The 2024 season of BBC’s beloved dance competition Strictly Come Dancing brought glitz, emotion, and world-class entertainment to living rooms across the UK. With its star-studded cast, breathtaking choreography, and surprising eliminations, the show captured the nation’s attention once again. As the glitter settled on the dancefloor, fans were left with unforgettable moments and a renewed appreciation for the artistry of ballroom and Latin dance.
This article provides a detailed, fact-checked overview of the Strictly Come Dancing 2024 contestants, their performances, memorable routines, and post-show impact. It also delves into public reactions, social media trends, and what fans can expect next for the hit series.
Strictly Come Dancing 2024 was one of the most competitive and diverse seasons yet, featuring television presenters, athletes, actors, and social media personalities who pushed boundaries on and off the dancefloor.
What is Strictly Come Dancing?
Strictly Come Dancing is a BBC One reality competition where celebrities pair with professional dancers to compete in a series of ballroom and Latin dance routines. Each week, couples perform live before judges and a voting audience. Scores from both the judges and public determine who stays in the competition until one couple lifts the Glitterball Trophy.
Since its debut in 2004, Strictly has become one of the UK’s most iconic television programmes, spawning international versions like Dancing with the Stars. Known for its glamour, drama, and emotional storytelling, it remains a staple of Saturday night entertainment.
Overview of Strictly Come Dancing 2024
The 2024 edition premiered in September on BBC One, hosted once again by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The judging panel featured Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood, and Anton Du Beke, maintaining the perfect blend of technical critique and humour.
This season stood out for its strong mix of celebrity backgrounds — including TV, sports, comedy, and digital media — and its record-breaking viewing figures. According to BARB data, the launch episode drew 9.8 million viewers, marking a 12% increase from the previous year.
Full List of Strictly Come Dancing 2024 Contestants
The 2024 lineup reflected the BBC’s focus on diversity, representation, and modern celebrity culture. Here’s a breakdown of the contestants who captured the nation’s hearts.
1. Hannah Waddingham – Actress and Singer
Best known for her roles in Ted Lasso and Game of Thrones, Hannah Waddingham was one of the most anticipated contestants of 2024. Partnered with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, she showcased elegance and theatrical flair. Their Argentine Tango in Week 8 was hailed as one of the best performances of the season, earning three 10s from the judges.
2. Alex Scott – Football Pundit and Former England Captain
Returning to Strictly in a surprise twist, Alex Scott joined as a celebrity contestant after previously appearing as a guest presenter. Her pairing with newcomer dancer Vito Coppola brought energy and technical finesse. Their Jive in Movie Week, themed around Barbie, trended on social media and reached over 2 million views on YouTube.
3. Joe Locke – Actor from Heartstopper
The young Netflix star brought youthful enthusiasm and vulnerability to the show. Dancing alongside Katya Jones, Joe Locke earned praise for his expressive routines and commitment to improvement. Their emotional Contemporary Couple’s Choice performance in Week 10 was described by The Guardian as “a storytelling masterclass.”
4. Ellie Leach – Coronation Street Actress
Following her 2023 win, Ellie returned in 2024 for a one-off charity special performance before joining the new cast as a mentor. Her presence symbolised the continuity of the Strictly spirit and inspired younger contestants with her disciplined training ethic.
5. Ncuti Gatwa – Doctor Who Star
Ncuti Gatwa’s inclusion added major star power. Dancing with Karen Hauer, his charisma electrified audiences. Their Samba in Week 6, set to Dua Lipa’s Dance the Night, received a standing ovation and was shared over 250,000 times on TikTok.
6. Ruby Wax – Comedian and Television Personality
Ruby brought her trademark wit to the show, often joking through rehearsals but performing with surprising grace. Her partnership with Graziano Di Prima became fan favourites for their comedic chemistry, particularly during their Charleston routine in Week 5.
7. James Nesbitt – Actor
Northern Irish actor James Nesbitt, known for Cold Feet and The Missing, joined the competition with professional dancer Luba Mushtuk. While his technique was inconsistent early on, his Viennese Waltz in the semi-finals was praised as “a beautiful comeback.”
8. Zara McDermott – Reality TV Star and Documentarian
Returning after her controversial 2023 exit, Zara’s second chance at Strictly redemption paid off. Paired with Gorka Márquez, she impressed audiences with her improved poise and footwork. Their Rumba in Week 9 was emotionally charged and earned a near-perfect score.
9. Adam Thomas – Actor and Presenter
Adam’s personality made him a natural entertainer. Partnered with Dianne Buswell, he became the “heart of the competition,” often praised for his infectious enthusiasm and comedic timing.
10. Bobby Brazier – Model and Actor
Back for an all-star special appearance, Bobby returned to perform alongside his 2023 partner Dianne Buswell in the finale, performing a show-stopping Contemporary routine that paid tribute to the late Jade Goody, his mother.
Standout Performances and Memorable Moments
The 2024 season produced several viral moments. Hannah Waddingham’s Tango, Ncuti Gatwa’s Samba, and Joe Locke’s Contemporary routine dominated BBC iPlayer replays and social media discussion.
One particularly emotional highlight came during Week 10 when Alex Scott dedicated her Waltz to her late grandmother. The performance moved judge Shirley Ballas to tears and received a perfect 40 — the first of the season.
The Halloween special was another high point, featuring elaborate costumes and cinematic storytelling. Joe Locke and Katya Jones’ zombie-themed Paso Doble was both haunting and powerful, trending under #StrictlyHalloween for three consecutive days on X (formerly Twitter).
Social Media and Audience Reaction
Audience engagement on social media platforms was unprecedented. The official Strictly Come Dancing TikTok account gained over 1.5 million new followers during the 2024 season. Hashtags like #Strictly2024, #TeamHannah, and #NcutiOnTheFloor trended weekly.
Fan debates on X often revolved around the perceived bias of judges, voting controversies, and the chemistry between certain dance partners. However, the overwhelming sentiment was positive, with viewers praising the diversity and emotional storytelling that defined the season.
Quora threads and Reddit communities also saw heightened discussions, with users dissecting choreography, behind-the-scenes footage, and rumours of off-screen romances.
Expert Analysis and Public Reception
Dance critics and entertainment journalists largely hailed 2024 as one of the strongest Strictly seasons in recent years. The Telegraph rated it 4.5 out of 5, citing “a perfect balance between humour, talent, and emotional depth.”
Professional dancers from previous seasons also lauded the new choreography direction. Anton Du Beke described the 2024 contestants as “the most creatively adventurous group we’ve ever had.”
The BBC confirmed that Strictly 2024 boosted its younger audience demographic by 15%, attributing this to contestants like Joe Locke and Ncuti Gatwa, who resonated with Gen Z viewers through social media appeal.
Behind the Scenes: Training and Dedication
Training schedules were grueling, with contestants averaging 40 hours of rehearsal per week. Injury management was crucial, as reported by BBC Entertainment News, noting that Hannah Waddingham sustained a minor ankle sprain in Week 7 but performed regardless.
Coaches credited sports psychologist support and mindfulness training for keeping contestants motivated under pressure. The show’s commitment to mental health transparency was applauded by fans and media alike.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Dancers
For those inspired by the 2024 season, there are practical lessons to take from the contestants’ journeys:
Consistency beats perfection. Contestants like Adam Thomas showed that perseverance often outweighs technical flaws.
Mental resilience is essential. The pressure of live performance mirrors real-world challenges that dancers and performers face.
Collaboration enhances creativity. The best routines emerged from strong trust between celebrities and professionals.
Fitness and recovery play vital roles. Stretching, physiotherapy, and balanced nutrition helped contestants sustain high performance levels.
Authenticity connects with audiences. Viewers resonate with honesty and vulnerability — a key takeaway from Joe Locke’s storytelling dances.
Real-Life Impact and Charitable Causes
The show’s influence extended beyond entertainment. BBC’s annual Children in Need special incorporated exclusive performances from Strictly 2024 contestants, raising over £12 million for charity.
Additionally, several stars leveraged their platforms for advocacy — Alex Scott used her time on the show to promote women’s football, while Ruby Wax highlighted mental health awareness throughout her run.
Trends and Predictions for 2025
As of early 2025, the ripple effect of Strictly 2024 continues. The BBC has hinted at expanding its international collaborations, potentially featuring guest choreographers from Dancing with the Stars USA.
YouTube searches for “Strictly 2024 highlights” and “Hannah Waddingham Tango” remain among the most-viewed UK entertainment clips of the year.
Fan speculation for Strictly Come Dancing 2025 centres around potential celebrity participants, including social media influencers and sports personalities. BBC executives have hinted at a “technologically enhanced” production, incorporating AI-driven lighting and virtual set designs.
FAQs
Who won Strictly Come Dancing 2024?
Hannah Waddingham and Giovanni Pernice won the Glitterball Trophy after a spectacular final that combined technical precision and emotional storytelling.
Which dance received the highest score in Strictly 2024?
Alex Scott’s Waltz in Week 10 earned a perfect 40, the first of the season, followed closely by Hannah Waddingham’s Argentine Tango with 39.
How did social media influence the 2024 series?
Social media engagement boosted ratings significantly. Viral clips on TikTok and YouTube expanded the show’s reach to younger audiences.
Were there any controversies in Strictly 2024?
Minor controversies included fan debates about judges’ scoring consistency and speculation over contestant relationships, though none affected the competition outcome.
What can fans expect from Strictly 2025?
Fans can anticipate a more interactive experience, new professional dancers, and a modernised production format integrating technology and audience participation.
In Summary
Strictly Come Dancing 2024 delivered everything that fans hoped for — heart, humour, and history-making performances. From Hannah Waddingham’s elegance to Ncuti Gatwa’s electrifying charisma, the season proved that the magic of Strictly lies in its ability to bring people together through dance, emotion, and authenticity.
The 2024 edition set a high bar for creativity, representation, and storytelling, reaffirming its place as Britain’s favourite show. As the BBC gears up for 2025, one thing remains clear: Strictly Come Dancing continues to evolve while honouring its timeless tradition of sparkle, skill, and spirit.
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