The BEST EVER Strictly Come Dancing dances

heat's picks from the show's history

Ed Balls

by Lauren Berry |
Published on

We're just over half way through this year's Strictly Come Dancing – and if there's one thing we can guarantee, it's that there are many more awful, hilarious and entertaining moments to come.

But before all that, why not take a look back at Strictly's most memorable moments? Here's our pick of the best dances dating from the very first season right up to now.

Ann Widdecombe flies through the air - SERIES 8 (2010)

In 2010, the show was blessed with Ann Widdecombe. She definitely wasn't the best dancer ever, but she was certainly entertaining to watch.

During Tango week, Ann and Anton received their highest score of the series. Ann risked life and limb by attempting to fly across the ballroom, bless her. She literally flew through the air.

Scores were varied, with an unimpressed Craig giving a low score of 3, but Len gave a "for the entertainment factor" 7. During feedback Craig referred to it as looking like dancing hippos – ouch! Len also said seeing Ann flying through the air was worth 50% of the TV license – and we agree!

All of Natasha Kaplinsky's – the first winner of Strictly - SERIES 1 (2004)

Former BBC presenter, Natasha Kaplinsky, was the first winner of Strictly Come Dancing. She even collected the highest marks for 8/10 dances. She seemed a league ahead of the other competitors and was definitely a deserving winner.

Strictly goes down under - 2012

During a Strictly Sports Relief special in 2012, Harry Judd & Aliona Vilani took the plunge (literally) and danced underwater. The dance-off was between McFly singer Harry and Waterloo Road actress Chelsea Healey. They used (the very fitting) Flood by Take That.

Twitter went into a bit of a frenzy, with Harry's female fans tweeting how jealous they were of Aliona being able to dance underwater with Harry. Although they didn't win, it was a super memorable dance off!

John Sergeant's stomping - SERIES 6 (2008)

Journalist John Sergeant hit the headlines with his attempt at a Paso Doble. The routine included him dragging his partner Kristina Rihanoff across the floor whilst stomping like a small child – yeah, seriously. Safe to say dancing wasn't his strong point, but he was entertaining nonetheless!

A strictly awful wardrobe malfunction – Mark Ramprakash - SERIES 4 (2006)

In 2006, Karen Hardy and Mark Ramprakash's Salsa went from bad to better. After Karen's dress strap broke, the couple were thrown off course and ended their dance a mere 10 seconds later. The wardrobe malfunction halted their performance, but luckily they were able to dance again – this time without any complications, thank god.

Alesha Dixon shoots to Strictly stardom - SERIES 5 (2007)

Sometimes we forget that Alesha Dixon actually won Strictly before being on the judging panel - her win really catapulted her fame! Her final 'showdance' was mesmerising, and she truly showed us she was a deserving winner.

Bruce said: "Alesha, you could become the biggest female star in this country. You're singing and now you can dance. I hope people manage you and put you right up there" – isn’t he the cutest?

Awkward and we know it – Iwan Thomas - SERIES 13 (2015)

This routine couldn't help but made us cringe. Iwan Thomas and Ola Jordan's Cha Cha to Sexy And I Know It was awkward and we know it. The routine involved Iwan attempt break dancing, ripping open his shirt, bum wiggling, and some very bad footwork. We hate to be like Craig, but it's a no from us.

Ed Balls. - SERIES 14 (2016)

It seems every season there's a dance where we fear for one of the dancers lives. This year it was Ed Balls that made us fear for Katya Jones. While trying (and failing) to lift up Katya onto his shoulder, he almost dropped her… twice.

West End Spectacular – Georgia May Foote - SERIES 13 (2015)

It's not often (if ever) that Craig gives a compliment. After Georgia and Giovanni's 'hot Honey Rag' routine in 2015, Craig said to Georgia: "I would be very proud to put you into any of my west end shows." The pair were over the moon, as you can imagine.

Pulp Fiction fabulousness – Jay McGuiness - SERIES 13 (2015)

When Jay McGuiness joined strictly in 2015 he was seen as a shy guy. On week three he was like a changed man. Jay and his partner Aliona performed the Jive to Misirlou' with the movie theme of Pulp Fiction. During his performance he looked so suave and fast on his feet. Millions of us cheered when the performance nabbed them 9's across the panel - and that's just in week 3!

Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us