Five of the most iconic Strictly Come Dancing moments from Ed Balls' Gangnam Style to McFly's stage invasion

Let's look back at some individual crackers...
Gangnam Style: Ed Balls cemented his place in the iconic moment hall of fame with his Salsa in 2016
BBC/Guy Levy
Natasha Sporn27 August 2018

As the stars of 2018 take to the red carpet on Monday, we thought it appropriate to look back at some of those moments you think of when you hear the words Strictly Come Dancing.

Since May 2004, the BBC show has become a glittery cornerstone of the Saturday nights, bringing sparkles and joy into our living rooms with a wide array of famous faces learning to dance.

Ask any Strictly fan for iconic dances and they’ll tell you plenty. From Jill Halfpenny and Darren Bennett’s Jive to Tom Chambers and Camilla Dallerup’s showdance. Rachel Stevens and Vincent Simone’s Rumba to Chris Hollins and Ola Jordan’s Charleston. Mark Ramprakash and Karen Hardy’s Argentine Tango to Danny Mac and Oti Mabuse’s Salsa. We could go on.

But there are certain moments that spring to mind. Here are five of the most iconic individual moments throughout the years…

Strictly Come Dancing 2018 Contestants - In pictures

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Ed Balls Gangnam Style

Then first-time professional Katya Jones made her debut on the show partnered with former politician Ed Balls, one of the most dedicated contestants who never quite mastered it to date.

Balls and his partner took one of the most recognisable songs of the last five years as they Salsa’d to Gangnam Style by Psy, complete with the iconic dance moves – some of which were performed with Jones through his legs.

The moment sparked a craze that series, with fellow professionals, fans and even host Sir Bruce Forsyth performing the dance on live TV.

John Sergeant dragging Kristina

Journalist John Sergeant partnered Kristina Rihanoff in the sixth series of the show, memorable in itself for him pulling out of the competition before week 10 after beginning to fear he might actually win the competition, after appearing to adopt a strong public vote week after week despite a lower dancing ability than others.

But the broadcaster will always be remembered for that iconic moment in his Paso Doble in which he dragged his partner along the floor behind him like a "sack of potatoes".

Ann Widdecombe‘s Samba

Back in 2010, seasoned professional Anton Du Beke was paired with former Conservative MP Widdecombe and quickly realised she couldn’t, well, dance.

Not one to give up at the first sign of trouble, Du Beke thought up innovative ways to entertain the viewers week-on-week through series eight, never scoring above 21 (Tango).

During their week eight Samba to Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel, the end of the routine saw Du Beke spin his partner round the Blackpool Tower floor with her legs in the air. And Widdecombe was dressed all in yellow - presumably inspired by Big Bird from Sesame Street more so than anything angelic - which just added to the pure delight of this moment.

They scored 13, with a one from Craig Revel Horwood.

Russell Grant cannon

Back in 2011, Strictly was exiled to Wembley Arena while Children in Need took over their studio and everything – we mean everything – went big to make an impression in the massive temporary home.

Flavia Cacace created one of the standout moments of Strictly’s gone by as she decided to begin the jive with partner Russell Grant, loved by the public but struggling for dancing ability at this point, by firing the astrologer out of a cannon.

Dressed in yellow and adorned blue stars, Grant’s Reach routine saw him shot out of the mocked-up weapon and fly across the stage.

Although he soared to new heights that week, a score of 24 and a public unwillingly to have that moment topped also saw him booted out of the competition that week, his place in the hall of fame cemented.

McFly being shooed off stage

In 2011, McFly drummer Harry Judd stormed to victory with partner Aliona Vilani, impressing week after week with his dancing feet.

After a picture perfect final, complete with two perfect scores for his Quickstep and Argentine Tango, Sir Bruce and Tess Daly crowned the couple as series nine winners – and Judd’s bandmates were excited.

King of the Jungle Dougie Poynter, Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones rushed onto the Blackpool stage to congratulate their pal, leaving Vilani standing on her own and Forysth shooing off the errant bandmates – not realising who they were – trying to take control of the situation.

What followed were perhaps the most iconic minutes of the late, great presenter’s time on Strictly as he chased them around the stage shouting “get off” at the invaders.

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