Strictly Come Dancing has been one of the longest-running competition television programmes in the UK, as a remake of the old format Come Dancing. Since its revival in 2004, there have been all walks of life put on their dancing shoes, sprayed with fake tan and graced (or failed) the dance floor. From politicians to Youtubers. Soap stars to Olympic-winning athletes. But, did you know that some of our celebs were past Strictly Come Dancing contestants?
As the 20th anniversary of the popular show is about to begin, let’s have a look at our celeb’s past triumphs.
Tessa Sanderson
In 2005, as a one-off special to celebrate the culture and history of Africa, five celebrities that come of African or Caribbean origin were paired with professionals in Strictly African Dancing. The special included each celebrity learning about their dance’s origin and travelling to Africa. So, which one of our celebs was part of the lineup of special Strictly Come Dancing contestants?
Tessa Sanderson CBE is best known for being an award-winning athlete, including participating in 6 Olympics where she won gold in the Javelin. She is currently the only British woman to ever win a gold medal in a throwing event.
But, in 2005, she went out of her comfort zone and participated in Strictly African Dancing, coming in third place by public vote.
Colin Jackson
Colin Jackson MBE made his fame as an accomplished athlete, gaining an Olympic silver medal in the 110 m hurdles at the games in Seoul 1988. His world record of 12.91 seconds for the 110 m hurdles was unbroken for over 10 years and Colin’s 60 m hurdles record stood for nearly 27 years.
But, you might be surprised to learn that Colin was one of the Strictly Come Dancing contestants in 2005. Coming as a runner-up, Colin was one of the favourites from the start! Out of 11 dances, Colin was the best dancer for six of these, including getting the highest score overall in the competition (39/40) for his quickstep.
Colin fell in love with the ballroom and even returned in 2006 to take part in Strictly’s Christmas Special, for which he won!
Patsy Kensit
A star in film and TV, Patsy Kensit has kept working from her start as a child actor in the 1970s, where she starred as Mia Farrow’s daughter in The Great Gatsby (1974). From starring in the British musical Absolute Beginners, with David Bowie, to a dramatic stint on Emmerdale, where she was a series regular and nominated for various awards.
But, it’s a different type of spotlight we’re here to talk about. Patsy was part of the 2010 Strictly Come Dancing contestants, coming in 7th place. Dancing 9 dances, her high came when she performed her emotional Viennese Waltz where she received a standing ovation and positive reviews from the judges (even Craig).
You can still find Patsy nowadays on your cinema screens and TV sets.
Erin Boag
Although not part of the Strictly Come Dancing contestants, Erin Boag is a certified Strictly legend! Originally from New Zealand, she won the New Zealand Championships in both 1998 and 1999 with her professional partner Anton du Beke.
Moving to the UK, Erin became one of the first professionals in the dancing competition, competing in the first 10 series. Her partners have ranged from professional footballers Peter Schmeichel and Peter Shilton, to our very own Colin Jackson, where they came in 2nd.
Still close with her professional partner, Erin and Anton embarked on a UK tour at the beginning of 2022 and performed with other Strictly stars with the “Dancing With the Stars Weekend” tour.
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