.
After all couples have performed, phone lines open for the public to vote for their favourite couple, then the judges scores and the public votes are added together. The couple ranked the highest will be given a number of points equal to the number of couples competing that evening.
Who has won Strictly Come Dancing in the past?
There's so far been 22 different winners of Strictly...
Series 1 winner – Natasha Kaplinsky
BBC newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky was the first celebrity to dance her way to victory in the summer of 2004 with professional dancer Brendan Cole. She finished 39 points ahead of her fellow finalis, Christopher Parker, and received the highest points for eight out of the 10 dances on the series.
Since the competition, Natsha went on to have two children, Arlo and Angelica and was awarded an OBE for her services to the Holocaust Commission. She continued her career in journalism leaving the BBC in 2008, before joining Channel 5 and then ITV.
Series 2 – Jill Halfpenny
Also in 2004 (but this time in December) soap actress Jill Halfpenny also became a Strictly champion alongside her dance partner Darren Bennett. Their Jive was the first ever Strictly routine to score a full house of 40 points, so we're not surprised she went on to win!
Jill was most well known for starring as Rebecca Hopkins in Coronation Street and Kate Mitchell in EastEnders. After Strictly she continued her acting career before stepping onto the West End, performing in plays such as Uncle Vanya and even Chicago. Now, she's a broadcaster for BBC Radio 2, which she's been doing since 2017.
Series 3 – Darren Gough
English cricketer Darren Dough stole the glitterball trophy from the likes of Zoe Ball and chef James Martin, despite never reaching the top of the Strictly leaderboard with his dance partner, Lilia Kopylova. The pair also went on to win the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special in 2005.
Darren retired from his cricketing career in 2008. The following year he became a presenter on the sport radio station Talk Sport, which he is still currently doing.
Mark Ramprakash
You may remember England cricketer Mark Ramprakash was the first ever contestant to restart a routine on Strictly after his microphone got caught in his dance partner's dress. However despite the hiccup, they still received the highest score! He was the second cricketer to bowl through and take home the glitterball in 2006. The sportsman soon departed from playing on the cricket pitch to coaching on it instead, and became the batting coach for the England cricket team. He then departed this role in 2019.
Series 5 – Alesha Dixon
Former R&B singer Alesha Dixon lifted the glitterball in 2007 alongside her dance partner Matthew Cutler in what was a very close final, as she finished just two points ahead of actor Matt Di Angelo.
Since her time on the dance floor, we've seen Alesha sit on the Strictly judging panel herself from 2009 to 2011, before leaving to judge on Britain's Got Talent, America's Got Talent and then Australia's Got Talent.
Series 6 – Tom Chambers
Holby City and Casualty actor Tom Chambers' Strictly win alongside Camilla Dallerup became somewhat controversial, as despite scoring the lowest of the three finalists the public still made him their winner.
Tom clearly enjoyed his time on the dance floor, as he starred in a stage version of the musical Top Hat, before returning for two Strictly Christmas Specials in 2008 and 2015.
Series 7 – Chris Hollins
Ola Jordan helped breakfast presenter Chris Hollins dance his way to victory in 2009. After the show he continued with his presenting career at the BBC for various shows including The Rescues, Cash In The Attic, and The Food Inspectors. He is also a presenter for BT Sport Live.
Series 8 – Kara Tointon
It wasn't just the glitter ball that Eastenders actress Kara Tointon left with at the end of her time on Strictly, but a new love with her professional dance partner Artem Chigvintsev. The pair even celebrated their win with a kiss - how romantic!
Since Strictly Kara continued a successful acting career taking to the stage too. Her most notable role was playing Eliza Doolittle in Pygmalion in the West End and the ITV live production of The Sound of Music, where she played Maria.
Sadly, Kara and Artem's Strictly romance didn't last and the couple decided to part ways in 2014.
Series 9 – Harry Judd
McFly drummer Harry Judd stole the winning spot in series 9 with professional dancer Aliona Vilani, beating fellow finalists Chelsee Healey & Jason Donovan. Harry fought hard to take the winning spot and didn't top the leaderboard until week 7, but from then on he received high 30s throughout the rest of the competition.
Since Strictly, Harry returned to the band McFly and released new music with them in 2020. More recently he welcomed baby number three into the world with his wife, Izzy Judd.
Series 10 – Louis Smith
Louis took home bronze and glitter in 2012 after his success at the 2012 Olympics and on the Strictly dance floor, with dance partner Flavia Cacace. In the final he danced against Denise Van Outen and Girls Aloud's Kimberley Walsh, receiving the lowest score from the judges. But it didn't matter, as the British public voted for him to be their winner. Louis continued to represent Great Britain in the Olympics before retiring and swapping gymnastics for the theatre. He even continued doing some dancing too and took part in this years series of The Masked Dancer and won!
Series 11 – Abbey Clancy
Abbey Clancy and Aljaž Skorjanec's routine regularly stole the show, so we weren't surprised when the pair were crowned the Strictly winners in 2013.
After the show Abbey went on to become a judge Britain's Next Top Model and welcomed her fourth child with husband Peter Crouch in 2019.
Series 12 – Caroline Flack
Caroline Flack and partner Pasha Kovalev became the first and still are the only Strictly couple to receive 40 points for all three dances in the final. Caroline continued a successful TV career after the show, presenting on the X-Factor alongside Olly Murs and on ITV's Love Island. Sadly, Caroline took her own life in February 2020 and our thoughts are with all who knew her.
Since Caroline's passing, her mum Christine has become an advocate for mental health.
Series 13 – Jay McGuiness
Jay McGuiness was one of four members from boy band The Wanted and won with partner Aliona Vilan. The singer credited much of his success to his dance partner and on winning told her: "You deserve it so much, you really do." After taking a musical break for seven years, The Wanted are now back together and are embarking on a UK tour in 2022.
Series 14 - Ore Oduba
The TV and radio presenter was known for wearing his heart on his sleeve throughout the competition, regularly getting emotional throughout the series. But he shed tears of joy after beating Louise Redknapp and ex Hollyoaks star Danny Mac, which saw him take home the glitter trophy.
In 2019 he began his musical theatre career, starring in the UK Tour of Grease and made his West End debut in January 2020.
Series 15 - Joe McFadden
Joe McFadden was the second Holby City actor to win Strictly with partner Katya Jones. He may not have been a natural dancer at the start, but he certainly came out on top beating Alexandra Burke, Debbie McGee and Gemma Atkinson in the final. After Strictly he performed in the UK tour of Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert.
Series 16 - Stacey Dooley
The journalist and broadcaster beat show favourite, Joe Sugg, with her dance partner Kevin Clifton. The couple had clearly fallen for each other while on the show as shortly after it was announced they were a couple.
Stacey went on to make two more documentaries and made appearances on other TV shows, including Glow Up and most recently presented DNA Family Secrets alongside Turi King, which helps people find out secrets about their families through DNA tests. Stacey and Kevin are also still together.
Series 17 - Kelvin Fletcher
Despite entering as a replacement for reality TV star Jamie Laing who injured his foot, former Emmerdale actor Kelvin stole the show and came out on top with his dance partner Oti Mabuse. Kelvin is a self-confessed 'petrol head' and has taken part in many motorsport races, including the British GT Championships.
Series 18 - Bill Bailey
Bill blew everyone's socks off and became the oldest contestant in Strictly history to take home the glitterball trophy. It was a big moment for his partner Oti Mabuse too, as their victory marked her second win.
Bill's back to doing what he loves best, which is making us laugh, as well as playing his guitar and spending lots of time outdoors.
Series 19 - Rose Ayling-Ellis
EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis, who was the first ever deaf contestant to take part in Strictly, and her professional dancer Giovanni Pernice beat GBBO star John Whaite and Johannes Radebe for the Glitterball after a tense 2021 finale.
Rose, who plays Frankie on the BBC soap, was applauded by deaf communities over the world for raising awareness of sign language and how being deaf doesn't affect your ability to dance.
Series 20 - Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal
Wildlife cameraman and presenter Hamza Yassin won the 20th series of Strictly Come Dancing with his professional partner Jowita Przystal. A firm favourite due to his high energy, great enthusiasm and incredible lifts, he beat radio presenter and singer Fleur East, singer and actress Molly Rainford and TV presenter Helen Skelton to the Glitterball Trophy.
Series 21 - Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola
Former Coronation Street actress Ellie Leach was crowned the 2023 winner alongside her professional partner Vito Coppola. Ellie was in the final alongside Layton Williams and Bobby Brazier, and despite not topping the leaderboard during the final, the public voted for her to be crowned the 2023 winner of the Glitterball Trophy.
Strictly Come Dancing will return in 2024.
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