This weekend, the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom will crown a new champion for 2025, with Amber Davies, Karen Carney, and George Clarke vying for the Glitterball Trophy. They will join a prestigious list of celebrities who have triumphed in the BBC's flagship dance competition. As Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman prepare to host their final series, we take a nostalgic journey back through the years to discover what became of the show's past winners, from the very first in 2004 to the most recent champion.
The Modern Era Champions: 2024 to 2015
Comedian Chris McCausland made history in 2024, winning the public's affection from the first week and lifting the trophy with partner Dianne Buswell. Unusually, he opted out of the Strictly Live Tour to focus on his more lucrative stand-up dates. He has since launched a podcast with Dianne.
The 2023 winner, former Coronation Street actress Ellie Leach, used her victory as a springboard to the stage, landing the role of Miss Scarlett in Cluedo 2. Her journey was documented in the reality series Drama Queens.
Wildlife cameraman Hamza Yassin was the 2022 winner, captivating audiences with his sweet nature. Despite finishing bottom of the leaderboard on finals night, he beat Fleur East, Helen Skelton, and Molly Rainford. He has since continued his documentary work, though admitted struggling with his newfound fame.
Rose Ayling-Ellis, the first deaf contestant, won in 2021 with Giovanni Pernice. Her poignant silent dance won a BAFTA. Post-Strictly, she left EastEnders for the West End and has distanced herself from Giovanni following allegations about his conduct.
In 2020, comedian Bill Bailey became the oldest winner at age 55, securing a second consecutive win for pro dancer Oti Mabuse. He returned to stand-up and made TV presenting appearances.
Mid-Series Stars and Soap Success Stories
The 2019 winner was a last-minute replacement. Emmerdale's Kelvin Fletcher stepped in for injured Jamie Laing and won with Oti Mabuse. After struggling to find acting work post-show, he now fronts his own farming documentary.
Documentary-maker Stacey Dooley won in 2018 with Kevin Clifton, and the pair later became a couple, welcoming a daughter. Stacey now presents Glow Up alongside her hard-hitting documentaries.
Holby City's Joe McFadden was a surprise 2017 winner, clinching the title after topping the leaderboard only once in the series. He later starred in the UK tour of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
Presenter Ore Oduba triumphed in 2016 and forged a successful career in musical theatre, starring in Grease and Curtains. He has also presented on This Morning and The One Show.
In 2015, The Wanted's Jay McGuiness won fans over with his iconic Pulp Fiction Jive. He has since performed in stage shows and published his first novel.
The Early Years: From First Steps to National Treasures
The late Caroline Flack described her 2014 win as "the best experience" of her life. Her emotional showdance to Robbie Williams' 'Angels' was movingly reprised in a tribute following her tragic death in 2020.
Model Abbey Clancy, winner in 2013, leveraged her success to host Britain's Next Top Model and launch a clothing line with Lipsy.
Olympic gymnast Louis Smith added the 2012 Glitterball to his medal haul before returning to compete at the Rio 2016 Olympics. He also starred in West End dance shows.
McFly's Harry Judd was the 2011 favourite and later performed in touring theatre productions. He released a fitness book and continues to tour with his band.
Actress Kara Tointon's 2010 win with Artem Chigvintsev was sealed by their sizzling chemistry. She later starred as Eliza Doolittle in the West End's Pygmalion.
BBC sports correspondent Chris Hollins caused an upset by winning in 2009 over the judges' favourite, Ricky Whittle. He later became a presenter on Watchdog and The One Show.
Holby City's Tom Chambers won in 2008 and transitioned seamlessly to the West End stage, notably in Top Hat.
Alesha Dixon is perhaps Strictly's greatest success story. After winning in 2007 amid personal and professional turmoil, she returned as a judge and later joined Britain's Got Talent, while her music career was reignited.
Cricketer Mark Ramprakash won in 2006 but shunned showbiz to return to sport as a batting coach. His teammate Darren Gough won the public vote in 2005 and later received an MBE.
The very first champions of the original 2004 series were newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky and Brendan Cole. Natasha's career soared, leading to her becoming the highest-paid UK newsreader at Channel 5.
However, the first winner of the show's now-standard autumn run was EastEnders' Jill Halfpenny later in 2004, whose perfect-scoring Jive remains legendary. She has since enjoyed a prolific stage and screen career.
As a new name is etched onto the Glitterball Trophy this weekend, they will become part of this rich and diverse legacy, where victory is often just the first step on a remarkable new path.
