Strictly Come Dancing: A recap of the 2021 series

The final took place on Saturday 18th

Author: Alex RossPublished 28th Mar 2022
Last updated 19th May 2022

Since 2004, we've been entertained every single year by popular dancing show Strictly Come Dancing - and the 2021 series was certainly no different!

After Bill Bailey and his pro partner Oti Mabuse were crowned the winners in 2020, the famous Glitterball trophy was officially handed to the 2021 winners on Saturday 18th December - Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice!

We've pulled together a handy little guide for the 2021 series of Strictly Come Dancing.

When was the Strictly Come Dancing 2021 final?

The 2021 Strictly final took place on Saturday 18th December at 7pm. The bumper episode aired for 125 minutes.

Who was in the Strictly Come Dancing 2021 final?

Three couples made it through to the Strictly final 2021 - celebrities Rose Ayling-Ellis, AJ Odudu and John Whaite. Sadly, with just one day to go, it was announced that due to an injury she sustained while training, AJ would not be competing in the grand final.

Due to AJ being forced to pull out, couples Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice and John Whaite and Johannes Radebe were in the Strictly final 2021.

Who won Strictly Come Dancing 2021?

Rose Ayling-Ellis and her dance partner Giovanni Pernice were crowned the winners of Strictly Come Dancing 2021.

Ahead of the final, Giovanni shared a touching tribute to Rose, admitting: "It's the first time I've said I don't want this series to finish."

Which channel was Strictly Come Dancing on?

Strictly Come Dancing aired on BBC One on Saturday and Sunday nights, with the spin-off show Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two, broadcasting on BBC2.

Which celebrities signed up for Strictly Come Dancing 2021?

Strictly bosses decided to release the line-up for the 2021 series a whole month earlier than previous!

15 celebs were unveiled in total.

See the 2021 Strictly line-up:

AJ Odudu

Best known for: TV presenter


"I am beyond chuffed that I am going to be on this year's Strictly Come Dancing and I'm so glad I can finally tell my mum. Her face will be a picture, she's going to be over the moon! I absolutely love the show and am fully committed to making the most of every second of the Strictly experience. Bring it on!"

Rose Ayling-Ellis

Best known for: Actress


To be the first deaf contestant on Strictly Come Dancing is sooooo exciting.. and a little bit scary. It is the hardest secret I have ever had to keep so it feels amazing to finally have this out in the open! I hope I will do the deaf community proud and break down more barriers. But I am also very excited to learn an incredible new skill and even better I get to learn whilst wearing beautiful dresses made especially for me!"

John Whaite

Best known for: Baker


"I'm so grateful, excited, and nervous to be joining the Strictly 2021 family. I've been wearing sequins and jazzy attire since I was three years old and can't wait to hurl myself, full throttle, around the most glamorous dance floor on earth.


"What's more exciting for me, is that I'm going to be one half of the first all-male partnership, which is a great step forward in representation and inclusion. Whoever it is I'm paired with, I hope they are up for a challenge as I want our routines to include lots of spectacular lifts!"

Rhys Stephenson - ELIMINATED

Best known for: CBBC presenter


"I am BUZZING to be a part of Strictly Come Dancing 2021. I have dreamt about being on this show, and I know for a fact that it is going to exceed every expectation. I cannot wait to experience it all: the costumes, the orchestra, even Craig's glare! I am READY!"

Dan Walker - ELIMINATED

Best known for: TV presenter


"I am definitely excited, a little bit worried, mostly terrified and a small part of me is considering going into hiding! My kids have only ever asked me to go on two shows… Saturday Mash Up and Strictly. I did Saturday Mash Up this summer so… it's time to embrace the sequins".

Tilly Ramsay - ELIMINATED

Best known for: Chef, social media influencer and TV presenter


"I'm so excited and grateful to be joining the Strictly family! I'm always up for fun new challenges and this will be my biggest adventure yet! I'm going to put my heart and soul into this and can't wait to get my dancing shoes on and show my Dad how it's really done! Bring on the glitz, glamour and sequins!"

Tom Fletcher - ELIMINATED

Best known for: McFly


"I think the fact that I'm actually going to be dancing on Strictly this year has only just started to sink in while I'm writing this! I'm incredibly excited, of course, but also totally terrified! My kids were excited too until I started showing them my best dad-dancing in the kitchen. I'm not sure how far they'll get me in the competition but I can't wait to add some new moves to my embarrassing dad-dancing repertoire."

Sara Davies - ELIMINATED

Best known for: Businesswoman and Dragon's Den


"My Mam and Dad are going to be so excited. I'm really nervous because so far the producers keep asking me if I can dance. Truth be told – I haven't got a clue! I've not danced since I did ballet lessons when I was little. The business world has taught me that tenacity, drive and determination deliver results, I hope that I can bring that to the dancefloor. And I'm excited to see the impact of all those hours of training on my mum tum!"

Adam Peaty - ELIMINATED

Best known for: Team GB Olympic swimmer


"I think this will come as a surprise to a lot of people, but I'm so excited to finally share the news that I'll be joining Strictly this year. I'm really looking forward to doing something totally different and challenging myself away from the pool. I'm hoping my competitive nature is going to compensate for my dancing abilities!"

Judi Love - ELIMINATED

Best known for: Loose Women panellist and comedian


: "I think I am still in shock that I will be part of this amazing show. I've watched it for many years and admired the phenomenal abilities of these dancers and celebrities that have taken part and dedicated themselves to learning a new craft. I'm truly looking forward to pushing myself in something that I could have only dreamed of doing and now it's actually coming true!! I can't lie I'm soooo nervous but excited at the same time!!"

Ugo Monye - ELIMINATED

Best known for: TV presenter and former Rugby Union star
"What a dream come true! Strictly is the biggest entertainment show on TV and I can't wait to show everyone I've got more than just dad dancing moves. My two beautiful daughters never had a chance to see me on the rugby pitch, so to know they can watch me waltzing and twirling every week is really special to me. I love an outfit at the best of times, so bring on the sequins!"

Greg Wise - ELIMINATED

Best known for: Actor and producer


"My beautiful sister was a huge disco queen. She left our world almost exactly 5 years ago in a glitter ball coffin. This is for her. My gorgeous Diva sis, who would have been insane with excitement that her little bro was doing this. I will channel her, as her bro can't dance - but I'm thrilled to be dipping my toes, knees, hips and arms into this wonderful world, and hope to make her proud, and obviously make her laugh..."

Robert Webb - LEFT DUE TO ILLNESS

Best known for: Comedian and actor


"I am ludicrously excited to be taking part in Strictly this year. It's a big, generous, joyful show and I can't wait to get packed into a spandex onesie and fired from a glitter cannon directly at Claudia Winkleman. At least I think that's what happens. My goal is to try and survive from week to week without causing serious injury to myself or innocent bystanders. I know it's going to be a challenge. To do well in this competition is a test of character, although mainly it's a test of dancing."

Katie McGlynn: ELIMINATED

Best known for: Actress


"It's been so hard keeping it a secret, but I can finally say that I'm getting ready to shake my shimmy and become part of the Strictly family! I'm really not a dancer, but I'm so excited to learn a new skill on this crazy journey and cannot wait to slip into some sequins along the way. Although I do get to have so much fun as an actress, a lot of my roles have involved quite serious and challenging storylines, so I'm fully ready to let my hair down and do something different, even if it is completely outside of my comfort zone. I can't promise that I'll be the best, but I'm going to give it 110% on the dance floor! As long as I don't fall over I'll be happy."

Nina Wadia OBE: ELIMINATED

Best known for: Actress


"I've always danced like nobody's watching, so if we blindfold the judges I could actually win Strictly 2021."

Who was paired with who on Strictly Come Dancing?

The 2021 pairings were unveiled during the launch show on Saturday 18th September.

Judi Love and Graziano Di Prima


Nina Wadia OBE and Neil Jones


Katie McGlynn and Gorka Márquez


Dan Walker and Nadiya Bychkova


Tom Fletcher and Amy Dowden


Tilly Ramsay and Nikita Kuzmin


Greg Wise and Karen Hauer


Ugo Monye and Oti Mabuse


Adam Peaty and Katya Jones


AJ Odudu and Kai Widdrington


Rhys Stephenson and Nancy Xu


Sara Davies and Aljaž Škorjanec


John Whaite and Johannes Radebe


Robert Webb and Dianne Buswell


Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice - WINNERS


Who was eliminated when on Strictly Come Dancing 2021?

Week One: No elimination

Week Two: Nina Wadia OBE and Neil Jones

Week Three: Katie McGlynn and Gorka Márquez

Week Four: Greg Wise and Karen Hauer

Week Five: Ugo Monye and Oti Mabuse

Week Six: Judi Love and Graziano Di Prima

Week Seven: Adam Peaty and Katya Jones

Week Eight: Sara Davies and Aljaž Škorjanec

Week Nine: Tom Fletcher and Amy Downden

Week Ten: Tilly Ramsey and Nikita Kuzmin

Week Eleven: Dan Walker and Nadiya Bychkova

Week Twelve: Rhys Stephenson and Nancy Xu

Sadly AJ was forced to pull out, along with her partner Kai Widdrington, in the final week due to injury.

Why did Robert Webb leave Strictly Come Dancing in 2021?

Comedian Robert Webb released a statement on Wednesday 13th October, revealing he's made the tough decision to quit the show due to ill health.

He said: "I’m extremely sorry to have to announce that I’m withdrawing from Strictly Come Dancing. Two years ago I had open heart surgery and although I believed I was fit enough to take on Strictly and its demanding schedule, it became clear that I had bitten off way more than I could chew for this stage in my recovery.

“I had begun to feel symptoms that led me to seek an urgent consultation with my heart specialist, and it was her view that it would be better for the sake of my health to step back from the show.

“It was always going to be a difficult mountain to climb (for one thing it’s made of glitter so it’s very skiddy) and I’ve been especially touched by the support from fellow heart patients."

Robert's pro partner Dianne Buswell later praised Robert saying: “I know Robert had a lot more to give to the competition but his health of course comes first and I wish him a speedy recovery. I feel lucky to have danced with him and to call him a friend.”

Which Strictly Come Dancing stars had Covid-19?

Tom Fletcher:

On Sunday 26th September, just one day after the first live show, Tom Fletcher and his professional partner Amy Dowden confirmed they'd both tested positive for COVID-19, meaning they both had to isoalte.

The pair released statements on social media, revealing they would miss Week Two, but be back on the show for Week Three.

Tom returned to the competition 10 days later, and remains a strong contender.

Judi Love:

On Thursday 21st October, comedian Judi Love confirmed she'd tested positive for Covid-19, meaning herself and her partner Graziano Di Prima have to self isolate.

Judi shared the news on her official Twitter account, saying: Hey my lovelies it’s with great disappointment that I will not be performing this weekend @bbcstrictly due to testing positive with Covid 19. Hoping to make a speedy recovery & dance for you next weekend. Stay safe & thank you for your well wishes #JudiLove #Strictly ❤️.'

A spokesperson for Strictly later added: "Judi Love has tested positive for Covid-19 and is now self-isolating following the latest government guidelines.

"While Judi and Graziano will not be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this weekend, Strictly Come Dancing protocols mean that all being well, they will return the following week."

Craig Revel Horwood:

Judge Craig Revel Horwood unfortunately missed Musicals week after testing positive for COVID-19.

A Strictly spokesperson said: “Craig Revel Horwood has tested positive for Covid-19 and is now self-isolating following the latest government guidelines. While Craig will not be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this weekend, all being well he will return the following week

When did Strictly Come Dancing 2021 start?

The Strictly Come Dancing launch show kicked off on Saturday 18th September, with weekly episodes airing on a Saturday night from there forward until the final on Saturday 18th December.

Contestant Dan Walker seemingly let slip the start date during a chat with his co-host at the start of September.

Dan said: "I meet and greet the partner in a couple of days time, and actually the first show is on the 18th and then the live shows start on the 25th."

Just days later, bosses then confirmed the start date, sharing a video of contestant Tom Fletcher holding up a paddle board with the caption: ''The countdown is ON! Only 15 days to go until @tomfletcher and our #Strictly stars hit the dancefloor 🕺'. #(sic)'.

Who were the Strictly Come Dancing judges in 2021?

In June 2021, bosses confirmed that Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas and Motsi Mabuse would all be returning for the 2021 series, but sadly we didn't get to see Bruno Tonioli.

Instead, professional dancer and Strictly legend Anton Du Beke took a seat on the judging panel, as Bruno was unable to travel due to the Coronavirus restrictions at the time.

A tweet from the official Strictly Twitter account read: 'It’s the judges! Please welcome back to Strictly, Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse AND Anton Du Beke, who’ll be stepping into Bruno Tonioli’s shoes for 2021!'. (sic)

Speaking about his new appointment, Anton said: 'I’m absolutely thrilled to bits to be joining these wonderful judges!!! Cloud nine, seventh heaven, over the moon… there’s nowhere better than a seat at that legendary desk!! Thank you @bbcstrictly - just the most tremendous news!!!! Much love, Anton XX 😘🕺'. (sic)

Who were the professional dancers on Strictly Come Dancing 2021?

Although Anton Du Beke was originally announced as a professional dancer for the 2021 series, it was later confirmed he will take part as a judge and therefore will not have a celebrity partner.

The professionals included: Aljaž Škorjanec, Amy Dowden, Dianne Buswell, Giovanni Pernice, Gorka Marquez, Graziano Di Prima, Janette Manrara, Johannes Radebe, , Katya Jones Karen Hauer, Luba Mushtuk, Nadiya Bychkova, Neil Jones, Nancy Xu and last year's winner Oti Mabuse.

Kai Widdrington


Cameron Lombard


Nikita Kuzmin


Jowita Przystal


Amy Dowden


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.

Giovanni Pernice

Italian Champion Giovanni Pernice is the longest-serving male professional on the current line-up of Strictly pros, having joined the show in 2015. He lifted the Glitterball with actress Rose Ayling-Ellis back in 2021 and was most recently paired with presenter Richie Anderson.

Gorka Marquez

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

Johannes Radebe


Karen Hauer


Katya Jones


Graziano Di Prima


Luba Mushtuk


Nadiya Bychkova


Nancy Xu


Neil Jones


Carlos Gu


Michelle Tsiakkas


Vito Coppola


Lauren Oakley


When was the Strictly Come Dancing 2021 final?

The Strictly Come Dancing 2021 final took place on Saturday 18th December.

Who presented Strictly Come Dancing in 2021?

Popular hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman returned once again for the 2021 series. The pair have received great praise from both viewers and critics over the last few years.

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 has won Strictly Come Dancing in the past?

There's so far been 18 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.

Strictly Come Dancing is due to return in 2022.

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