Strictly Come Dancing has transformed the careers of many former contestants, with some enjoying significant success after their time on the show. Alesha Dixon, who won the 2007 series, went on to rejoin the programme as a judge after her victory led to a record label bidding war, two albums, and various television roles.
Ore Oduba, winner of the 2016 series, used his Strictly profile to secure a presenting role on BBC Radio 2 and fronted coverage of the One Love Manchester concert. Similarly, Caroline Flack, who won the twelfth series, saw her career skyrocket with co-hosting duties on The X Factor, an autobiography, and a role in West End production Crazy For You.
Matt Baker, a runner-up in 2010, became a permanent co-host of The One Show after his Strictly appearance and has since presented several BBC nature series. While Ed Balls did not directly advance his career, his stint on the show made him a national favourite, boosting his profile as a broadcaster and chairman of Norwich City FC.
