Strictly Come Dancing Celebrates 20th Anniversary with Special Episode
The BBC will air a special 75-minute episode of "Strictly Come Dancing" to commemorate its 20th anniversary. The show, which first aired on May 15, 2004, will feature highlights from its two-decade run, with interviews from past celebrity contestants, professional dancers, and judges.
"Strictly Come Dancing" has become a mainstay of British television, known for its ballroom and Latin dance routines. Tess Daly and the late Sir Bruce Forsyth were the original hosts, with the inaugural judging panel comprising Len Goodman, Dame Arlene Phillips, Craig Revel Horwood, and Bruno Tonioli. Claudia Winkleman joined Daly as co-host in 2014. The current judges include Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, and former professional dancer Anton Du Beke.
The first series was won by journalist Natasha Kaplinsky and professional dancer Brendan Cole. The most recent winners are former "Coronation Street" actress Ellie Leach and Italian dancer Vito Coppola. Over the years, a diverse array of celebrities has competed on the show, including politicians, actors, and musicians.
The BBC's Head of Entertainment, Kalpna Patel-Knight, emphasized the show's cultural impact, noting its ability to bring families together and inspire viewers to appreciate the art of dance. Suzy Lamb, Managing Director of BBC Studios Entertainment, highlighted the show's continuous innovation in dance and entertainment.
Details on the broadcast date of the special episode will be announced later. "Strictly Come Dancing" is scheduled to return later this year.