HALLOWEEN is one of the best nights of the year for Strictly fans, and this season, the lineup included the powerful presence of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and the speedy Harry Aikines-Aryeetey.
With Ellie Goldstein’s departure, the competition is now down to single digits, including one very determined athlete: sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey.
With all the drama and excitement of Halloween Week, let’s take a moment to look back at some of the best athletes to ever grace the Strictly dance floor.
Mark Ramprakash
Mark Ramprakash is a name that will always be remembered in Strictly Come Dancing history, not just for his graceful moves but for his resilience and determination.
In 2006, Mark became the second consecutive cricketer to win the coveted Strictly crown, dancing his way to victory alongside partner Karen Hardy.
Their chemistry on the dance floor was undeniable, as they managed to edge out rugby legend Matt Dawson and partner Lilia Kopylova in a thrilling finale.
Despite his sporting background, Mark never took his Strictly success for granted, always acknowledging the difficulty of the show and how one small mistake could throw everything off.
Darren Gough
Darren Gough was the first cricketer to win the Strictly crown and his Strictly Come Dancing journey was nothing short of captivating.
In 2005, the former cricketer defied expectations by clinching the title in the third series, despite never once topping the judges’ leaderboard.
With his partner Lilia Kopylova, Darren proved that his sporting background wasn’t just about raw power—he could be light on his feet, too.
His win came after a dramatic final, where he triumphed over fellow athlete Colin Jackson and presenter Zoë Ball.
Denise Lewis
Denise Lewis made history as one of the first Olympians to step into the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom, and she quickly proved that her athleticism translated just as well onto the dance floor as it did in the heptathlon.
Competing just months after her incredible performance at the 2004 Athens Olympics, Denise finished an impressive second place in the series, dancing alongside professional partner Ian Waite.
Her determination, discipline, and natural athletic grace were evident in every routine, making her one of the standout competitors of that season.
Roger Black
Hampshire’s Roger Black, a three-time Olympic medalist, was another trailblazer for Olympians on Strictly Come Dancing.
The 400m specialist and relay gold medalist brought his competitive spirit and precision to the dance floor, ultimately finishing in fifth place.
His most memorable performance came during the foxtrot to Peggy Lee’s Why Don’t You Do Right?, which earned praise for its elegance and style, showcasing his ability to adapt his athletic discipline to the art of dance.
Alongside professional partner Camilla Dallerup, Roger proved that Olympians could not only excel in their sports but could also hold their own in the glittering world of Strictly, earning a loyal fan base in the process.
Robbie Savage
Robbie Savage’s time on Strictly Come Dancing in 2011 was a memorable one, despite him finishing in a respectable sixth place after reaching the quarter-finals.
Partnered with Ola Jordan, he quickly became a fan favorite, thanks to his energetic personality and competitive spirit.
His stint on the show is best remembered for a dramatic knee-slide that ended with him breaking his nose, showcasing his commitment to giving it his all, even in the face of injury.
Since Strictly, Savage has built a successful career as a pundit on BT Sport and as the Director of Football at Macclesfield Town.
Alex Scott
Alex Scott’s Strictly Come Dancing journey in 2019 was an impressive one, with the BBC commentator finishing higher than any other former footballer on the show.
Partnered with Neil Jones, Alex showcased her athleticism, precision, and growing dance skills, ultimately placing fifth overall.
Her standout performances earned her plenty of praise, but, like all good things, her time in the competition came to an end during Week 11 after Musicals Week.
BONUS
Kai Widdrington, the professional dancer who rose to fame on Strictly Come Dancing, comes from a sporting family, though he himself is not an athlete.
The son of former Southampton midfielder Tommy Widdrington, Kai has dazzled in the ballroom since joining the show.
A talented dancer from the age of nine, he became the World Junior Latin-American Champion by 14 and reached the Strictly final in his first year with AJ Odudu.
Despite an early exit with Kaye Adams in 2022, Kai bounced back with Angela Rippon in 2023, making it all the way to Blackpool, proving his resilience and flair both on and off the dance floor.
