The Strictly Come Dancing 2017 lineup is often remembered as a pivotal moment in the show’s history, a season that saw a dynamic mix of celebrity contestants, a fresh judging face, and some truly unforgettable dance routines. From the emotional performances to the jaw-dropping surprises, this series captivated millions and cemented the show’s status as a national institution.
Understanding the Fabric of a Strictly Season
Before we delve into the specifics of the 2017 lineup, it’s essential to understand the core elements that make Strictly Come Dancing a television phenomenon. The show’s format is a carefully crafted blend of celebrity glamour, professional dance expertise, and public engagement.
The Celebrity Contestants: A Diverse Cast of Characters
Each year, the show’s producers meticulously select a group of celebrities from various fields—actors, singers, sports stars, and media personalities. The goal is to create a diverse cast that will appeal to a broad audience and ensure a variety of skill levels, from those with natural rhythm to those who are complete beginners. This mix of talent and inexperience is a key ingredient for the show’s drama and entertainment.
The Professional Dancers: The Backbone of the Show
The professional dancers are the show’s experts, tasked with transforming their celebrity partners into ballroom and Latin champions. They are highly accomplished dancers, many with competitive titles and international recognition. Their role is not just to teach the steps but to choreograph routines that showcase their partner’s strengths, hide their weaknesses, and tell a compelling story on the dance floor. The professional lineup for any given year is a crucial part of its identity.
The Judging Panel: A Beacon of Expertise and Wit
The judges—a panel of dance experts—provide weekly critiques and scores. Their comments, ranging from sharp and critical to effusive and encouraging, are a central part of the show’s narrative. Their scores, along with the public vote, determine who stays and who goes.
The Strictly Come Dancing 2017 Lineup: A Look at the Cast
The 2017 series was the fifteenth overall and featured a cast that would go on to deliver some of the most memorable moments in Strictly history.
The Celebrity Contestants and Their Journeys
The celebrity lineup for 2017 was a compelling blend of well-known faces, each with a unique story to tell.
Alexandra Burke: The singer-songwriter, who rose to fame after winning The X Factor, was paired with Gorka Márquez. She was a powerhouse from the start, consistently earning high scores and delivering emotionally charged performances. Her journey was marked by a deep commitment to her routines and a powerful narrative of resilience. She was a strong contender throughout the competition and a fan favourite.
Aston Merrygold: A member of the pop group JLS, Aston was partnered with Janette Manrara. His background as a performer meant he had a natural flair for the stage, and he quickly became known for his energetic and technically impressive routines. He was widely considered a frontrunner for the title, and his early exit from the competition in Week 6 was one of the series’ most shocking results.
Charlotte Hawkins: The Good Morning Britain presenter was paired with show veteran Brendan Cole. Her journey was a classic underdog story, as she faced early struggles and low scores. However, her determination and graceful presence, particularly in her ballroom dances, won over the public.
Chizzy Akudolu: Best known for her role in Holby City, Chizzy was partnered with Pasha Kovalev. She brought a lively and positive energy to the dance floor, though her journey was a short one, as she was the first celebrity to be eliminated.
Davood Ghadami: The EastEnders actor was paired with newcomer Nadiya Bychkova. He was a consistently strong performer, surprising many with his natural dance ability and dedication. His partnership with Nadiya, who was new to the main professional lineup, was a highlight of the season.
Debbie McGee: As the widow of magician Paul Daniels and a television personality in her own right, Debbie was partnered with Giovanni Pernice. Her journey was a true revelation. At 58, she defied expectations with her incredible flexibility, grace, and emotional performances. She became a beloved contestant and a strong contender for the Glitterball, proving that age is just a number when it comes to dancing.
Gemma Atkinson: The actress and model was paired with Aljaž Škorjanec. A consistent and hardworking dancer, Gemma’s journey was characterized by her commitment to learning and her genuine partnership with Aljaž. She steadily improved throughout the series, earning her place in the final.
Joe McFadden: The Holby City actor was partnered with Katya Jones. Starting as a quiet contender, Joe’s journey was a testament to steady improvement and a strong connection with his partner. He consistently delivered solid, well-rounded performances, and his ultimate victory was a feel-good moment that resonated with the public.
Jonnie Peacock: As a Paralympic sprinter, Jonnie was the first amputee to compete on Strictly. Paired with Oti Mabuse, his journey was groundbreaking. He inspired millions with his determination and courage, proving that dance can be accessible to everyone, regardless of physical challenges. His partnership with Oti was a highlight of the series.
Mollie King: A singer from The Saturdays, Mollie was partnered with AJ Pritchard. Her journey was filled with highs and lows, and she often found herself in the dance-off. However, she was known for her positive attitude and the strong chemistry with her partner, which saw them reach the semi-finals.
Reverend Richard Coles: The broadcaster and priest was paired with newcomer Dianne Buswell. Known for his wit and humor, Reverend Richard brought a unique charm to the competition. While his dance skills were a work in progress, his joyful presence was a highlight of the early weeks.
Ruth Langsford: The television presenter was partnered with Anton Du Beke, a fan favourite known for his charm and entertainment value. Their partnership was a joyful and often hilarious ride, a true embodiment of the show’s “fun” factor.
Simon Rimmer: The chef and television presenter was paired with Karen Clifton. Simon’s journey was a relatable one for many viewers, as he openly admitted to not being a natural dancer. His enthusiasm and hard work, however, were infectious.
Susan Calman: The comedian was partnered with Kevin Clifton. Susan’s journey was a celebration of joy and self-acceptance. She was vocal about her love for the show and her partnership with Kevin, and her vibrant personality made her a firm fan favourite.
The Professional Dancers and Their New Faces
The 2017 series saw a significant change in the professional lineup. Long-time dancer Joanne Clifton departed the show, while three new dancers were introduced:
Amy Dowden: A Welsh dancer who made her debut with Brian Conley.
Dianne Buswell: An Australian dancer who joined with Reverend Richard Coles.
Nadiya Bychkova: A two-time World and European Champion from Ukraine, partnered with Davood Ghadami.
These new faces brought a fresh energy to the show, and all three have since become beloved staples of the Strictly family.
The Judges and the Glitterball Winner
The judging panel in 2017 saw a major change with the departure of head judge Len Goodman. He was replaced by the “Queen of Latin,” Shirley Ballas, who brought her extensive experience and meticulous technical critiques to the panel. She joined returning judges Craig Revel Horwood, Darcey Bussell, and Bruno Tonioli.
After a nail-biting final, the series culminated in a victory for Joe McFadden and his partner Katya Jones. They beat out strong finalists Alexandra Burke, Debbie McGee, and Gemma Atkinson to lift the Glitterball Trophy. Joe’s victory was a classic Strictly narrative: the underdog who, through hard work and a fantastic partnership, blossomed into a champion.
How the 2017 Series Aligns with Modern Strictly Trends (as of 2025)
Looking back from the vantage point of 2025, the 2017 series was a harbinger of several key trends that have come to define Strictly Come Dancing in recent years.
The Rise of the Underdog: Joe McFadden’s win was a powerful example of how the public can propel a quiet, consistent dancer to victory over a flashy, front-running one. This trend has continued, with winners like Stacey Dooley and Bill Bailey showing that a compelling journey and genuine personality can triumph over early perfection.
Inspirational Contestants: Jonnie Peacock’s participation broke new ground for the show, showcasing a Paralympian’s incredible spirit and proving that dance is for everyone. This opened the door for more diverse contestants, including those with disabilities or unique physical challenges.
The Impact of Social Media: The 2017 series, particularly the shock elimination of Aston Merrygold, was a major topic of discussion on social media. The public’s reactions and debates highlighted the growing influence of online platforms in shaping the show’s narrative and audience engagement. This has only intensified in the years since, with fan theories, live-tweeting, and behind-the-scenes glimpses becoming integral to the Strictly experience.
Step-by-Step: Recreating the Magic of the 2017 Season
For fans who want to relive the series or for new viewers who want to understand its appeal, here’s a step-by-step guide to recreating the magic.
Watch the Series with a Fresh Perspective. Don’t just watch the final. Go back and watch the early weeks. Pay attention to the first dances of contestants like Joe McFadden and Debbie McGee. Notice their initial hesitations and how their confidence grew with each week. This “how-to” approach allows you to appreciate the full arc of their journey.
Pay Attention to the Choreography. The 2017 series featured some truly iconic routines.
Debbie McGee and Giovanni Pernice’s Salsa: This dance was a showstopper, praised for its intricate lifts and high energy.
Alexandra Burke and Gorka Márquez’s American Smooth: An emotional and technically brilliant routine that showcased their incredible connection.
Joe McFadden and Katya Jones’s Argentine Tango: This dance was a turning point for the couple, demonstrating their dramatic flair and technical precision.
Listen to the Judges’ Critiques. The introduction of Shirley Ballas brought a new level of technical detail to the critiques. Listen to her comments and see if you can spot the specific movements she is praising or criticizing. This is a great way to learn about the intricacies of ballroom and Latin dance.
Engage with the Online Community. Search for “Strictly Come Dancing 2017” fan forums, social media threads, and YouTube compilations. Read the comments and discussions from the time to understand the public’s reaction to key moments like the shock eliminations and the final results.
Practical Tips for Understanding and Appreciating Strictly
Look Beyond the Scores: While the scores are important, they don’t tell the whole story. The public vote is a huge factor, and it’s often based on personality and the “journey” of a contestant. A celebrity who improves week after week often resonates more with the public than one who is technically perfect from the start.
Learn the Basics of Ballroom and Latin: Knowing the difference between a Cha-Cha-Cha and a Tango can greatly enhance your viewing experience. Resources like the official BBC Strictly website or online dance tutorials can provide a simple breakdown of each style.
Appreciate the Behind-the-Scenes Team: Remember that a massive team of choreographers, costume designers, musicians, and producers work tirelessly to create the show. The stunning sets, live music, and dazzling costumes are all part of the magic.
FAQs
Who won Strictly Come Dancing in 2017?
The winner of the 2017 series of Strictly Come Dancing was actor Joe McFadden, who was partnered with professional dancer Katya Jones.
Who were the finalists in the 2017 series?
The four celebrity finalists in the 2017 series were Joe McFadden, Alexandra Burke, Debbie McGee, and Gemma Atkinson.
Who was the new judge on the panel in 2017?
The new head judge who replaced Len Goodman in 2017 was the “Queen of Latin,” Shirley Ballas. She brought her world-renowned dance expertise to the panel.
Were there any new professional dancers in the 2017 lineup?
Yes, the 2017 series introduced three new professional dancers: Amy Dowden, Dianne Buswell, and Nadiya Bychkova. All three have since become well-established and popular members of the Strictly family.
What was the biggest shock of the 2017 season?
One of the most talked-about moments of the 2017 season was the shock elimination of singer Aston Merrygold in Week 6. He was a strong contender and widely tipped to be in the final, making his early departure a huge surprise to both the judges and the public.
Final Thoughts
The Strictly Come Dancing 2017 lineup was more than just a list of names; it was a collection of stories, triumphs, and emotional journeys that left an indelible mark on the show’s legacy. From the graceful revelation of Debbie McGee to the inspirational presence of Jonnie Peacock and the underdog victory of Joe McFadden, this series demonstrated the power of dance to transform, unite, and entertain.
Looking back, it’s clear that the 2017 season set a new benchmark for what a Strictly series could be, paving the way for the dynamic and emotionally resonant seasons we enjoy today. It remains a fan favourite, a shining example of the heart and soul that make Strictly Come Dancing a television sensation.
To read more, Click here
