40 Facts About Strictly Come Dancing

The Origins and Evolution of Strictly Come Dancing

Strictly Come Dancing has become a beloved staple of British television. Its journey from a simple dance show to a global phenomenon is fascinating.

1. Origin of the Show: Strictly Come Dancing evolved from the BBC series Come Dancing, which aired from 1949 to 1998. This legacy is reflected in the show's format and enduring popularity.

2. Title Inspiration: The name "Strictly Come Dancing" was inspired by the 1992 film Strictly Ballroom, adding a touch of glamour to the original concept.

3. Global Success: The show has been exported to over 60 countries under the title Dancing with the Stars, making it the world's most successful reality television format.

4. Format Evolution: Initially known as Dancing with the Stars in the UK, the show has evolved into a unique blend of celebrity culture and dance competition, adapted to suit different audiences worldwide.

Judges, Presenters, and Scoring

The judges and presenters play a crucial role in the show's success. Their expertise and charisma keep audiences engaged.

5. Judges and Presenters: Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman present the show, with Bruce Forsyth co-presenting until 2014. Judges include Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, and Motsi Mabuse.

6. Judging Criteria: Couples are scored based on performance, with the system assessing both technical skill and artistic expression.

7. Scoring System: The highest score a couple can achieve is 40 points. Perfect scores are rare, with only over 80 dances receiving full marks in 20 seasons.

8. Perfect Score Achievers: Former pro Pasha Kovalev holds the record for the most perfect scores, achieving 13 of them. He scored five with Ashley Roberts and three with Caroline Flack.

Behind the Scenes

A lot happens behind the scenes to ensure the show runs smoothly. From costume creation to pre-recording results, the production team works tirelessly.

9. Results Show Pre-Recording: The results show is pre-recorded on Saturday night after voting closes, creating an illusion of a live broadcast.

10. Costume Team Efforts: Led by Vicky Gill, the costume team creates around 300 outfits per season. Each ballroom dress requires 8-10 meters of fabric, with final fittings on Fridays.

11. Fake Tan Frenzy: The fake tan team uses 57 liters of fake tan per series, ensuring contestants look radiant under studio lights.

12. Highest Scorers Not Always Winners: High scores don't guarantee a win. Ashley Roberts and Pasha Kovalev, and Alexandra Burke and Gorka Márquez, both scored 32 10s but didn't win their seasons.

13. Lowest Score Ever: The lowest score recorded was eight points, awarded to Quentin Wilson and Hazel Newberry for their Cha Cha Cha in season two.

The Glitterball Trophy and Costumes

The iconic Glitterball trophy and dazzling costumes are integral to the show's charm.

14. Glitterball Trophy: Winners don't keep the actual Glitterball trophy. They take home a smaller replica, while the main trophy stays in the studio with winners' names engraved.

15. No Sequins Used: Despite the show's association with sequins, no actual sequins are used. The costume department prefers rhinestones and crystals for added glamour.

16. Crystals Galore: The costume department uses 170,000 crystals at any given time, ensuring every outfit sparkles.

17. Costume Creation Time: Ideally, a Latin routine dress takes 16-20 hours to create, while a ballroom dress requires 40 hours. Tight deadlines mean the team works faster.

18. Team Behind the Costumes: Around 12 people work on creating the dresses, including machinists, pattern cutters, and embellishment specialists. They start three weeks before the series but continue making costumes weekly.

Filming Location and Inclusivity

Strictly Come Dancing's filming location and commitment to inclusivity have contributed to its success.

19. Filming Location: The show is filmed at Elstree Studios, known for hosting classic movies like The Shining, The King’s Speech, and Star Wars.

20. Same-Sex Partnerships: In 2019, Johannes Radebe and Graziano Di Prima became the first same-sex couple to perform. Since then, same-sex partnerships have featured in several series.

21. Same-Sex Couple Milestones: In series 21, Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin competed as an all-male partnership, finishing as runners-up, marking a significant milestone.

22. No High Heels on Day One: New contestants can't wear high heels on the first day of rehearsals to prevent injuries and ensure comfort while learning choreography.

23. Glitterball Not Solid: The Glitterball trophy is made of several components assembled together, not solid.

Celebrity Participation and Training

Celebrities bring their unique charm to the show, balancing their busy schedules with intense training.

24. Foreign Affair: Strictly Come Dancing has been broadcast in over 50 countries, becoming a global phenomenon with numerous international adaptations.

25. Celebrity Participation: The show features a diverse range of celebrities, from actors and musicians to athletes and politicians, making it entertaining and unpredictable.

26. Celebrity Training: Celebrities don't give up their day jobs while participating. Many continue working full-time, often rising early to balance their schedules.

27. Zero Score Impossible: Achieving a zero score is impossible. Despite low scores, judges have only awarded nine zero scores in the show's history, with Craig Revel Horwood being the most frequent offender.

28. Backstage Divas: Anton du Beke described Brendan Cole as the biggest backstage diva, highlighting the competitive spirit and dramatic personalities behind the scenes.

Specials and Viewing Figures

Special episodes and high viewing figures demonstrate the show's enduring popularity.

29. Christmas Specials: Strictly Come Dancing has produced 18 stand-alone Christmas specials and 19 charity specials, showcasing its commitment to festive entertainment.

30. High Viewing Figures: The show consistently attracts over 10 million viewers each week, watching celebrities transform from beginners to skilled dancers.

Musical Accompaniment and Dance Types

Music and dance are at the heart of Strictly Come Dancing, with a variety of styles showcased each week.

31. Musical Accompaniment: The Strictly Come Dancing Band provides the musical backdrop, adding to the show's magic and entertainment value.

32. Dance Types: The show features various dances, including ballroom and Latin styles, each meticulously choreographed to highlight contestants' skills.

33. Dance Duration: Dances last approximately 90 seconds, requiring precision and timing from both contestants and the band.

Inclusivity and Representation

Strictly Come Dancing has made significant strides in promoting inclusivity and representation.

34. Judges' Support for Same-Sex Couples: Judges Shirley Ballas and Craig Revel Horwood support introducing same-sex couples, reflecting evolving attitudes towards LGBTQ+ representation.

35. Same-Sex Couple Milestones: In 2020, boxer Nicola Adams became the first same-sex female couple on the show, partnered with Katya Jones, marking a significant step forward.

36. Same-Sex Couple Success: In series 21, John Whaite and Johannes Radebe became the first all-male same-sex couple to compete, receiving praise from audiences and judges.

37. Same-Sex Couple Recognition: The inclusion of same-sex couples has been recognized as a significant step in promoting inclusivity and diversity, praised by audiences and critics.

International Adaptations and Legacy

Strictly Come Dancing's impact extends beyond the UK, with successful international adaptations and a lasting legacy.

38. International Adaptations: The show has been adapted in various countries, including the US, Russia, South Africa, France, Spain, Turkey, Vietnam, Sweden, Brazil, and Slovakia, tailored to local tastes.

39. Guinness World Records: In 2010, Guinness World Records named Strictly Come Dancing the world's most successful reality television format, highlighting its enduring popularity.

40. Legacy and Impact: Strictly Come Dancing has left a lasting legacy on British television, contributing to broader cultural conversations about dance, entertainment, and representation.

The Last Dance

Strictly Come Dancing isn't just a TV show; it's a cultural icon. From its humble beginnings inspired by Come Dancing to its global success as Dancing with the Stars, the show has captivated millions. With glamorous costumes, dazzling performances, and a diverse range of celebrities, it’s no wonder it remains a Saturday night favorite. The commitment to inclusivity, seen in the introduction of same-sex couples, reflects its progressive nature. Behind the scenes, a dedicated team ensures every detail, from costumes to choreography, is perfect. Whether you're a fan of the sparkling costumes, the intense competition, or the heartwarming stories, Strictly Come Dancing offers something for everyone. Its legacy continues to grow, leaving an indelible mark on British television and beyond. So, as the glitterball trophy shines, we celebrate a show that truly dances its way into our hearts.