Who are this year's Strictly Come Dancing couples? All the pairings revealed
Dec 12 | 5 min readIt hardly seems like a few months since Rose Alying-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice were lifting the glitterball at the end of one of the most memorable, and certainly the most emotional, series of Strictly Come Dancing yet, but already a new crop of celebrities are following in her deft footsteps for the 20th series of the BBC entertainment favourite.
This year's celebrity contestants have included pop stars, soap stars, sporting legends, stand-up comedians and TV and radio presenters. And after 12 weeks, we're down to the final four.
Find out who's still in with a chance of winning the glitterball, and who's already left the dancefloor...
Strictly Come Dancing 2022: All you need to know
Strictly Come Dancing 2022 finalists
Helen Skelton
BBC
Professional dance partner: Gorka Márquez
Odds to win (as of 12 December): 13/8 second favourite
The 15th and final celebrity contestant to be confirmed for the 20th series of Strictly Come Dancing is TV and radio presenter Helen Skelton.
Helen started her TV career in children's television, presenting Newsround before spending five years on the Blue Peter team. During this time, the fearless Cumbrian took on a number of daring challenges including competing in the Namibia Ultra Marathon, cycling to the South Pole and kayaking more than 2000 miles down the Amazon river.
Since leaving Blue Peter in 2013, Helen has appeared on Countryfile, presented consumer show Holiday Hit Squad and worked on sporting events for the BBC including the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
She already has Strictly experience, having come second on the show's 2012 Christmas special. As a qualified tap dance teacher, she'll be hoping to translate her hoofing skills to Latin and ballroom this autumn.
“I’m really excited to get stuck into a fun adventure. My family and friends have always loved the show and can’t wait for me to get started," she said.
Hamza Yassin
Professional Dance partner: Jowita Przystal
Odds to win: 8/15 favourite
Wildlife cameraman and presenter Hamza Yassin is the 13th confirmed celebrity for Strictly 2022.
Hamza made his TV debut as Ranger Hamza on CBeebies show Let's Go for a Walk, before joining the Animal Park team in 2021.
He has also brought the flora and fauna of his native Scotland to the small screen, first in Scotland: My Life in the Wild, before introducing celebrities such as Martin Clunes and Richard Coles to the wildlife of the country in Scotland: Escape to the Wilderness.
Away from the camera, Hamza has also participated in the Highland Games!
“I am absolutely over the moon to be joining Strictly 2022. Never in a million years did I think I’d be on such a cool show," he said.
"I’ve been watching it for years and I can’t believe I’ll actually be there dancing live in front of the British public.
"My dance skills are currently at the level of ‘1970’s disco vibe’ but I’m ready to work hard and will be shaking it every time I get the chance - shake it ‘til you make it!”
Fleur East
BBC
Professional dance partner: Vito Coppola
Odds to win: 25/1
Singer and presenter Fleur East is the 12th celebrity to be confirmed for this year's Strictly Come Dancing.
Fleur was runner-up in the 2014 series of The X Factor, nine years after she'd reached the live shows of the ITV series as part of girl group Addictiv Ladies. Her semi-final performance of the Uptown Funk became the first track by an X-Factor artist to reach No.1 in the iTunes chart.
In November 2018 Fleur appeared in I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, finishing in fourth place behind winner Harry Redknapp. On her return from Australia she released her first single in four years and in 2019 became the co-host of the Hits Radio Breakfast Show.
“I’m equally nervous and thrilled to be part of this year’s Strictly line up. I’m excited to learn new skills and I want to soak up every moment of this magical experience," she said, before sharing a very personal reason for stepping on to the dancefloor.
"It’s such an honour to be on the show after years of watching it with my Father who loved it so much. Unfortunately my Dad is no longer with us but I know he will be watching over the ballroom in spirit.
"I’m doing this to make him and my family proud and can’t wait to get my dancing shoes on!”
Molly Rainford
BBC
Professional dance partner: Carlos Gu
Odds to win: 25/1
Singer and actress Molly Rainford is no stranger to Saturday night TV stardom - in 2012, aged just 11, she became the youngest ever finalist in Britain's Got Talent, blowing the judges away with her performance of One Night Only before finishing in sixth place in the grand finale.
Since her BGT success, Molly has released a series of albums and has become a familiar face on CBBC, presenting Friday Download and appearing as Chloe in the channel's sitcom Millie Inbetween before taking on the title role of the intergalactic pop star in the series Nova Jones.
“I'm so excited to be part of Strictly Come Dancing, I've watched it for years and can't wait to meet the pros and the others taking part," she said.
"I can't wait to learn the moves and get dancing!”
Will Mellor - Eliminated in Week 12
BBC
Professional dance partner: Nancy Xu
Actor Will Mellor is the 11th celebrity to leave Strictly Come Dancing 2022.
Will exited the competition at the semi-final stage. Will and professional partner Nancy Xu were bottom of the leaderboard with 70 points after their two semi-final dances and faced Fleur East and Vito Coppola, who had scored 74, in the dance off.
Anton was suitably impressed by Will and Nancy's Madchester medley and voted to save the couple, but both Craig and Motsi preferred Fleur and Vito's Charleston. The casting vote fell to head judge Shirley Ballas, who, "based on micro details", decided to save Fleur and Vito.
"I have to thank you all for giving me this chance to put a smile on my mum’s face, she deserves it," said Will when his elimination was confirmed.
"I’ll take whatever I have learnt from this show forward in whatever I do because it shows you can achieve more than you think.
"I didn’t think I’d be able to get anywhere near this and I am so proud of what we have achieved but also everybody who has voted for me, who has supported me, the messages I’ve had from my local community and children. Thank you all so much, we really, really appreciated every bit.”
Kym Marsh - Eliminated in Week 11
BBC
Professional dance partner: Graziano Di Prima
Kym Marsh is the 10th celebrity to leave Strictly Come Dancing 2022, bowing out in Musicals week.
Actor, singer and presenter Kym and partner Graziano finished bottom of a very competitive leaderboard with 34 points following their Cha-Cha-Cha to Fame, and on Saturday evening found themselves up against Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu in the dance-off.
Molly and Carlos had scored 38 for their Charleston to Hot Honey Rag from Chicago, but after the couples had danced again the judges were split over who should leave. Craig and Motsi chose to save Molly and Carlos while Anton opted to save Kym and Graziano due to the improvement they'd made since their Friday night dance.
Head judge Shirley was left with the casting vote, and chose to save Molly and Carlos.
“Honestly I’ve loved every single second that I’ve been here. I never thought I’d get to this stage, in a million years," said Kym when her elimination was confirmed.
"I have to say, it’s all down to this man [Graziano] here, he is just wonderful and he will be my friend forever. But what a journey it’s been, this show is just wonderful, it shows you things about yourself you don’t know, it shows you how tough you can be.
“My dad has been so proud and it’s kind of kept him going. When he was in hospital last week, and obviously we weren’t here, all these guys sent him videos and it meant such a lot. My grandchildren are so proud.”
Ellie Taylor - Eliminated in Week 10
BBC
Professional dance partner: Johannes Radebe
Comedian and actor Ellie Taylor is the ninth celebrity to leave Strictly Come Dancing 2022.
Ellie and partner Johannes sat bottom of the leaderboard on Saturday night with 25 points for their jive to Van Morrison's Brown Eyed Girl, and were joined in the dance-off by Fleur East and Vito Coppola, who had scored 35. After dancing again, all four judges agreed that they would save Fleur and Vito.
"I never in a million years expected to be in for this long and to experience it so fully," Ellie said of her Strictly experience.
"Strictly is about dancing but it’s also about the people, and every part of this show from the top to bottom, from the execs to the make-up, to the hair to the costumes, to the sets to the band, to my fellow celebs and the dancers - even some of the judges have been alright!"
She also had kind words for her professional partner.
"It’s been an absolute privilege to dance with you JoJo, I don’t know what runs through your body but it’s not blood, it’s rhythm and it’s music, and to watch you perform is incredible.”
Tyler West - Eliminated in Week 9
BBC
Professional dance partner: Dianne Buswell
TV presenter, radio host and DJ Tyler West is the eighth celebrity contestant to leave Strictly 2022.
Tyler and professional partner Dianne Buswell made it to Blackpool's Tower Ballroom - hosting Strictly for the first time in three years - but won't be returning to the studio after the judges chose to save Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu.
Both couples scored 35 points for their Saturday night performances, placing them in the middle of the leaderboard, but ended up in the bottom two after the public vote.
For the first time this series, head judge Shirley Ballas had the casting vote after Anton had voted to save Tyler while Craig and Motsi had saved Molly.
"I am going to go with what I believe in, and that is a quality of movement and precision in partnering, and I am going to go with Molly and Carlos," said Shirley.
When his elimination was confirmed, Tyler said the show had changed his life. “I’m more than a two step now!" he joked.
"When you watch the show at home, you wonder what it must be like to dance on it, it’s everything and more, it’s changed my life. To think I was some shy kid who never used to talk to anyone, to dancing in front of millions, I can’t put it into words.
"It’s my mum’s favourite show, I bought her to Blackpool, my nan bless her was always watching over me on this journey."
Tony Adams - Withdrew in Week 8
BBC
Professional dance partner: Katya Jones
Tony Adams is the seventh celebrity to leave Strictly Come Dancing 2022 after making the decision to withdraw from the competition due to injury.
Tony and Katya finished bottom of the leaderboard on Saturday night with 24 points for their Jive to Wilson Pickett's Land of 1000 Dances.
When the public voting was taken into consideration, they were left in the dance-off against Tyler West and Dianne Buswell, but due to an injury sustained on Saturday, former England footballer Tony was unable to take part and withdrew from the competition, sending Tyler and Dianne through to Blackpool.
"It’s been emotional guys, I cried for the first month," Tony admitted to Tess Daly after making his decision.
"I came in here with one message: if you’ve got an issue with mental health then please don’t suffer in silence and reach out for help.
"Little did I know that I was going to learn a lot about myself in the process. I thought this ‘journey’ rubbish was nonsense, but my god the rollercoaster of emotion. I’ve got to be honest, it’s tough, physically it’s really tough out there, but dancing is really fantastic for you. Go out there and enjoy it and pick up new skills and explore. I suppose I had better mention this one [Katya] hadn’t I, she is an exceptional human being, she really is.”
Head judge Shirley Ballas paid tribute to the footballer: "Tony, from the very first moment you stepped foot on the floor with your tango, to the last moment and the last kick, you have given us 100% of your heart. You have grown week after week after week, you have become one of the nation’s favourite entertainers," she said.
Ellie Simmonds - Eliminated in Week 7
BBC
Professional dance partner: Nikita Kuzmin
Paralympic swimming champion Ellie Simmonds has become the latest celebrity contestant to leave Strictly 2022.
Ellie and partner Nikita were only five points off the top of the leaderboard after their lively Charleston to Too Darn Hot from the musical Kiss Me, Kate, but when the public vote was added they were placed in the bottom two alongside Molly and Carlos, who had picked up three 9s for their Foxtrot.
Head judge Shirley Ballas declared their dance off one of the best she'd ever seen, but all four judges voted to save Molly.
"I've literally had the time of my life. It’s been the most incredible experience - life changing really," Ellie said after her elimination was confirmed.
"I want to thank Nikita ever so much. I’m going to miss him – he’s changed my life and confidence. I seem confident but you know what I’m like, I worry about everything so so much and we’ve literally represented everything.
"We went out there any danced our life out every single night and I loved it so much.”
James Bye - Eliminated in Week 6
BBC
Professional dance partner: Amy Dowden
Actor James Bye - better known as EastEnders' Martin Fowler - became the fifth celebrity to leave Strictly 2022 as he was eliminated in Halloween Week.
James and partner Amy Dowden's Charleston to Bumble Bee by LaVern Baker - dressed as beekeeper and bee - left them bottom of the leaderboard on 27 points. They were joined in the dance off by Fleur East and Vito Coppola, whose scary Salsa to Beyoncé's Break My Soul had garnered 8 points from each of the judges.
After the couples had danced again, all four judges chose to save Fleur and Vito.
"I’ve said this from the very beginning, all I can do is go out there and do my very best," James told Tess Daly when his departure had been confirmed.
"I've had the best time on this show and I have a friend for life [in Amy], all I can do is thank the family, and I have a new family now. It’s a competition but you don’t feel like that backstage, you honestly feel like everyone has each other’s backs and everyone is just willing everyone to do their best! “
Jayde Adams - Eliminated in Week 5
BBC
Professional dance partner: Karen Hauer
Comedian, actor and presenter Jayde Adams became the fourth celebrity to leave Strictly 2022.
Jayde and partner Karen Hauer left the show in the week that celebrated 100 years of the BBC, with couples dancing to famous TV themes. Jayde and Karen danced the Charleston to The Ballad of Barry and Freda (Let's Do It) in tribute to comedian Victoria Wood, and although they finished eighth on the leaderboard with 28 points, they faced the dance off against sixth placed Molly and Carlos, who had danced to the Grange Hill theme, otherwise known as Chicken Man.
After the dance off, all four judges opted to save Molly and Carlos and send Jayde and Karen home.
“This has been the best thing I have ever done in my life and I will carry it to my grave, and it has been an absolute pleasure working with you [Karen] and learning about so much that will go into my own stuff, in my own work," Jayde said when her departure was confirmed.
"You are one of the most gifted people I have ever worked with Karen. And everyone on this show, said it to me, when I had you, they said ‘you’ve got the best one’, sorry everyone, and I did and you are fantastic and this has been such an honour."
Matt Goss - Eliminated in Week 4
BBC
Professional dance partner: Nadiya Bychkova
Former Bros singer Matt Goss became the third celebrity to bow out of Strictly 2022 and the first to be eliminated by all four judges.
Matt and partner Nadiya had propped up the leaderboard with 20 points after their jive to Paul McCartney's All Shook Up on Saturday night. They looked to have an uphill battle when they were placed in the dance off with Kym Marsh and Graziano di Prima, who were fifth on the leaderboard with an impressive 32 points but failed to win the public backing.
After both couples danced again, all four judges chose to save Kym and Graziano.
"It’s an extraordinary experience," said Matt of his short Strictly journey.
"Thank you judges for your candour, you’ve helped me in many ways, my posture – Anton, I am more aware of it. This lovely lady beside me, a world champion with all the patience. I am very honoured to have danced with you, and everyone who is still in, I love you guys, go smash it guys.”
Richie Anderson - Eliminated in Week 3
BBC
Professional dance partner: Giovanni Pernice
Movie Week saw the curtain fall on Richie's time on Strictly as he and Giovanni's Samba to Hakuna Matata impressed the judges but failed to win over the voting public.
After finishing a comfortably eighth in the judges' vote, the pair found themselves alongside an equally high-flying couple, Fleur & Vito, in the dance off. And after the two couples had danced again, judges Craig, Motsi and Anton all opte to keep singer Fleur in the show. Head judge Shirley said she would have saved Richie but he was already out.
"Do you know what as a Strictly fan I always thought it was a magical thing to be a part of, and being here it really is and it’s not just the people that you see on camera, the judges, and you and Claud and the amazing people that I’ve got to meet on this show," the TV and radio presenter told Tess Daly when his elimination was confirmed.
"The people behind the scenes in hair, makeup, costume, Tasha our runner, Stef, Jas, everybody. I also want to thank this guy [Giovanni] as well, he’s been so amazing, and I feel so lucky that I’ve got to dance with you every day."
Kaye Adams - Eliminated in Week 2
BBC
Professional dance partner: Kai Widdrington
Kaye Adams became the first celebrity to leave Strictly Come Dancing 2022. The Loose Women presenter and her partner Kai Widdrington finished third bottom of the combined leaderboard after two dances, but the public vote placed her in the dance off against Bros singer Matt Goss and Nadiya Bycova.
After both couples had danced again, judges Craig, Motsi and Anton all chose to save Matt and Nadiya. That sent Kaye home, with the small consolation that head judge Shirley would have kept her in the show.
"I am delighted for Matt and Nadiya, the only person I am just sorry for is this wonderful man [Kai], who has just been so brilliant…" Kaye told Tess Daly when her elimination was confirmed.
"It was a hell of a lot of fun, I said my ambition was to learn to love to dance, and actually I have seen a whole new side to myself, it’s opened a little door. It’s been a wonderful experience and to spend time with such talented people who love the show so much has been a joy!”
Who are the past winners of Strictly?
Soap star Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice won the hearts of the nation with their moving performances on the dancefloor and beautiful chemistry.
They became the 19th winners of the BBC reality show, when they lifted the Glitterball Trophy in 2021.
Here are all the winning couples so far:
Series 1 - Natasha Kaplinsky and Brendan Cole
Series 2 - Jill Halfpenny and Darren Bennett
Series 3 - Darren Gough and Lilia Kopylova
Series 4 - Mark Ramprakash and Karen Hardy
Series 5 - Alesha Dixon and Matthew Cutler
Series 6 - Tom Chambers and Camilla Dallerup
Series 7 - Chris Hollins and Ola Jordan
Series 8 - Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev
Series 9 - Harry Judd and Aliona Viliani
Series 10 - Louis Smith and Flavia Cacace
Series 11 - Abbey Clancy and Aljaz Skorjanec
Series 12 - Caroline Flack and Pasha Kovalev
Series 13 - Jay McGuiness and Aliona Vilani
Series 14 - Ore Oduba and Joanne Clifton
Series 15 - Joe McFadden and Katya Jones
Series 16 - Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton
Series 17 - Kelvin Fletcher and Oti Mabuse
Series 18 - Bill Bailey and Oti Mabuse
Series 19 - Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice
The Strictly Come Dancing 2022 final is on BBC One at 7.05pm on Saturday 17 December.
Strictly Come Dancing continues every Saturday evening on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
