BBC Strictly Come Dancing makes major announcement to mark 20-year anniversary

BBC's Strictly Come Dancing has just marked a very special anniversary. The popular and long-standing series has celebrated two decades of glitz, glamour and marked its 20 years on screens.

The very the first episode debuted on BBC One on the evening of Saturday, May 15 in 2004. Season one saw Natasha Kaplinsky and professional dancer Brendan Cole crowned champions.

20 years later and Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola are currently holding the title after winning the show in 2023. And now to mark 20 years of memorable moves the BBC has announced a a special episode will launch later this year.

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Made by BBC Studios Entertainment Productions, an unmissable one-off programme has been commissioned that promises a journey through 20 years of unforgettable entertainment featuring iconic performances and plenty of heart-warming interviews with past celebrity stars, professional dancers, and judges.

The programme will showcase why Strictly Come Dancing has captured the hearts of the nation for the past 20 years as one of the BBC’s best known and well-loved programmes, with the most recent series once again confirmed as the BBC’s biggest Entertainment title with an average of 9.0m tuning into the main show.

Head of entertainment at the BBC, Kalpna Patel-Knight, said: "Strictly Come Dancing is more than just a TV show, it has become an integral part of British culture, bringing families together and inspiring viewers of all ages to embrace the joy of dance. Throughout its 20-year history, the show has launched careers, sparked trends, and touched the hearts of millions with its dazzling performances, emotional journeys, and unforgettable moments and we will be showcasing it all in this very special programme."

Managing director, BBC Studios Entertainment, Suzy Lamb said: "From glittering Ballroom numbers to high-energy Latin routines, the show continues to push the boundaries of dance and entertainment and we want viewers to join us in raising a toast to 20 years of sparkle and shine in the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom." You can keep up to date with the latest TV and showbiz news by signing up to the newsletter here.