Strictly Come Dancing: A recap of the 2023 series

Ellie Leach won the show!

Author: Alex RossPublished 15th May 2024
Last updated 15th May 2024

Popular BBC show Strictly Come Dancing has graced our screens since 2004, but some how every year the show just gets better and better! After Hamza Yassin and his professional partner Jowita Przysta won the 2022 series, and the show picked up Best Talent Show at the NTAs, the 2023 series launched in November, with the final taking place on Saturday 16th December.

Now the show is over for another year, check out your ultimate recap of series 21 of Strictly.

Who won Strictly 2023?

Former Coronation Street actress Ellie Leach and her professional partner Vito Coppola were crowned the 2023 winners of Strictly Come Dancing.

After each performing three dances during the final, Ellie and Vito won the Glitterball Trophy following a public vote.

Ellie said: “Words cannot describe how I am feeling right now and I cannot believe we have just won Strictly Come Dancing 2023. It’s been a life-changing opportunity and I’ve had the time of my life dancing with Vito every week.

“It has been so special and to be able to do it with such a great teacher has made it an experience I will never forget.

“Thank you so much for that, Vito, and thank you for finding the dancer in me. We couldn’t have won without the voting public, so a huge thank you to everyone at home who picked up the phone for us, we appreciate every single one of you!

“Finally, a big congratulations to all the finalists and all the 2023 cast, who are incredible and came alongside this journey with me.”

Professional dancer Vito was equally as shocked, saying: “This is unbelievable, thank you so much to everyone who voted for us, we love you and it means the world to us!

“Ellie, my Lulu, I am so, so proud of you.

“I have seen how hard you have worked, the dedication and determination you have shown, and how much you have grown as a person these past three months.We’ve had the best time dancing together and I’ve enjoyed every second of it!

“Thank you for being the best dance partner and thank you to everyone who has supported us each week and voted for us!"

Who was in the 2023 final?

Three celebs made it to the 2023 final, including Layton Williams, Bobby Brazier, and Ellie Leach.

When was the Strictly 2023 final?

The final took place on Saturday 16th December, with the show kicking off at 7pm.

When did Strictly Come Dancing 2023 start?

The 2023 of Strictly started on Saturday 16th September, running for 13 weeks.

In early September, bosses released a teaser trailer featuring this year's professionals, writing: 'Get your dancing shoes on… Strictly Come Dancing 2023 coming soon🪩 #strictly #iplayer'. (sic)

Which celebs took part in Strictly 2023?

Bosses started to unveil this year's famous faces on Friday 4th August 2023, with 15 celebs being announced in total. See the full confirmed line-up below:

Ellie Leach - WINNER

Age: 22
Known for: Coronation Street actress

Layton Williams - FINALIST

Age: 28
Known for: Actor/West End star

Bobby Brazier - FINALIST

Age: 20
Known for: EastEnders actor

Annabel Croft - ELIMINATED

Age: 57
Known for: Former professional tennis player

Nigel Harman - QUIT

Age: 49
Known for: Actor

Angela Rippon - ELIMINATED

Age: 78
Known for: Journalist/TV presenter

Amanda Abbington - QUIT

Age: 49
Known for: Actress

Angela Scanlon - ELIMINATED

Age: 39
Known for: Irish TV presenter

Krishan Guru-Murthy - ELIMINATED

Age: 53
Known for: Journalist/News reader

Adam Thomas - ELIMINATED

Age: 34
Known for: Actor

Zara McDermott - ELIMINATED

Age: 26
Known for: Former Love Island contestant and TV presenter

Eddie Kadi - ELIMINATED

Age: 40
Known for: Comedian/Radio DJ

Jody Cundy - ELIMINATED

Age: 45
Known for: Gold medallist Paralympian

Nikita Kanda - ELIMINATED

Age: Unknown
Known for: Radio DJ

Les Dennis - ELIMINATED

Age: 69
Known for: TV presenter, comedian and actor
Eliminated in Week Two

Who were the Strictly pairings in 2023?

The 2023 pairings were announced during the launch show on Saturday 16th September, take a look through the full list below.

Nikita Kanda and Gorka Marquez



Zara McDermott and Graziano Di Prima


Annabel Croft and Johannes Radebe


Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola


Angela Scanlon and Carlos Gu


Luba Mushtuk and Adam Thomas


Angela Rippon and Kai Widdrington


Dianne Buswell and Bobby Brazier


Lauren Oakley and Krishnan Guru-Murthy


Nikita Kuzmin and Layton Williams


Nigel Harman and Katya Jones


Jowita Przystal and Jody Cundy


Eddie Kadi and Karen Hauer


Giovanni Pernice and Amanda Abbington


Les Dennis and Nancy Xu



Who was eliminated on Strictly in 2023?

Week One: No elimination

Week Two: Les Dennis

Week Three: Nikita Kanda

Week Four: Jody Cundy

Week Five: Eddie Kadi

Week Six: Zara McDermott

Week Seven: Adam Thomas

Week Eight: Krishnan Guru-Murthy

Week Nine: Angela Rippon

Week Ten: Angela Scanlon

Week 11: No elimination

Week 12: Annabel Croft

Who was top of the Strictly leaderboard in 2023?

Week One: Nigel Harman and Katya Jones (32/40)

Week Two: Layton William and Nikita Kuzmin (65/80) - combined with Week One

Week Three: Angela Scanlon and Carlos Gu (35/40)

Week Four: Layton William and Nikita Kuzmin (37/40)

Week Five: Layton William and Nikita Kuzmin (39/40)

Week Six: Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola (38/40)

Week Seven: Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola (39/40)

Week Eight: Layton William and Nikita Kuzmin (39/40)

Week Nine: Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola, and Layton William and Nikita Kuzmin (39/40)

Week Ten: Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola (38/40)

Week 11: Layton William and Nikita Kuzmin (40/40)

Week 12: Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin (40/40)

Final: Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin (119/120)

Why did Nigel quit Strictly in 2023?

Just hours before the Quarter-Final on Saturday 2nd December, it was confirmed that Nigel Harman and his partner Katya Jones had been forced to withdraw from the competition due to Nigel picking up an injury.

Unfortunately, Nigel Harman and Katya Jones have had to withdraw from the competition. We wish Nigel a speedy recovery and they both will be very much missed by our entire Strictly family ❤️'. (sic)

Nigel later appeared on the episode where he confirmed he'd broken a rib in rehearsals.

Due to Nigel's injury, no elimination took place on Sunday 3rd December.

Why did Amanda quit Strictly in 2023?

After missing Week Five, actress Amanda Abbington made the decision to quit this year's show.

BBC bosses confirmed the news on Monday 23rd October, saying in a statement: 'Amanda Abbington is unable to continue in Strictly Come Dancing and has decided to withdraw from the competition. The show wishes her all the best for the future.'

Although Amanda hasn't spoken herself, her Strictly partner Giovanni Pernice did share a supportive message for the 49-year-old.

Sharing a number of photos alongside Amanda, Giovanni wrote: Amanda ..I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love ♥️ @amanda_abbington74 @bbcstrictly'. (sic)

Who were the judges on Strictly Come Dancing 2023?

Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas and Motsi Mabuse returned for the 2023 series, as well as Anton Du Beke, who replaced Bruno Tonioli on the panel last year.

BBC bosses confirmed the judging panel on Friday 21st April 2023.

Which professional dancers were on Strictly in 2023?

The professional line-up is for the 2023 series was announced on Friday 21st April, with dancers Gorka Márquez, Katya Jones, Johannes Radebe, Dianne Buswell and Karen Hauer, and more all returning.

In 2022, bosses announced four brand new dancers; European cup winner Vito Coppola, Chinese National Champion Carlos Gu, former Under-21 British National Champion Lauren Oakley, and Latin dance champion Michelle Tsiakkas, all of these will return for the 2023 series.

Vito Coppola

Vito joined the show in 2022 and made it all the way to the final with Hits Radio presenter Fleur East. In 2024, Vito went one step further, winning the show with former Corrie actress Ellie Leach.

Amy Dowden

Caerphilly-born Amy first joined Strictly in 2017 and quickly became a fan favourite. In 2023 she was forced to miss the show after being diagnosed with cancer in May. After undergoing successful treatment, it's now been confirmed Amy will return to the show for the 2024 series!

Gorka Marquez

Gorka joined the show in 2016 and has danced in three finals. In 2023 he was paired with Nikita Kanda.

Dianne Buswell

Dianne was a professional on the Australian version of Strictly Come Dancing before she joined the UK cast in 2017. In 2023, she made it to the final with Bobby Brazier.

Karen Hauer

Karen is the longest serving dancer in the current line-up, having joined in 2012. Last year she was paired with Eddie Kadi.

Katya Jones

Katya lifted the glitterball with actor Joe McFadden in 2017 and has been a Strictly professional since 2016. She danced with actor Nigel Harman in 2023.

Johannes Radebe

Johannes has been a Strictly pro since 2018. He danced with Tennis legend Annabel Croft in 2023.

Kai Widdrington

Kai became a professional dancer in 2021, when he reached the final with presenter AJ Odudu but had to pull out due to an injury. Last year, Kai was paired with Angela Rippon.

Jowita Przystal

Jowita joined the show in 2021 and was given her first professional partner, Hamza Yassin, in the 2022 series, with the pair went on to win the show. Jowita was then paired with Jody Cundy in 2023.

Carlos Gu

Carlos joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2022 and was partnered with CBBC star Molly Rainford. The pair reached the final of the show. Last year, Carlos was paired with Angela Scanlon.

Nikita Kuzmin

Nikita joined the show in 2021. He made the final during the 2023 series alongside his partner Layton Williams.

Nancy Xu

Nancy was paired with actor Les Dennis in 2023. She has been a professional on the show since 2019.

Neil Jones

Neil has been a Strictly professional since 2016. His past celebrity partners include professional footballer Alex Scott and actress and comedian Nina Wadia.

Lauren Oakley

Lauren joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2022, and her first celebrity partner was Krishnan Guru-Murthy during the 2023 series.

Luba Mushtuk

Luba became a professional dancer on the programme in 2018. In 2023 she was paired with actor Adam Thomas.

Nadiya Bychkova

Nadiya joined the show in 2017. In 2022, she danced with Matt Goss. She was without a celebrity partner last year.

Michelle Tsiakkas

Michelle joined Strictly in 2022. She was without a celebrity partner last year.

Aljaž Škorjanec

Aljaž Škorjanec appeared on the show for a massive nine years before announcing he'd quit in 2022. However, much to the delight of fans, BBC bosses confirmed in July 2024 that he will be returning a professional dancer for the 2024 series.

Who hosted Strictly Come Dancing in 2023?

The lovely Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman returned for the 2023 series, with the news being confirmed on Friday 21st April.

After presenting the Sunday night results show for a number of years, Claudia took over Bruce Forsyth's role as co-presenter alongside Tess in 2014.

Who hosted Strictly: It Takes Two in 2023?

Strictly Come Dancing spin-off show Strictly: It Takes Two has become nearly as popular as the main show since it first hit BBC Two in 2004.

After four years presenting the show, Rylan Clark confirmed in April 2023 that he's quit his hosting role, leaving fans wondering who will replace him.

Following the news, it was later announced that former contestant Fleur East would join Janette Manrara to host the show.

Who has won Strictly Come Dancing in the past?

There's so far been 22 different winners of Strictly...


Series 1 winner – Natasha Kaplinsky

BBC newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky was the first celebrity to dance her way to victory in the summer of 2004 with professional dancer Brendan Cole. She finished 39 points ahead of her fellow finalis, Christopher Parker, and received the highest points for eight out of the 10 dances on the series.
Since the competition, Natsha went on to have two children, Arlo and Angelica and was awarded an OBE for her services to the Holocaust Commission. She continued her career in journalism leaving the BBC in 2008, before joining Channel 5 and then ITV.

Series 2 – Jill Halfpenny

Also in 2004 (but this time in December) soap actress Jill Halfpenny also became a Strictly champion alongside her dance partner Darren Bennett. Their Jive was the first ever Strictly routine to score a full house of 40 points, so we're not surprised she went on to win!
Jill was most well known for starring as Rebecca Hopkins in Coronation Street and Kate Mitchell in EastEnders. After Strictly she continued her acting career before stepping onto the West End, performing in plays such as Uncle Vanya and even Chicago. Now, she's a broadcaster for BBC Radio 2, which she's been doing since 2017.

Series 3 – Darren Gough

English cricketer Darren Dough stole the glitterball trophy from the likes of Zoe Ball and chef James Martin, despite never reaching the top of the Strictly leaderboard with his dance partner, Lilia Kopylova. The pair also went on to win the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special in 2005.
Darren retired from his cricketing career in 2008. The following year he became a presenter on the sport radio station Talk Sport, which he is still currently doing.

Mark Ramprakash

You may remember England cricketer Mark Ramprakash was the first ever contestant to restart a routine on Strictly after his microphone got caught in his dance partner's dress. However despite the hiccup, they still received the highest score! He was the second cricketer to bowl through and take home the glitterball in 2006. The sportsman soon departed from playing on the cricket pitch to coaching on it instead, and became the batting coach for the England cricket team. He then departed this role in 2019.

Series 5 – Alesha Dixon

Former R&B singer Alesha Dixon lifted the glitterball in 2007 alongside her dance partner Matthew Cutler in what was a very close final, as she finished just two points ahead of actor Matt Di Angelo.
Since her time on the dance floor, we've seen Alesha sit on the Strictly judging panel herself from 2009 to 2011, before leaving to judge on Britain's Got Talent, America's Got Talent and then Australia's Got Talent.

Series 6 – Tom Chambers

Holby City and Casualty actor Tom Chambers' Strictly win alongside Camilla Dallerup became somewhat controversial, as despite scoring the lowest of the three finalists the public still made him their winner.
Tom clearly enjoyed his time on the dance floor, as he starred in a stage version of the musical Top Hat, before returning for two Strictly Christmas Specials in 2008 and 2015.

Series 7 – Chris Hollins

Ola Jordan helped breakfast presenter Chris Hollins dance his way to victory in 2009. After the show he continued with his presenting career at the BBC for various shows including The Rescues, Cash In The Attic, and The Food Inspectors. He is also a presenter for BT Sport Live.

Series 8 – Kara Tointon

It wasn't just the glitter ball that Eastenders actress Kara Tointon left with at the end of her time on Strictly, but a new love with her professional dance partner Artem Chigvintsev. The pair even celebrated their win with a kiss - how romantic!
Since Strictly Kara continued a successful acting career taking to the stage too. Her most notable role was playing Eliza Doolittle in Pygmalion in the West End and the ITV live production of The Sound of Music, where she played Maria.
Sadly, Kara and Artem's Strictly romance didn't last and the couple decided to part ways in 2014.

Series 9 – Harry Judd

McFly drummer Harry Judd stole the winning spot in series 9 with professional dancer Aliona Vilani, beating fellow finalists Chelsee Healey & Jason Donovan. Harry fought hard to take the winning spot and didn't top the leaderboard until week 7, but from then on he received high 30s throughout the rest of the competition.
Since Strictly, Harry returned to the band McFly and released new music with them in 2020. More recently he welcomed baby number three into the world with his wife, Izzy Judd.

Series 10 – Louis Smith

Louis took home bronze and glitter in 2012 after his success at the 2012 Olympics and on the Strictly dance floor, with dance partner Flavia Cacace. In the final he danced against Denise Van Outen and Girls Aloud's Kimberley Walsh, receiving the lowest score from the judges. But it didn't matter, as the British public voted for him to be their winner. Louis continued to represent Great Britain in the Olympics before retiring and swapping gymnastics for the theatre. He even continued doing some dancing too and took part in this years series of The Masked Dancer and won!

Series 11 – Abbey Clancy

Abbey Clancy and Aljaž Skorjanec's routine regularly stole the show, so we weren't surprised when the pair were crowned the Strictly winners in 2013.
After the show Abbey went on to become a judge Britain's Next Top Model and welcomed her fourth child with husband Peter Crouch in 2019.

Series 12 – Caroline Flack

Caroline Flack and partner Pasha Kovalev became the first and still are the only Strictly couple to receive 40 points for all three dances in the final. Caroline continued a successful TV career after the show, presenting on the X-Factor alongside Olly Murs and on ITV's Love Island. Sadly, Caroline took her own life in February 2020 and our thoughts are with all who knew her.
Since Caroline's passing, her mum Christine has become an advocate for mental health.

Series 13 – Jay McGuiness

Jay McGuiness was one of four members from boy band The Wanted and won with partner Aliona Vilan. The singer credited much of his success to his dance partner and on winning told her: "You deserve it so much, you really do." After taking a musical break for seven years, The Wanted are now back together and are embarking on a UK tour in 2022.

Series 14 - Ore Oduba

The TV and radio presenter was known for wearing his heart on his sleeve throughout the competition, regularly getting emotional throughout the series. But he shed tears of joy after beating Louise Redknapp and ex Hollyoaks star Danny Mac, which saw him take home the glitter trophy.
In 2019 he began his musical theatre career, starring in the UK Tour of Grease and made his West End debut in January 2020.

Series 15 - Joe McFadden

Joe McFadden was the second Holby City actor to win Strictly with partner Katya Jones. He may not have been a natural dancer at the start, but he certainly came out on top beating Alexandra Burke, Debbie McGee and Gemma Atkinson in the final. After Strictly he performed in the UK tour of Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert.

Series 16 - Stacey Dooley

The journalist and broadcaster beat show favourite, Joe Sugg, with her dance partner Kevin Clifton. The couple had clearly fallen for each other while on the show as shortly after it was announced they were a couple.
Stacey went on to make two more documentaries and made appearances on other TV shows, including Glow Up and most recently presented DNA Family Secrets alongside Turi King, which helps people find out secrets about their families through DNA tests. Stacey and Kevin are also still together.

Series 17 - Kelvin Fletcher

Despite entering as a replacement for reality TV star Jamie Laing who injured his foot, former Emmerdale actor Kelvin stole the show and came out on top with his dance partner Oti Mabuse. Kelvin is a self-confessed 'petrol head' and has taken part in many motorsport races, including the British GT Championships.

Series 18 - Bill Bailey

Bill blew everyone's socks off and became the oldest contestant in Strictly history to take home the glitterball trophy. It was a big moment for his partner Oti Mabuse too, as their victory marked her second win.
Bill's back to doing what he loves best, which is making us laugh, as well as playing his guitar and spending lots of time outdoors.

Series 19 - Rose Ayling-Ellis

EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis, who was the first ever deaf contestant to take part in Strictly, and her professional dancer Giovanni Pernice beat GBBO star John Whaite and Johannes Radebe for the Glitterball after a tense 2021 finale.
Rose, who plays Frankie on the BBC soap, was applauded by deaf communities over the world for raising awareness of sign language and how being deaf doesn't affect your ability to dance.

Series 20 - Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal

Wildlife cameraman and presenter Hamza Yassin won the 20th series of Strictly Come Dancing with his professional partner Jowita Przystal. A firm favourite due to his high energy, great enthusiasm and incredible lifts, he beat radio presenter and singer Fleur East, singer and actress Molly Rainford and TV presenter Helen Skelton to the Glitterball Trophy.

Series 21 - Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola

Former Coronation Street actress Ellie Leach was crowned the 2023 winner alongside her professional partner Vito Coppola. Ellie was in the final alongside Layton Williams and Bobby Brazier, and despite not topping the leaderboard during the final, the public voted for her to be crowned the 2023 winner of the Glitterball Trophy.

Now read:

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Aljaž Škorjanec reveals he's QUIT Strictly after 9 years

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