The 2026 series (Series 24) of Strictly Come Dancing launched at the end of last month. The BBC programme has witnessed a significant shake-up this year regarding its presenting team.
After Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman's exit following the last series, the BBC unveiled a completely new hosting trio: Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdicombe and former Strictly professional dancer Johannes Radebe.
Stars gracing the dance floor this year include EastEnders actress Lacey Turner, Love Island favourite Dani Dyer, singer and actress Delta Goodrem, Big Brother presenter Will Best and football YouTube creator John Nellis. The opening live show delivered impressive early leaderboard performances, notably John Nellis' Foxtrot and Delta Goodrem's Samba.
Faye Tozer and Giovanni Pernice's Charleston (2018)
Faye Tozer and Giovanni Pernice's Charleston during Series 16 of Strictly Come Dancing (2018) remains etched in memory as amongst the most iconic, inventive, and technically brilliant performances the programme has ever witnessed.
Staged during Musicals Week (Week 11/the quarter-final), the number was choreographed to "The Lonely Goatherd" from The Sound of Music. Drawing inspiration from the marionette scene in the musical, Faye and Giovanni portrayed living puppets manipulated by strings.
Faye donned an elaborate marionette-inspired costume accompanied by dramatic makeup, plaited hair, and crisp, rigid wooden-puppet gestures that flowed effortlessly into rapid Charleston swivel sequences. The performance garnered acclaim for its pace, characterisation, intricate synchronisation, and meticulous attention to detail.
All four judges—Craig Revel Horwood, Dame Darcey Bussell, Shirley Ballas, and Bruno Tonioli—awarded the dance a maximum score of 10, marking Faye and Giovanni's first perfect 40 of the series. 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.
Lewis Cope and Katya Jones' Couple's Choice (2025)
Lewis and Katya's Couple's Choice during Series 23 proved to be one of the defining, standout moments of that series. Performed during Halloween / Spooktacular Week (Week 6), the routine was set to Radiohead's iconic track "Creep".
The routine opened with Katya pretending to play a piano while Lewis stood atop it. It seamlessly blended atmospheric contemporary movement with intricate tap dancing, highlighting Lewis's rhythm, precision, and stage presence. The pair donned matching sharp suits, lending a polished, eerie aesthetic that perfectly complemented the stripped-back intensity of the choreography.
The routine received unanimous praise from both judges and audiences. It earned a maximum score of 40 / 40, marking the very first perfect score awarded in the 2025 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.
Danny Mac and Oti Mabuse's Samba (2016)
Danny Mac and Oti Mabuse's Samba from Series 14 of Strictly Come Dancing was a breathless, high-octane routine danced to "Magalenha" by Sérgio Mendes. It earned a perfect 40/40, making it the first Samba in Strictly history to achieve a full score from the judges.
The Samba is notoriously one of the most challenging dances for male celebrities, owing to the rhythmic hip action and complex bounce technique. Oti crafted professional-level choreography, and Danny delivered fluid hip isolations and relentless energy that matched her step-for-step.
Craig heaped praise on Danny's hip action, remarking it was virtually unheard of from a male celebrity, and quipped during the grand final, "I hate this...!" before raising his 10 paddle. Bruno famously declared the dance a "pagan mating ritual" and joked that he needed a cold shower. Danny and Oti opted to reprise the dance as their standout performance in the Grand Final, where it earned another perfect 40.
Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice's Couple's Choice (2021)
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. It offered millions of viewers a window into Rose's world as Strictly's first-ever deaf contestant, highlighting how she danced using count, rhythm, and muscle memory rather than the music itself.
The routine became an instant viral sensation, drawing an outpouring of emotional praise from all corners. It earned 39 out of 40 in Week 8, but when the pair reprised it in the Grand Final, it achieved a perfect 40/40 — helping them clinch victory as the Series 19 champions. The silent sequence claimed Must-See Moment of the Year at the 2022 Virgin Media BAFTA TV Awards, triumphing over significant national television events. Anton Du Beke called it "the greatest thing I've ever seen on this show," while Shirley Ballas observed that it transcended dance itself, sending a powerful message of inclusion across the entire nation.
Bill Bailey and Oti Mabuse's Couple's Choice (2020)
This stands as one of the most memorable, exuberant, and surprising showstoppers in Strictly history. Performed in Week 4, the Street/Commercial number was choreographed to the legendary 1990 hip-hop classic "Rapper's Delight" by The Sugarhill Gang.
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. Sporting matching gold-trimmed tracksuits and chains, Bill and Oti wholeheartedly embraced the old-school hip-hop vibe with popping, locking, and synchronisation that remained flawlessly tight throughout.
The performance immediately went viral on social media and established Bill as a genuine contender for the series title. Shirley Ballas called it "epic," while Motsi Mabuse was visibly delighted by the energy and execution. It received 27 out of 30 (Series 18 had a maximum score of 30 during early weeks owing to Bruno Tonioli's absence as a judge). They opted to perform the routine again in the Grand Final, securing a flawless score of 30 / 30. This display proved instrumental in helping Bill Bailey become the oldest champion in Strictly history at age 55, while Oti Mabuse secured consecutive triumphs as a professional dancer.
Aston Merrygold and Janette Manrara's Salsa (2017)
The duo's Salsa to "Despacito" by Luis Fonsi ft. Daddy Yankee from Series 15 stands as one of the most memorable — and contentious — performances in the programme's history. Delivered during Week 3 (Movie Week/Latin Week), the routine brimmed with Janette's trademark gravity-defying lifts, rapid footwork, and pulsating Latin energy.
As a former boyband star (JLS), Aston possessed natural rhythm and commercial flair, making the globally viral track "Despacito" an ideal fit for his abilities. The choreography showcased numerous breathtaking overhead lifts and spins, capitalising fully on Janette's mastery of Latin theatrical work. The Salsa proved hugely popular with audiences and achieved an impressive score, though it later became a focal point of debate within the series.
It received 35 out of 40 in Week 3, positioning them amongst the leaderboard leaders. Merely three weeks following this exceptional performance, Aston and Janette were controversially knocked out in Week 6 after a disappointing score for their Viennese Waltz (following judge Craig Revel Horwood awarding them a 4) and a dance-off against Mollie King and AJ Pritchard. Aston had been amongst the early favourites to claim victory in the competition, and his premature departure sparked considerable shock, fury, and demands to overhaul the judging and voting system that year.
