Strictly Come Dancing series 19 explained

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Network:BBC One
Num Episodes:25
Series Number:19
Prev Series:Series 18

Strictly Come Dancing returned for its nineteenth series with a launch show on 18 September 2021 on BBC One, and the live shows beginning on 25 September.[1] Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman returned as hosts, while Rylan Clark-Neal returned to host Strictly: It Takes Two alongside new presenter Janette Manrara, who replaced Zoe Ball.[2] In June 2021, the BBC announced that Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, and Craig Revel Horwood would return to the judging panel. Anton Du Beke, who served as a guest judge in the previous series, joined the panel in place of Bruno Tonioli, who did not return for the second year in a row due to travel restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.[3] [4]

In July 2021, the show's executive producer, Sarah James, said the show would return for a "full-length series", with fifteen celebrities, themed weeks, pre-recorded professional group dances, and a Christmas special, but no Blackpool Tower Ballroom special.[5] For this series, the contestants were no longer restricted to perform one of the "couple's choice" categories — contemporary, theatre/jazz, or street/commercial — and could instead incorporate the routine however they wished.[6] In September, a row broke out over whether dancers should be vaccinated against COVID-19. Reports had suggested that three dancers had refused to be vaccinated, with one unnamed celebrity already having to self-isolate since the show's launch night had been filmed.[7]

EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice were announced as the winners on 18 December,[8] while John Whaite and Johannes Radebe — the first male same-sex couple to compete on the programme — finished in second place.

Format

The couples dance each week in a live show. The judges score each performance out of ten. The couples are then ranked according to the judges' scores and given points according to their rank, with the lowest scored couple receiving one point, and the highest scored couple receiving the most points (the maximum number of points available depends on the number of couples remaining in the competition). The public are also invited to vote for their favourite couples, and the couples are ranked again according to the number of votes they receive, again receiving points; the couple with the fewest votes receiving one point, and the couple with the most votes receiving the most points.

The points for judges' score and public vote are then added together, and the two couples with the fewest points are placed in the bottom two. If two couples have equal points, the points from the public vote are given precedence. As with the previous series, the bottom two couples have to perform a dance-off on the results show. Based on that performance alone, each judge then votes on which couple should stay and which couple should leave, with Shirley Ballas, as head judge, having the last and deciding vote.

Professional dancers

In March 2021, the BBC announced that all sixteen professional dancers from the eighteenth series would return in 2021.[9] However, in June, the BBC revealed that Janette Manrara and Anton Du Beke would not be reprising their dancing roles: Manrara was announced as a new co-host of It Takes Two, succeeding Zoe Ball, while Du Beke would replace Bruno Tonioli on the judging panel.

In July 2021, the BBC announced that four new professional dancers would be joining the cast: Italian Latin and Ballroom Champion Nikita Kuzmin, who was also a professional dancer on the German version of the show in 2020; South African Latin Champion Cameron Lombard, who was also a finalist on South Africa's Got Talent in 2012; Polish Open Latin Champion Jowita Przystał, who won The Greatest Dancer in 2020; and World Junior Latin American Champion Kai Widdrington, who was also a former professional on the Irish version of Dancing with the Stars.[10]

Graziano Di Prima received a celebrity partner for the first time since the sixteenth series, while Nadiya Bychkova and Neil Jones received a celebrity partner for the first time since the seventeenth series. Nancy Xu received a celebrity partner for the first time, as did Nikita Kuzmin and Kai Widdrington, while Luba Mushtuk, Cameron Lombard, and Jowita Przystał did not receive a partner.[11] [12]

Couples

This series featured fifteen celebrity contestants. On 4 August 2021, the first three celebrities participating were announced: Tom Fletcher, AJ Odudu, and Robert Webb.[13] The following day, it was announced that John Whaite would be paired as part of the first male same-sex couple in Strictly Come Dancing history.[14] Celebrity contestants continued to be revealed until 13 August 2021, when the full line-up was announced.[11] Rose Ayling-Ellis was also the first deaf contestant to appear on the programme.[15] On 13 October, it was announced that Robert Webb had been advised to withdraw from the competition due to health problems.[16] On 17 December, the day before the final, it was announced that AJ Odudu had withdrawn from the competition after suffering ligament damage in her right ankle.[17]

CelebrityNotabilityProfessional partnerStatus
Nina WadiaStage & screen actressNeil JonesEliminated 1st
on 3 October 2021
Katie McGlynnCoronation Street actressGorka MárquezEliminated 2nd
on 10 October 2021
Robert WebbComedian & actorDianne BuswellWithdrew
on 13 October 2021
Greg WiseFilm & television actorKaren HauerEliminated 3rd
on 17 October 2021
Ugo MonyeEngland rugby player & punditOti MabuseEliminated 4th
on 24 October 2021
Judi LoveComedian & Loose Women panellistGraziano Di PrimaEliminated 5th
on 31 October 2021
Adam PeatyOlympic swimmerKatya JonesEliminated 6th
on 7 November 2021
Sara DaviesDragons' Den investor & businesswomanAljaž ŠkorjanecEliminated 7th
on 14 November 2021
Tom FletcherMcFly singerAmy DowdenEliminated 8th
on 21 November 2021
Tilly RamsayChef & television presenter Nikita KuzminEliminated 9th
Dan WalkerBBC Breakfast presenter & journalistNadiya BychkovaEliminated 10th
on 5 December 2021
Rhys StephensonCBBC presenterNancy XuEliminated 11th
on 12 December 2021
AJ OduduTelevision presenterKai WiddringtonWithdrew
on 17 December 2021
John WhaiteBaker & television presenter Johannes RadebeRunners-up
on 18 December 2021
Rose Ayling-EllisEastEnders actressGiovanni PerniceWinners
on 18 December 2021

Scoring chart

The highest score each week is indicated in with a dagger, while the lowest score each week is indicated in with a double-dagger .

Color key:

Strictly Come Dancing (series 20) - Weekly scores
CoupleWeek
121+2345678910111213
Rose & Giovanni1st2226483627373239373339+40= bgcolor="gold" 39+40+40=
2nd303161293335383232 bgcolor="lightblue" 39+39=78 bgcolor="silver" 39+40+40=
AJ & Kai3rd3135283537383640+39=
Rhys & Nancy4th27305737313233343235 bgcolor="f4c7b8" 36+38=
Dan & Nadiya5th2426502126282728293131
Tilly & Nikita6th2155273236353129
Tom & Amy7th21322934293830
Sara & Aljaž8th5128253332
Adam & Katya9th301949322929
Judi & Graziano10th242549242425
Ugo & Oti11th18254331
Greg & Karen12th24234726
Robert & Dianne13th20274725
Katie & Gorka14th22214324
Nina & Neil15th24
Notes

Average chart

This table only counts for dances scored on a traditional 40-point scale.

CoupleRank by
average
Total
points
Number of
dances
Total
average
John & Johannes1 573 16 35.8
Rose & Giovanni2 566 35.4
AJ & Kai3 450 13 34.6
Rhys & Nancy4 444 34.2
Tilly & Nikita5 315 10 31.5
Tom & Amy6 244 8 30.5
Sara & Aljaž7 228 28.5
Dan & Nadiya8 302 11 27.5
Adam & Katya9 186 7 26.6
Judi & Graziano10 122 5 24.4
Robert & Dianne11 72 3 24.0
Ugo & Oti12 94 4 23.5
Greg & Karen13 92 23.0
Katie & Gorka14 67 3 22.3
Nina & Neil15 42 2 21.0

Weekly scores

Unless indicated otherwise, individual judges scores in the charts below (given in parentheses) are listed in this order from left to right: Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke.

Week 1

There was no elimination this week; all scores and votes carried over to the following week. Couples are listed in the order they performed.

CoupleScores[18] DanceMusic[19]
Tom & Amy21 (4, 7, 5, 5)Cha-cha-cha"September" — Earth, Wind & Fire
Tilly & Nikita21 (5, 5, 6, 5)Waltz"Consequences" — Camila Cabello
Ugo & Oti18 (3, 5, 5, 5)Samba"Iko Iko (My Bestie)" — Justin Wellington, feat. Small Jam
Rhys & Nancy27 (6, 7, 7, 7)Viennese waltz"End of the Road" — Boyz II Men
Sara & Aljaž17 (3, 5, 5, 4)Cha-cha-cha"The Boss" — Diana Ross
Dan & Nadiya24 (5, 5, 7, 7)Quickstep"Everybody Needs Somebody to Love" — The Blues Brothers
Rose & Giovanni22 (6, 6, 4, 6)Jive"Shake It Off" — Taylor Swift
Katie & Gorka22 (6, 5, 5, 6)Tango"Black Hole" — Griff
Robert & Dianne20 (6, 4, 4, 6)Cha-cha-cha"Rasputin" — Boney M.
Greg & Karen24 (6, 6, 5, 7)American Smooth"That's Life" — Frank Sinatra
Nina & Neil24 (5, 5, 7, 7)Samba"Mi Gente" — J Balvin & Willy William, feat. Beyoncé
John & Johannes30 (7, 7, 8, 8)Tango"Blue Monday" — New Order
Judi & Graziano24 (6, 6, 6, 6)American Smooth"Chain of Fools" — Aretha Franklin
AJ & Kai34 (8, 8, 9, 9)Jive"Gold Dust" — DJ Fresh
Adam & Katya30 (7, 7, 8, 8)Cha-cha-cha"Beggin'" — Måneskin

Week 2

Musical guests:[20]

After Tom Fletcher and Amy Dowden tested positive for COVID-19, they were unable to perform on the live show. Under the rules of the show, he was granted a bye to the following week.[21]

Couples are listed in the order they performed.

CoupleScores[22] DanceMusic[23] Result
Rhys & Nancy30 (7, 8, 8, 7)Cha-cha-cha"Reach Out I'll Be There" — Human NatureSafe
Nina & Neil18 (3, 5, 5, 5)Tango"Would I Lie to You?" — EurythmicsEliminated
Adam & Katya19 (4, 5, 5, 5)Quickstep"Are You Gonna Be My Girl" — JetSafe
Katie & Gorka21 (4, 6, 5, 6)Jive"Good 4 U" — Olivia RodrigoBottom two
Greg & Karen23 (3, 6, 7, 7)Couple's choice"If You Could Read My Mind" — Ultra Naté, Amber & Jocelyn EnriquezSafe
John & Johannes 31 (8, 8, 8, 7)Cha-cha-cha"Starstruck" — Years & YearsSafe
AJ & Kai31 (7, 9, 7, 8)Foxtrot "Tears Dry on Their Own" — Amy WinehouseSafe
Judi & Graziano25 (6, 7, 6, 6)Samba"Get Busy" — Sean PaulSafe
Robert & Dianne27 (7, 7, 6, 7)Tango"La cumparsita" — Machiko OzawaSafe
Rose & Giovanni26 (6, 7, 6, 7)Salsa"Cuba" — Gibson BrothersSafe
Sara & Aljaž34 (8, 8, 9, 9)Foxtrot"Dream a Little Dream of Me" — Cass ElliotSafe
Dan & Nadiya26 (7, 6, 6, 7)Paso doble"Giant" — Calvin Harris & Rag'n'Bone ManSafe
Ugo & Oti25 (5, 7, 7, 6)Quickstep"Bring Me Sunshine" — The Jive AcesSafe
Tilly & NikitaCharleston"Yes Sir, That's My Baby" — Firehouse Five Plus TwoSafe
Judges' votes to save

Week 3: Movie Week

Musical guest: Ben Platt — "You Will Be Found" (from Dear Evan Hansen)[24]

Couples are listed in the order they performed.

CoupleScores[25] DanceMusic[26] FilmResult
Judi & Graziano24 (4, 7, 7, 6)Charleston "When You're Good to Mama"ChicagoBottom two
Dan & Nadiya21 (3, 5, 7, 6)Foxtrot"Once Upon a Dream"Sleeping BeautySafe
Sara & Aljaž28 (7, 7, 7, 7)Samba"Best Years of Our Lives"ShrekSafe
AJ & Kai35 (8, 9, 9, 9)American Smooth"I Have Nothing"The BodyguardSafe
Robert & Dianne25 (6, 6, 7, 6)Quickstep"The Muppet Show Theme"The MuppetsSafe
Greg & Karen26 (6, 6, 7, 7)Paso doble"James Bond Theme"Dr. NoSafe
Tilly & Nikita27 (6, 7, 7, 7)Jive"The Nicest Kids in Town"HairspraySafe
Rose & Giovanni36 (9, 9, 9, 9)Foxtrot"Rose's Theme"TitanicSafe
Ugo & Oti 31 (7, 8, 8, 8)Couple's choice "You're Welcome" MoanaSafe
Tom & Amy32 (8, 8, 8, 8)Jive"Johnny B. Goode"Back to the FutureSafe
Adam & Katya20 (4, 5, 5, 6)Rumba"I See You"AvatarSafe
Katie & Gorka24 (5, 7, 6, 6)American Smooth "Cruella de Vil"CruellaEliminated
Rhys & Nancy37 (9, 10, 9, 9)Couple's choice "Spider-Man" Spider-Man:
Into the Spider-Verse
Safe
John & JohannesPaso doble "He's a Pirate"Pirates of the Caribbean:
The Curse of the Black Pearl
Safe
Judges' votes to save

Week 4

Musical guest: Westlife — "Starlight"[27]

After Ugo Monye sustained a back injury, he was unable to perform on the live show. Under the rules of the show, he was granted a bye to the following week.[28] Additionally, Robert Webb and Dianne Buswell withdrew from the competition earlier in the week due to Webb's ill health.

Couples are listed in the order they performed.

CoupleScores[29] DanceMusic[30] Result
Rose & Giovanni27 (7, 6, 6, 8)Cha-cha-cha"Raspberry Beret" — Prince & The RevolutionSafe
Tom & Amy29 (7, 8, 7, 7)Foxtrot"Fly Me to the Moon" — Frank SinatraSafe
Tilly & Nikita32 (6, 8, 9, 9)Paso doble"Diablo Rojo" — Rodrigo y GabrielaSafe
Greg & Karen19 (3, 5, 5, 6)Samba"Macarena" — Los del RíoEliminated
John & Johannes29 (6, 7, 8, 8)American Smooth "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)" — Aretha Franklin & George MichaelSafe
Rhys & Nancy31 (8, 8, 7, 8)Salsa"Butter" — BTSSafe
Sara & Aljaž36 (9, 9, 9, 9)Tango"Por una Cabeza" — Carlos GardelSafe
Dan & Nadiya26 (5, 7, 7, 7)Cha-cha-cha"U Can't Touch This" — MC Hammer
& "Super Freak" — Rick James
Safe
Judi & Graziano24 (4, 6, 7, 7)Waltz"Hero" — Mariah CareyBottom two
Adam & KatyaArgentine tango"Tango in the Night" — Fleetwood MacSafe
AJ & Kai28 (5, 7, 8, 8)Samba"Don't Go Yet" — Camila CabelloSafe
Judges' votes to save

Week 5

Musical guests: Craig David & MNEK — "Who You Are"[31]

After Judi Love tested positive for COVID-19, she was unable to perform on the live show. Under the rules of the show, she was granted a bye to the following week.[32]

Couples are listed in the order they performed.

CoupleScores[33] DanceMusic[34] Result
Dan & Nadiya 28 (7, 7, 7, 7)Viennese waltz "She's Always a Woman" — Billy JoelSafe
Adam & Katya29 (7, 7, 8, 7)Samba"Faith" — George MichaelSafe
Sara & Aljaž25 (4, 7, 7, 7)Rumba"You're Still the One" — Shania TwainSafe
Tom & Amy34 (8, 9, 9, 8)Salsa"Watermelon Sugar" — Harry StylesSafe
Tilly & Nikita36 (9, 9, 9, 9)Foxtrot"Little Things" — One DirectionSafe
AJ & Kai35 (8, 8, 10, 9)Argentine tango"Edge of Seventeen" — Stevie NicksSafe
Ugo & Oti20 (3, 6, 5, 6)Rumba"Leave the Door Open" — Silk SonicEliminated
John & Johannes38 (9, 9, 10, 10)Charleston"Milord" — Édith PiafSafe
Rose & Giovanni37 (9, 10, 9, 9)Viennese waltz"Fallin'" — Alicia KeysSafe
Rhys & Nancy32 (8, 8, 8, 8)American Smooth"I've Got the World on a String" — Michael BubléBottom two
Judges' votes to save

Week 6: Halloween Week

Musical guest: Gregory Porter — "Dry Bones"[35]

Couples are listed in the order they performed.

CoupleScores[36] DanceMusic[37] Result
John & Johannes33 (8, 8, 9, 8)Quickstep"Bad Moon Rising" — Creedence Clearwater RevivalSafe
AJ & Kai37 (9, 10, 9, 9)Viennese waltz"Dangerous Woman" — Ariana GrandeSafe
Dan & Nadiya27 (5, 8, 7, 7)Jive"Rock Lobster" — The B-52'sSafe
Rhys & Nancy33 (7, 9, 9, 8)Paso doble"The Eve of the War" — Jeff WayneSafe
Sara & Aljaž23 (4, 7, 6, 6)Couple's choice"Queen of the Night" — Whitney HoustonSafe
Rose & Giovanni 40 (10, 10, 10, 10)Tango "Shivers" — Ed SheeranSafe
Tilly & Nikita35 (8, 9, 9, 9)Cha-cha-cha"Spooky Movies" — Gary S. PaxtonSafe
Adam & Katya 29 (6, 8, 8, 7)Viennese waltz "Moonlight Sonata" — Ludwig van BeethovenBottom two
Judi & Graziano25 (4, 7, 7, 7)Cha-cha-cha"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnEliminated
Tom & Amy29 (7, 8, 7, 7)Tango"Highway to Hell" — AC/DCSafe
Judges' votes to save

Week 7

Musical guest: The Script — "Superheroes"[38]

Couples are listed in the order they performed.

CoupleScores[39] DanceMusic[40] Result
Adam & Katya27 (6, 7, 7, 7)Jive"Little Bitty Pretty One" — Frankie LymonEliminated
Rose & Giovanni32 (8, 8, 8, 8)Samba"Cinema Italiano" — Kate HudsonSafe
Tom & Amy38 (9, 10, 10, 9)Paso doble"Amparito Roca" — Jaime TeixidorSafe
Rhys & Nancy34 (7, 9, 9, 9)Quickstep"What a Man Gotta Do" — Jonas BrothersSafe
Tilly & Nikita31 (8, 8, 7, 8)Tango"Kings & Queens" — Ava MaxBottom two
Dan & Nadiya28 (6, 7, 8, 7)Couple's choice"Classic" — MKTOSafe
John & Johannes35 (8, 8, 10, 9)Rumba"Shape of My Heart" — StingSafe
AJ & Kai39 (9, 10, 10, 10)Charleston"Don't Bring Lulu" — Dorothy ProvineSafe
Sara & Aljaž33 (8, 8, 8, 9)Quickstep"9 to 5" — Dolly PartonSafe
Judges' votes to save

Week 8

Musical guest: James Blunt — "Goodbye My Lover"[41]

Couples are listed in the order they performed.

CoupleScores[42] DanceMusic[43] Result
Tilly & Nikita29 (7, 7, 7, 8)Quickstep"I Won't Dance" — Damita JoBottom two
AJ & Kai28 (6, 7, 7, 8)Paso doble"Game of Survival" — RuelleSafe
Dan & Nadiya29 (4, 8, 8, 9)American Smooth"King of the Road" — The ProclaimersSafe
Rhys & NancyCharleston"The Charleston" — Bob Wilson and his Varsity Rhythm BoysSafe
Sara & Aljaž32 (7, 8, 8, 9)Argentine tango"No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)" — Barbra Streisand & Donna SummerEliminated
John & Johannes38 (9, 10, 10, 9)Samba"Acuyuyé" — Dark Latin GrooveSafe
Tom & Amy30 (7, 8, 7, 8)Viennese waltz"Iris" — Goo Goo DollsSafe
Rose & Giovanni39 (9, 10, 10, 10)Couple's choice"Symphony" — Clean Bandit, feat. Zara LarssonSafe
Judges' votes to save

Week 9: Musicals Week

Individual judges scores in the chart below (given in parentheses) are listed in this order from left to right: Cynthia Erivo, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke.

Musical guests: Max Harwood & The Feeling — "Out of the Darkness (A Place Where We Belong)" (from Everybody's Talking About Jamie)[44]

On 15 November, it was announced that Craig Revel Horwood had tested positive for COVID-19 and was self-isolating following the latest government guidelines.[45] On 19 November, it was announced that Cynthia Erivo would replace him on the judging panel for the week.[46]

Couples are listed in the order they performed.

CoupleScores[47] DanceMusic[48] MusicalResult
AJ & Kai38 (9, 10, 10, 9)Waltz "Edelweiss"The Sound of MusicSafe
Rhys & Nancy32 (8, 8, 8, 8)Jive"Footloose"FootlooseBottom two
Tom & Amy31 (7, 8, 8, 8)Couple's choice"On My Own"Les MisérablesEliminated
Rose & Giovanni37 (10, 9, 9, 9)Quickstep"Love Is an Open Door"FrozenSafe
John & Johannes32 (8, 8, 8, 8)Viennese waltz"Chim Chim Cher-ee"Mary PoppinsSafe
Tilly & Nikita40 (10, 10, 10, 10)Couple's choice "Revolting Children"Matilda the MusicalSafe
Dan & Nadiya 31 (7, 7, 9, 8)Charleston"Good Morning"Singin' in the RainSafe
Judges' votes to save

Week 10

Individual judges scores in the chart below (given in parentheses) are listed in this order from left to right: Craig Revel Horwood, Cynthia Erivo, Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke.

Musical guests: Years & Years — "Sweet Talker"[49]

On 26 November, it was announced that Motsi Mabuse had come into contact with someone who had tested positive for COVID-19. While Mabuse was doubly-vaccinated, which would have allowed an exemption from the self-isolation guidelines, the British government did not recognise her vaccines, so she could not travel back from Germany. Cynthia Erivo returned to the judging panel for the week.[50]

Couples are listed in the order they performed.

CoupleScores[51] DanceMusic[52] Result
Rose & Giovanni 33 (8, 8, 8, 9)Paso doble "California Dreamin'" — SiaSafe
Dan & Nadiya31 (6, 9, 8, 8)Rumba"Desperado" — EaglesSafe
AJ & Kai36 (9, 8, 10, 9)Couple's choice "Make Me Feel" — Janelle MonáeSafe
Rhys & Nancy 35 (7, 9, 10, 9)Waltz "You Light Up My Life" — Whitney HoustonBottom two
Tilly & Nikita30 (7, 7, 8, 8)Samba"Levitating" — Dua LipaEliminated
John & Johannes39 (9, 10, 10, 10)Argentine tango"The 5th" — David GarrettSafe
Judges' votes to save

Week 11: Quarter-final

Musical guest: JLS — "Postcard"[53]

Couples are listed in the order they performed.

CoupleScores[54] Dance[55] MusicResult
John & Johannes32 (7, 8, 8, 9)Salsa"We Are Family" — Sister SledgeSafe
Rhys & NancyArgentine tango"In the Air Tonight" — Phil CollinsSafe
Rose & Giovanni39 (9, 10, 10, 10)American Smooth"This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" — Natalie ColeSafe
Dan & Nadiya31 (7, 8, 9, 7)Tango"Santa María (del Buen Ayre)" — Gotan ProjectEliminated
AJ & Kai30 (7, 8, 8, 7)Salsa"Rhythm Is Gonna Get You" & "Get on Your Feet" — Gloria EstefanBottom two
Judges' votes to save

Week 12: Semi-final

Each couple performed two routines, and are listed in the order they performed.

CoupleScores[56] Dance[57] MusicResult
Rhys & Nancy36 (9, 9, 9, 9)Tango"One Vision" — QueenEliminated
38 (9, 10, 10, 9)Samba"It Had Better Be Tonight (Meglio stasera)" — Michael Bublé
AJ & Kai40 (10, 10, 10, 10)Quickstep "Sing, Sing, Sing (With a Swing)" — Benny GoodmanSafe
39 (9, 10, 10, 10)Rumba"Show Me Heaven" — Maria McKee
John & Johannes39 (9, 10, 10, 10)Couple's choice"Hometown Glory" — AdeleBottom two
39 (9, 10, 10, 10)Jive"Higher Power" — Coldplay
Rose & Giovanni39 (9, 10, 10, 10)Waltz"How Long Will I Love You?" — Ellie GouldingSafe
40 (10, 10, 10, 10)Argentine tango"A Evaristo Carriego" — Eduardo Rovira
Judges' votes to save

Week 13: Final

Musical guest: Ed Sheeran — "Bad Habits"[58]

AJ Odudu and Kai Widdrington withdrew from the final after Odudu suffered ligament damage in her right ankle.[59]

Each couple performed three routines: one chosen by the judges, their favourite dance of the season, and their showdance routine. Couples are listed in the order they performed.

CoupleScores[60] Dance[61] MusicResult
Rose & Giovanni39 (9, 10, 10, 10)Quickstep"Love Is an Open Door" — from FrozenWinners
Couple's choice"Symphony" — Clean Bandit, feat. Zara Larsson
40 (10, 10, 10, 10)Showdance"The Rose" — Bette Midler
John & Johannes39 (9, 10, 10, 10)Rumba"Shape of My Heart" — StingRunners-up
40 (10, 10, 10, 10)Paso doble"He's a Pirate" — from
40 (10, 10, 10, 10)Showdance"You've Got the Love" — Florence and the Machine

Dance chart

The couples performed the following each week:

Couple! colspan="16"
Week
12345678910111213
Rose & GiovanniJiveSalsaFoxtrot Cha-cha-chaViennese waltzTangoSambaCouple's choiceQuickstepPaso dobleAmerican SmoothWaltzArgentine tangoQuickstepCouple's choiceShowdance
John & JohannesTangoCha-cha-chaPaso dobleAmerican SmoothCharlestonQuickstepRumbaSambaViennese waltzArgentine tangoSalsaCouple's choiceJiveRumbaPaso dobleShowdance
AJ & KaiJiveFoxtrotAmerican SmoothSambaArgentine tangoViennese waltzCharlestonPaso DobleWaltzCouple's choiceSalsaQuickstepRumba
Rhys & NancyViennese waltzCha-cha-chaCouple's choiceSalsaAmerican SmoothPaso dobleQuickstepCharlestonJiveWaltzArgentine tangoTangoSamba
Dan & NadiyaQuickstepPaso dobleFoxtrotCha-cha-chaViennese waltzJiveCouple's choiceAmerican SmoothCharlestonRumbaTango
Tilly & NikitaWaltzCharlestonJivePaso dobleFoxtrotCha-cha-chaTangoQuickstepCouple's ChoiceSamba
Tom & AmyCha-cha-chaJiveFoxtrotSalsaTangoPaso dobleViennese waltzCouple's Choice
Sara & AljažCha-cha-chaFoxtrotSambaTangoRumbaCouple's ChoiceQuickstepArgentine tango
Adam & KatyaCha-cha-chaQuickstepRumbaArgentine TangoSambaViennese waltzJive
Judi & GrazianoAmerican SmoothSambaCharlestonWaltzCha-cha-cha
Ugo & OtiSambaQuickstepCouple's choice Rumba
Greg & KarenAmerican SmoothCouple's choicePaso dobleSamba
Robert & DianneCha-cha-chaTangoQuickstep
Katie & GorkaTangoJiveAmerican Smooth
Nina & NeilSambaTango

Reception

Series 19 received positive reviews from fans and critics. Lottie Townend of Glasgow University Guardian said that "the series provided a place of escape and comfort from the difficulties of the outside world. You become personally invested in each contestant’s journey, root for their success and feel the warmth through their shared love for dance".[62] Jane Rackham of Radio Times was positive towards this season's unpredictability, writing: "This must be the most unpredictable series of Strictly ever. And not only because several participants had to miss a show after testing positive for Covid".[63]

Ratings

Weekly ratings for each show on BBC One. All ratings are provided by BARB.[64]

EpisodeDateOfficial rating
(millions)
Weekly rank
for BBC One
Weekly rank
for all UK TV
Share
Launch show8.51 2 2 44.7%[65]
Week 19.61 2 2 47.9%[66]
Week 29.57 1 1 48.5%[67]
Week 2 results8.14 2 3 43.6%[68]
Week 310.07 1 1 51.1%[69]
Week 3 results8.38 2 3 44.2%
Week 410.25 1 1 51.0%[70]
Week 4 results8.22 2 3 43.2%[71]
Week 510.46 1 1 52.0%[72]
Week 5 results8.81 2 2 43.1%[73]
Week 610.58 1 1 52.5%[74]
Week 6 results8.72 2 3 43.7%
Week 710.15 1 1 53.5%[75]
Week 7 results8.81 2 3 41.8%
Week 810.09 1 1 51.6%[76]
Week 8 results9.18 2 2 45.8%
Week 910.72 1 2 52.3%[77]
Week 9 results8.72 2 4 39.1%
Week 1010.99 1 1 53.9%[78]
Week 10 results9.59 2 4 45.6%
Week 1110.16 1 1 50.7%[79]
Week 11 results8.99 2 2 42.5%
Week 1210.56 1 1 51.0%[80]
Week 12 results10.27 2 2 48.8%
Week 1312.21 1 1 57.8%[81]
Series average
(excl. launch show)
20219.7248.1%

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Strictly Come Dancing 2021 launch date is officially confirmed. Radio Times. Carr. Flora. 3 September 2021. 8 September 2021.
  2. Web site: Janette Manrara to join BBC Two's Strictly: It Takes Two as new host. 2021-06-10. bbc.com. en.
  3. Web site: Judges revealed for Strictly 2021!. BBC. 2021-06-24. 2021-06-24.
  4. News: Anton Du Beke to join Strictly judges for new series. BBC News. 24 June 2021.
  5. Web site: Methven . Nicola . 27 July 2021 . Strictly Come Dancing fans to get 'full fix' this year apart from Blackpool week . mirror.
  6. Web site: Week Eight is going to be great!. BBC. 13 November 2021. 13 November 2021.
  7. Web site: Strictly's Craig Revel Horwood says not having Covid vaccine is 'ridiculous'. Matt. Jackson. 25 September 2021. WalesOnline.
  8. Web site: PA Media . 18 December 2021 . History made as Strictly Come Dancing winners crowned . 19 December 2021 . . en-GB.
  9. Web site: Strictly Come Dancing's 2021 professional dancers revealed . www.bbc.co.uk.
  10. Web site: Four new professional dancers announced for Strictly Come Dancing 2021. www.bbc.co.uk.
  11. Web site: Who are the couples for Strictly Come Dancing 2021? See the full list. Darlington & Stockton Times. Carlo. Simone. 19 September 2021. 20 September 2021.
  12. Web site: Strictly snub: Why did Luba Mushtuk not get a celebrity partner?. Daily Express. Charlie. Milward. 18 September 2021. 20 September 2021.
  13. Web site: Meet our first three Strictly celebrities of 2021!. BBC One. 4 August 2021. 4 August 2021. en.
  14. Web site: Strictly Come Dancing: John Whaite to be in first all-male partnership. BBC News. 5 August 2021. 5 August 2021. en.
  15. News: Strictly Come Dancing 2021: Rose Ayling-Ellis becomes first deaf winner. 15 January 2024. BBC. BBC. 19 December 2023.
  16. Web site: Robert Webb withdraws from Strictly Come Dancing. 13 October 2021. BBC News. 13 October 2021.
  17. Web site: Strictly Come Dancing: AJ Odudu ruled out of final with ankle injury. 17 December 2021. BBC News. 17 December 2021.
  18. Web site: Strictly Come Dancing leaderboard: Week 1 results as AJ Odudu gets highest score. Liverpool Echo. Lottie Gibbons. 25 September 2021. 27 September 2021. en-GB.
  19. Web site: BBC Strictly Come Dancing week one songs and dances announced. Birmingham Mail. Laura Williams. 23 September 2021. 27 September 2021. en-GB.
  20. Web site: Strictly Come Dancing fans make same demand over 'pointless' part of show. Manchester Evening News. Jessica Sansome. 4 October 2021. 4 October 2021. en-GB.
  21. Web site: Charlie Moloney . 26 September 2021 . Tom Fletcher and Strictly partner test positive for Covid . 28 September 2021 . . en-GB.
  22. Web site: Strictly Come Dancing 2021 recap! Watch all of week two's performances. TellyMix. Kayleigh Jade. 3 October 2021. 3 October 2021. en-GB.
  23. Web site: Strictly Come Dancing song and dance routines revealed. South Wales Argus. Rebecca Carey. 29 September 2021. 3 October 2021. en-GB.
  24. Web site: Watch Ben Platt sing Dear Evan Hansen on Strictly Come Dancing. WhatsOnStage.com. Alex Wood. 11 October 2021. 11 October 2021. en-GB.
  25. Web site: Strictly Come Dancing 2021 live: All the action from Week Three as it happened. Radio Times. Grace Henry. 9 October 2021. 11 October 2021. en-GB.
  26. Web site: Strictly Come Dancing Movie Week Songs And Dances Revealed. HuffPost. Ash Percival. 5 October 2021. 11 October 2021. en-GB.
  27. Web site: Westlife to perform new single Starlight on Strictly Come Dancing. Sunday World. Neasa Cumiskey. 17 October 2021. 17 October 2021. en-GB.
  28. Web site: Amy Coles . 14 October 2021 . Strictly Come Dancing: Ugo Monye 'gutted' to miss Saturday's show due to back problems . 17 October 2021 . . en-GB.
  29. Web site: Strictly Come Dancing 2021 live: All the action from Week Four as it happened. Radio Times. Huw Fullerton. 16 October 2021. 17 October 2021. en-GB.
  30. Web site: Strictly Come Dancing announces songs and dances for week 4. Digital Spy. Dan Seddon. 15 October 2021. 17 October 2021. en-GB.
  31. Web site: Ugo Monye Is The Fourth Celebrity To Leave 'Strictly Come Dancing' 2021. Entertainment Focus. Pip Ellwood-Hughes. 24 October 2021. 24 October 2021. en-GB.
  32. News: 21 October 2021 . Strictly Come Dancing: Judi Love to miss this week's show with Covid-19 . BBC News . 21 October 2021 . Yes.
  33. Web site: Strictly Come Dancing 2021 live: All the action from Week Five as it happened. Radio Times. Lidia Molina-Whyte. 23 October 2021. 23 October 2021. en-GB.
  34. Web site: Strictly Come Dancing 2021 couples' dances and songs for the fifth weekend. WalesOnline. Kathryn Williams. 22 October 2021. 23 October 2021. en-GB.
  35. Web site: Who is Gregory Porter? Strictly performance beckons for Grammy winner. Evening Chronicle. Simon Duke. 31 October 2021. 31 October 2021. en-GB.
  36. Web site: Strictly Come Dancing 2021 live: All the action from Week 6 as it happens. Radio Times. Patrick Cremona. 30 October 2021. 31 October 2021. en-GB.
  37. Web site: Strictly Come Dancing 2021: Full list of Halloween Week songs and dances tonight. Metro. Sabrina Barr. 30 October 2021. 31 October 2021. en-GB.
  38. Web site: Strictly viewers spot 'gentleman' during Sunday night's result show. Manchester Evening News. Jessica Sansome. 8 November 2021. 13 November 2021. en-GB.
  39. Web site: Strictly Come Dancing 2021: week seven – as it happened. The Guardian. Heidi Stephens. 6 November 2021. 6 November 2021. en-GB.
  40. Web site: Strictly Come Dancing 2021 couples' dances and songs for November 6. WalesOnline. Stephanie Colderick. 5 November 2021. 6 November 2021. en-GB.
  41. Web site: Strictly Come Dancing: Week 8 Results. BBC. 14 November 2021. 14 November 2021.
  42. Web site: Strictly Come Dancing 2021: week eight – as it happened. The Guardian. Heidi Stephens. 13 November 2021. 14 November 2021. en-GB.
  43. Web site: Strictly Come Dancing announces songs and dance routines for week 8. Digital Spy. Rianne Houghton. 9 November 2021. 14 November 2021. en-GB.
  44. Web site: Strictly Come Dancing announces plans for musicals week. 12 November 2021. WhatsOnStage.com. 14 November 2021.
  45. Web site: 15 November 2021 . Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood to miss show with Covid . 15 November 2021 . BBC News.
  46. Web site: 19 November 2021 . Cynthia Erivo joins our Judges for Musicals Week . 19 November 2021 . BBC . en . Yes.
  47. Web site: Strictly Come Dancing 2021 live: All the action from Week 9 as it happened. Radio Times. David Craig. 20 November 2021. 20 November 2021. en-GB.
  48. Web site: Strictly Come Dancing announces songs and dances for week 9. Digital Spy. Sam Warner. 16 November 2021. 20 November 2021. en-GB.
  49. Web site: Another one bites the glitter dust on Strictly Come Dancing. Raidió Teilifís Éireann. 28 November 2021. 28 November 2021. en-GB.
  50. News: 26 November 2021 . Motsi Mabuse to miss Strictly Come Dancing after Covid contact . bbc.co.uk . 27 November 2021.
  51. Web site: Strictly Come Dancing 2021: week 10 results – as it happened. The Guardian. Heidi Stephens. 28 November 2021. 28 November 2021. en-GB.
  52. Web site: Strictly Come Dancing announces songs and dances for week 10. Digital Spy. Susannah Alexander. 23 November 2021. 28 November 2021. en-GB.
  53. Web site: Strictly Come Dancing: Week 11 Results. BBC. 5 December 2021. 5 December 2021.
  54. Web site: Strictly Come Dancing 2021: quarter-final results – as it happened. The Guardian. Heidi Stephens. 6 December 2021. 6 December 2021. en-GB.
  55. Web site: Strictly Come Dancing announces songs and dances for quarter-final. Digital Spy. Susannah Alexander. 6 December 2021. 6 December 2021. en-GB.
  56. Web site: Strictly Come Dancing 2021: the semi-final results – as it happened. The Guardian. Heidi Stephens. 12 December 2021. 13 December 2021. en-GB.
  57. Web site: Strictly Come Dancing reveals song and dance choices as semi-finalists take on two routines. Digital Spy. Jess Lee. 7 December 2021. 13 December 2021. en-GB.
  58. Web site: Strictly viewers distracted from Ed Sheeran's performance in the final. Manchester Evening News. Katie. Fitzpatrick. 20 December 2021. 20 December 2021. en-GB.
  59. Web site: 17 December 2021 . AJ Odudu and Kai Widdrington are unable to compete in the Final . 18 December 2021 . BBC Strictly.
  60. Web site: Strictly Come Dancing 2021 live: All the action from the final as it happens. Radio Times. Grace. Henry. 18 December 2021. 20 December 2021. en-GB.
  61. Web site: Strictly Come Dancing final 2021: Couples' dances and songs for week 13. WalesOnline. Kathryn. Williams. 18 December 2021. 20 December 2021. en-GB.
  62. News: Review: Strictly Come Dancing 2021 . glasgowguardian.co.uk . 2022-03-18.
  63. Web site: Strictly Come Dancing Season 19 . radiotimes.com . 2022-10-08.
  64. Web site: Four-screen dashboard (7-day data). BARB. 24 September 2022.
  65. Web site: Strictly Come Dancing 2021 launch suffers rating drop as pairings revealed. Metro. Cydney. Yeates. 19 September 2021. 20 September 2021.
  66. Web site: Strictly Come Dancing ratings rise as AJ Odudu impresses the judges. Irish Independent. Tom Horton. 26 September 2021. 28 September 2021. en-GB.
  67. Web site: Strictly Come Dancing ratings continue to rise. Irish Independent. Tom Horton. 3 October 2021. 3 October 2021. en-GB.
  68. Web site: Top programmes report. Thinkbox. 2 April 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20211014122543/https://www.thinkbox.tv/research/barb-data/top-programmes-report/. 25 October 2021. 2021-10-14. en-GB.
  69. Web site: Top programmes report. Thinkbox. 2 April 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20211020022925/https://www.thinkbox.tv/research/barb-data/top-programmes-report/. 25 October 2021. 2021-10-20. en-GB.
  70. 1449693055368503299. LiamHamilton16.
    1. StrictlyComeDancing above 50% of all tv viewers during its time slot for the first time this season, a new high of 8.7million, 51% share... not giving much for #GregWise survival chances tonight mind you, a certainty for the dance off?!
    . Liam Hamilton. 17 October 2021.
  71. Web site: Top programmes report. Thinkbox. 2 April 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20211025195055/https://www.thinkbox.tv/research/barb-data/top-programmes-report/. 25 October 2021. 2021-10-25. en-GB.
  72. 1452244700929437709. LiamHamilton16.
    1. StrictlyComeDancing goes above 9million viewers for the first time this season & with a 52% audience share for almost two hours helped BBC1 hugely to achieve a quarter of all viewing across Saturday, a higher all-time share than ITV, BBC2, C4 & C5 added together
    . Liam Hamilton. 24 October 2021.
  73. Web site: Top programmes report. Thinkbox. 2 April 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20211108103341/https://www.thinkbox.tv/research/barb-data/top-programmes-report/. 1 November 2021. 2021-11-08. en-GB.
  74. Web site: Top programmes report. Thinkbox. 2 April 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20211115110907/https://www.thinkbox.tv/research/barb-data/top-programmes-report/. 9 November 2021. 2021-11-15. en-GB.
  75. Web site: Top programmes report. Thinkbox. 2 April 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20211122102237/https://www.thinkbox.tv/research/barb-data/top-programmes-report/. 15 November 2021. 2021-11-22. en-GB.
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  79. Web site: Top programmes report . Thinkbox . 2 April 2018 . 14 December 2021 . en-GB . https://web.archive.org/web/20211220112330/https://www.thinkbox.tv/research/barb-data/top-programmes-report/ . 20 December 2021 . dead.
  80. Web site: Top programmes report . . 2 April 2018. 20 December 2021 . en-GB . https://web.archive.org/web/20211227105451/https://www.thinkbox.tv/research/barb-data/top-programmes-report/ . 27 December 2021 . dead.
  81. Web site: Strictly Come Dancing 2021 final watched by 11 million people. The Guardian. Caroline. Davies. 19 December 2021. 20 December 2021. en-GB.