Behind the glitz and glamour of Strictly Come Dancing lies a meticulous pairing process that often leaves some professional dancers without a celebrity partner. This year, Neil Jones, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas, and a disappointed Nancy Xu have been 'benched', missing out on the chance to compete for the Glitterball trophy. The decision is far from random, involving careful planning by BBC bosses to ensure the perfect match.
A key part of the process is the so-called 'Chemistry Circle', described by former contestant Ross King as a speed-dating-style session. All professionals perform a routine while rotating partners, allowing producers to observe who gels with whom. King explained: 'So all the men get in a circle and all the female pros are on the outside. Then you do a little waltz and then they move on and you dance again. It's a little chemistry test.'
Height also plays a crucial role, as dancers and celebrities must be well-matched physically. Professional Kai Widdrington stands at 6ft 2in, while Jowita Przystal is just 5ft, giving the production team a range of options to pair with celebrities of varying statures. King noted that height was a factor in his own pairing, stating that Stefan Dennis was the only contestant slightly smaller than him.
Aside from chemistry and size, there are practical reasons why some pros are left out. The show typically has more dancers than celebrities to allow for ensemble routines and performances with musical guests. This year, Gorka Marquez stepped back from a celebrity partnership due to his commitments on the Spanish version of the show, Bailando Con Las Estrellas, the filming schedule of which clashed with Strictly's intense training regime.
Benched dancers are not entirely sidelined; they often perform in group numbers and with musical acts, and may step in if a pro is injured. Last year, Lauren Oakley replaced the injured Amy Dowden and made it to the final with JB Gill. The system, while sometimes disappointing for the professionals, ensures that the final pairings are as compatible as possible.
