Strictly Come Dancing Winners: Every Glitterball Champion From 2004 To 2025

Strictly Come Dancing has become one of Britain’s most successful television programmes since launching on BBC One in 2004. What began as a fresh take on ballroom dancing has grown into a Saturday night institution, attracting millions of viewers every year and producing some of the most memorable moments in modern television.

At the heart of the show is the Glitterball Trophy, awarded annually to the celebrity and professional dancer who capture the imagination of both the judges and the public. While technical ability is important, Strictly has always been about more than scores. Viewers often reward determination, improvement and personality just as much as flawless footwork.

Over the years, winners have come from a wide range of backgrounds. Newsreaders, actors, musicians, sports stars, comedians and presenters have all lifted the famous trophy. Some arrived with dance experience, while others stepped onto the dancefloor with little confidence and gradually transformed into champions.

Here is a look back at every Strictly Come Dancing winner from the programme’s first decade.

Natasha Kaplinsky And Brendan Cole (2004)

Newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky made television history when she became the first ever Strictly Come Dancing champion.

Partnered with Brendan Cole, Kaplinsky impressed both judges and viewers throughout the inaugural series. Their victory helped establish the format and proved that celebrity ballroom dancing could become a major television event.

While the first series was far smaller in scale than today’s production, Kaplinsky’s win laid the foundations for everything that followed.

Jill Halfpenny And Darren Bennett (2004)

Later in 2004, actress Jill Halfpenny became the second winner of Strictly Come Dancing.

Many fans still regard Halfpenny as one of the strongest contestants the programme has ever seen. Her famous jive with Darren Bennett became the first dance in Strictly history to receive a perfect score and remains one of the show’s most celebrated routines.

More than two decades later, her performances continue to feature prominently whenever viewers discuss the greatest Strictly dances of all time.

Darren Gough And Lilia Kopylova (2005)

Former England cricketer Darren Gough became the first sporting champion in Strictly history.

His victory demonstrated that athletes could thrive in the ballroom environment, combining physical discipline with performance skills. Gough’s success helped encourage more sports stars to take part in future series.

His win alongside Lilia Kopylova marked the beginning of a long and successful relationship between sport and Strictly.

Mark Ramprakash And Karen Hardy (2006)

Another former England cricketer followed Gough’s example when Mark Ramprakash lifted the Glitterball Trophy with Karen Hardy.

Ramprakash began the competition as one of the quieter contestants but gradually became one of its most accomplished performers. His improvement throughout the series earned praise from judges and viewers alike.

Many fans still rank Ramprakash among the best male dancers ever to compete on the programme.

Alesha Dixon And Matthew Cutler (2007)

Singer and television personality Alesha Dixon became one of the programme’s most popular winners.

Her performances with Matthew Cutler combined technical excellence with charisma and entertainment. Week after week, Dixon established herself as one of the leading contenders and eventually secured victory.

Her success on Strictly had a lasting impact on her career. A few years later, she returned to the programme as a member of the judging panel, making her one of the few winners to become part of the show’s wider presenting team.

Tom Chambers And Camilla Dallerup (2008)

Actor Tom Chambers secured victory alongside Camilla Dallerup in one of Strictly’s most competitive series.

Their partnership delivered several memorable performances and became increasingly popular as the competition progressed. For Dallerup, the victory was particularly significant as it represented her first and only Glitterball Trophy.

Their win remains one of the defining moments of Strictly’s early years.

Chris Hollins And Ola Jordan (2009)

BBC sports presenter Chris Hollins produced one of the programme’s biggest surprises.

Although actor Ricky Whittle was widely considered a strong contender, Hollins built strong support among viewers and ultimately secured victory alongside Ola Jordan.

His win highlighted one of Strictly’s unique qualities. Technical excellence alone does not guarantee success. Public support often plays an equally important role in deciding the eventual champion.

Kara Tointon And Artem Chigvintsev (2010)

Former EastEnders actress Kara Tointon became the first soap star to lift the Glitterball Trophy.

Partnered with Artem Chigvintsev, Tointon consistently delivered high-quality performances throughout the competition. Their routines combined technical precision with emotional storytelling, helping them become one of the programme’s most admired partnerships.

For soap fans, her victory proved that stars from continuing drama series could successfully make the transition to the ballroom.

Harry Judd And Aliona Vilani (2011)

McFly drummer Harry Judd became champion after one of the strongest campaigns in Strictly history.

Throughout the series, Judd impressed judges with his natural ability, athleticism and commitment to learning. Together with Aliona Vilani, he delivered several standout routines that remain popular with viewers.

Many Strictly fans continue to rank Judd among the greatest male winners the programme has produced.

Louis Smith And Flavia Cacace (2012)

Olympic gymnast Louis Smith brought elite sporting discipline to the competition and quickly established himself as a frontrunner.

His partnership with Flavia Cacace combined technical excellence with strong audience appeal. Following the success of Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics, Smith’s popularity with viewers helped carry him to victory.

His triumph reinforced the growing trend of sporting stars finding success on Strictly.

Abbey Clancy And Aljaž Škorjanec (2013)

Model Abbey Clancy became champion alongside professional dancer Aljaž Škorjanec.

The victory was particularly memorable because it came during Škorjanec’s first series as a Strictly professional. Their partnership developed steadily throughout the competition, culminating in a popular win.

Clancy’s success demonstrated how contestants from outside acting and broadcasting could flourish in the ballroom environment.

Caroline Flack And Pasha Kovalev (2014)

Television presenter Caroline Flack produced some of the most memorable performances of the series on her way to lifting the Glitterball Trophy.

Together with Pasha Kovalev, she consistently impressed the judges and developed a strong connection with viewers. Her Charleston remains one of the standout routines from the competition.

Flack’s victory cemented her place among the programme’s most accomplished champions.

Jay McGuiness And Aliona Vilani (2015)

For many viewers, Jay McGuiness remains one of the greatest winners in Strictly history.

The Wanted singer formed a hugely successful partnership with Aliona Vilani, producing performances that are still widely discussed today. His famous jive is regularly included in lists of the greatest Strictly dances ever performed and remains one of the most watched routines from the programme’s archive.

The victory also gave Vilani her second Glitterball Trophy, making her one of the most successful professionals in Strictly history.

Ore Oduba And Joanne Clifton (2016)

BBC presenter Ore Oduba became one of Strictly’s most popular champions when he lifted the Glitterball Trophy alongside Joanne Clifton.

Throughout the competition, Oduba combined enthusiasm with determination, gradually developing into one of the strongest performers in the series. His partnership with Clifton connected strongly with viewers, helping them secure victory in a highly competitive final.

For Joanne Clifton, the win represented a career highlight and cemented her place in Strictly history.

Joe McFadden And Katya Jones (2017)

Former Holby City actor Joe McFadden became champion with Katya Jones after producing a series of consistently strong performances.

McFadden may not have entered the competition as the favourite, but his steady improvement and technical ability helped him emerge as a deserving winner.

The victory gave Katya Jones her first Glitterball Trophy as a professional dancer.

Stacey Dooley And Kevin Clifton (2018)

Documentary presenter Stacey Dooley captured the public’s imagination during her journey to the Glitterball Trophy.

Alongside Kevin Clifton, she developed into a confident performer capable of delivering both emotional and technically impressive routines.

The win was particularly significant for Clifton, who had previously finished as runner-up on several occasions. After years of near misses, he finally secured his first Strictly title.

Kelvin Fletcher And Oti Mabuse (2019)

Former Emmerdale actor Kelvin Fletcher produced one of the most remarkable success stories in Strictly history.

After joining the competition at short notice following another contestant’s withdrawal, Fletcher quickly established himself as one of the strongest dancers in the series.

His partnership with Oti Mabuse produced several memorable routines and ultimately secured victory. For soap fans, Fletcher’s success continued the strong record of actors from continuing dramas performing well on the show.

Bill Bailey And Oti Mabuse (2020)

Comedian Bill Bailey made history when he became the oldest winner of Strictly Come Dancing.

Few expected Bailey to become a serious contender when the series began, but his creativity, musicality and determination quickly won over both judges and viewers.

His victory alongside Oti Mabuse was one of the most celebrated in the programme’s history and demonstrated that age is no barrier to success in the ballroom.

Rose Ayling-Ellis And Giovanni Pernice (2021)

Few victories have had a greater impact than Rose Ayling-Ellis’ triumph in 2021.

The EastEnders actress became the first deaf contestant to win Strictly Come Dancing and inspired millions of viewers throughout her journey.

Her partnership with Giovanni Pernice produced some of the most memorable moments in the programme’s history, including a silent dance sequence that received widespread praise and highlighted the importance of accessibility and representation on television.

For many viewers, Rose Ayling-Ellis remains one of Strictly’s most important winners.

Hamza Yassin And Jowita Przystał (2022)

Wildlife presenter Hamza Yassin became one of the most popular winners of the modern era.

Known for his warmth, enthusiasm and positive attitude, Yassin formed a strong partnership with Jowita Przystał and steadily improved throughout the competition.

His victory demonstrated that viewers continue to value personality and determination just as much as technical excellence.

Ellie Leach And Vito Coppola (2023)

Former Coronation Street actress Ellie Leach became champion alongside Vito Coppola.

Their partnership quickly became a fan favourite, with viewers following their progress throughout the competition.

Leach’s victory added another soap star to the list of Strictly champions and further strengthened the programme’s connection with Britain’s biggest continuing dramas.

Chris McCausland And Dianne Buswell (2024)

Comedian Chris McCausland made television history by becoming the first blind contestant to win Strictly Come Dancing.

His partnership with Dianne Buswell was praised throughout the series for demonstrating what can be achieved through determination, trust and creativity.

McCausland’s victory represented another landmark moment in Strictly’s history and highlighted the programme’s continuing commitment to inclusivity.

Karen Carney And Carlos Gu (2025)

Former England footballer Karen Carney became the latest celebrity to lift the Glitterball Trophy when she won alongside Carlos Gu.

Already known to millions through her football career and broadcasting work, Carney impressed judges and viewers throughout the competition.

Her victory continued the strong record enjoyed by sporting personalities on Strictly and ensured that the programme’s list of champions continued to evolve with each new generation.

Which Professional Dancers Have Won The Most Glitterball Trophies?

The professional dancers are just as important to Strictly’s success as the celebrities themselves.

Over the years, several professionals have enjoyed multiple victories. Aliona Vilani became one of the programme’s most successful dancers through her wins with Harry Judd and Jay McGuiness.

Oti Mabuse enjoyed a particularly remarkable achievement by winning back-to-back series with Kelvin Fletcher and Bill Bailey. Her consecutive victories helped establish her as one of the most successful professionals in Strictly history.

Many other professionals have become household names through the programme, including Kevin Clifton, Giovanni Pernice, Dianne Buswell, Katya Jones, Vito Coppola and Carlos Gu.

Their ability to transform complete beginners into ballroom champions remains one of the key ingredients behind Strictly’s enduring popularity.

The Most Memorable Winners From Strictly’s First Decade

Strictly produced many memorable champions during its first ten years, but a handful continue to stand out for their influence on the programme.

Jill Halfpenny raised expectations with the first perfect-scoring routine in the show’s history.

Alesha Dixon became one of the few contestants to return as a judge, demonstrating how strongly the programme can shape careers.

Kara Tointon became the first soap star to win Strictly, opening the door for future stars from EastEnders, Coronation Street and Emmerdale.

Jay McGuiness delivered one of the most celebrated dances the programme has ever seen, while Harry Judd remains one of the strongest male champions to grace the ballroom.

Together, these winners helped transform Strictly Come Dancing from a successful entertainment show into a cultural phenomenon.

Which Soap Stars Have Won Strictly Come Dancing?

Soap actors have enjoyed considerable success throughout Strictly’s history.

Kara Tointon became the first soap star to lift the Glitterball Trophy when she won in 2010 after finding fame in EastEnders.

More than a decade later, Rose Ayling-Ellis followed in her footsteps, making history as the programme’s first deaf winner while also starring in EastEnders.

Former Emmerdale actor Kelvin Fletcher became champion in 2019, while Coronation Street actress Ellie Leach secured victory in 2023.

The success of soap stars is perhaps unsurprising. Years of working in front of cameras, learning scripts and performing emotional scenes can help prepare actors for the pressure of live television.

Their achievements have also helped strengthen the relationship between Britain’s biggest soaps and one of its most popular entertainment programmes.

Which Sports Stars Have Won Strictly Come Dancing?

Sporting personalities have enjoyed considerable success on Strictly over the years.

Former England cricketers Darren Gough and Mark Ramprakash both lifted the Glitterball Trophy during the programme’s early years.

Olympic gymnast Louis Smith became champion in 2012, while former England footballer Karen Carney added her name to the winners list in 2025.

Athletes often arrive with strong discipline, fitness and determination, qualities that can prove invaluable during the demanding rehearsal process.

Their success has helped make sport one of the most successful backgrounds for future Strictly champions.

Interesting Facts About Strictly Winners

Strictly Come Dancing has produced several record-breaking champions throughout its history.

• Natasha Kaplinsky was the first ever winner of Strictly Come Dancing.
• Jill Halfpenny delivered the first perfect-scoring routine in the programme’s history.
• Bill Bailey became the oldest winner of the competition.
• Rose Ayling-Ellis became the first deaf champion.
• Chris McCausland became the first blind champion.
• Aliona Vilani became one of the first professionals to win multiple series.
• Oti Mabuse became the first professional dancer to win consecutive series with different celebrity partners.
• Soap stars have won multiple series, including Kara Tointon, Rose Ayling-Ellis, Kelvin Fletcher and Ellie Leach.
• Sporting personalities have enjoyed success throughout the programme’s history, from Darren Gough to Karen Carney.

How Strictly Winners Have Changed Over The Years

The profile of a typical Strictly champion has evolved considerably since 2004.

Early winners often came from television presenting, acting and broadcasting backgrounds. As the programme expanded, champions emerged from an increasingly diverse range of professions, including sport, comedy, wildlife broadcasting and documentary filmmaking.

Recent winners have also reflected the programme’s growing commitment to representation and inclusivity. The victories of Rose Ayling-Ellis and Chris McCausland demonstrated how Strictly continues to break new ground while remaining one of Britain’s most popular entertainment programmes.

This ability to evolve while staying true to its core format is one of the reasons why Strictly remains such a powerful force in British television.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1.Who won the first series of Strictly Come Dancing?

Natasha Kaplinsky and Brendan Cole won the first series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2004.

2.Who is the latest Strictly Come Dancing winner?

Karen Carney and Carlos Gu won the 2025 series.

3.Who is the oldest Strictly winner?

Bill Bailey became the oldest champion when he won the competition in 2020.

4.Who was the first deaf winner of Strictly?

Rose Ayling-Ellis became the first deaf winner when she lifted the Glitterball Trophy in 2021.

5.Who was the first blind winner of Strictly?

Chris McCausland became the first blind winner in 2024.

6.Which soap stars have won Strictly Come Dancing?

Soap stars who have won Strictly include Kara Tointon, Kelvin Fletcher, Rose Ayling-Ellis and Ellie Leach.

7.Which sports stars have won Strictly Come Dancing?

Sporting champions include Darren Gough, Mark Ramprakash, Louis Smith and Karen Carney.

8.Which professional dancer has won the most Strictly titles?

Several professional dancers have won multiple Glitterball Trophies, including Aliona Vilani and Oti Mabuse.

9.When did Strictly Come Dancing start?

Strictly Come Dancing first aired on BBC One in May 2004.

10.What is the Glitterball Trophy?

The Glitterball Trophy is awarded to the winning celebrity and professional partnership at the end of each series.

Where To Watch Strictly Come Dancing

Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The programme traditionally returns each autumn, with the launch show usually broadcast in September before the live competition begins.

Viewers can watch episodes live on BBC One or stream them on demand through BBC iPlayer. Previous highlights, interviews and selected performances are also available across the BBC’s digital platforms. The BBC is expected to confirm full broadcast details for the next series closer to transmission.

Image Credits: All Strictly Come Dancing images used in this article remain copyright of the BBC and associated production partners. Images are used for editorial and reporting purposes only. Strictly Come Dancing is produced by BBC Studios for BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Sources: BBC Strictly Come Dancing, BBC Media Centre, BBC Programme Information, Radio Times, official Strictly Come Dancing archives and BBC One programme records.