Strictly Come Dancing has inspired many to take up dance, but for some former contestants, the show proved a career springboard. From Alesha Dixon's reality TV work to Tom Chambers' West End role, here's how nine stars' lives changed after the ballroom.
Ore Oduba, winner of the 2016 series, moved from BBC Newsround to become a Radio 2 presenter, standing in for Steve Wright and Claudia Winkleman. He also presented the BBC's coverage of the One Love Manchester tribute concert in 2017.
Caroline Flack, winner of series 12, saw her career skyrocket after Strictly. She co-hosted The X Factor, released an autobiography, fronted Love Island, and took on a theatre role in Crazy For You alongside fellow Strictly alum Tom Chambers. Flack said her dance partner Pasha Kovalev encouraged her to continue performing.
Ed Balls, the former Shadow Chancellor, became a national favourite during his 2016 stint despite limited dance skills. He returned to his role as chairman of Norwich City FC and occasional broadcasting.
Matt Baker, runner-up in 2010, secured a permanent co-host role on The One Show after participating, and went on to front other BBC programmes such as The Gift, Big Blue Live, and Wild Alaska Live.
Alesha Dixon, winner of the 2008 series, used her Strictly triumph to relaunch her music career, signing a record deal and releasing two albums. She later returned to the show as a judge.
