Oh, Strictly. Home of the both the most bizarre and glorious dances known to man. Over the years we’ve seen some incredible routines – ones that brought a tear to the eye, ones that made us double over with laughter, and ones that made our jaws drop.
Many have been watched again and again online. Here are six that broke the internet:
Faye Tozer and Giovanni Pernice’s Charleston
This charleston, choreographed the The Lonely Goatherd, is amongst the most iconic, inventive, and technically brilliant performances the programme has ever witnessed. Bruno hailed it a “theatrical masterpiece” and urged them to “take it to Broadway”. Darcey Bussell emphasised how remarkable it was that a specific movement had been crafted for every single beat of the music.
(Image: BBC)
Lewis Cope and Katya Jones’ Couple’s Choice
Lewis and Katya’s Couple’s Choice to a jazz version of Radiohead’s Creep during Series 23 proved to be one of the defining, standout moments of that series. The performance moved many viewers and judges to tears, with commentators and former professionals hailing it as one of the most unforgettable Couple’s Choice routines in Strictly history.
(Image: BBC)
Danny Mac and Oti Mabuse’s Samba
Who can forget the first samba to earn a 40 on Strictly? Oti crafted professional-level choreography, and Danny delivered fluid hip isolations and relentless energy that matched her step-for-step.
(Image: BBC/Guy Levy)
Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice’s Couple’s Choice
Their Couple’s Choice routine is widely regarded as one of the most powerful, moving, and culturally significant moments in British television history. Performed in Week 8 to “Symphony” by Clean Bandit ft. Zara Larsson, the contemporary routine was dedicated to the Deaf community.
At the midpoint of the routine, as the music swelled to its peak, the sound cut out entirely, leaving a silence lasting roughly 20 seconds while Rose and Giovanni continued dancing in perfect unison.
(Image: BBC)
Bill Bailey and Oti Mabuse’s Couple’s Choice
Bill, a 55-year-old actor and comedian initially regarded as the “novelty” or wildcard contestant of the series, astonished everyone with his remarkable sense of rhythm, musicality, and dedication. The performance immediately went viral on social media and established Bill as a genuine contender for the series title.
(Image: BBC)
Aston Merrygold and Janette Manrar’s Salsa
The choreography showcased numerous breathtaking overhead lifts and spins, capitalising fully on Janette’s mastery of Latin theatrical work. Their salsa proved hugely popular with audiences and achieved an impressive score, though it later became a focal point of debate within the series, as only three weeks later, Aston and Janette were knocked out.
(Image: BBC)