When does series 12 of Strictly start?
Strictly Come Dancing returns to introduce its celeb lineup on Sunday, 7 September at 8:00pm on BBC One. There’s also set to be a Red Carpet Special broadcasting on the BBC Red Button and iPlayer at 7:00pm on Wednesday, 3 September.
The competition itself gets underway at 9:00pm on Friday, 26 September 2014, on BBC One. This year’s series will be presented by the team of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Check out the complete list of Strictly 2014 contestants, now officially confirmed.
Len Goodman, Darcey Bussell, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli – Image Credit: BBC/Ray Burmiston
Judges
In addition to the new hosting lineup, it’s also been confirmed that judges Craig Revel Horwood, Darcey Bussell, Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli will all be returning for Strictly series 12.
Professional Dancers
The confirmed list of pros competing in 2014 is: Female: Aliona Vilani, Iveta Lukosiute, Janette Manrara, Joanne Clifton, Karen Hauer, Kristina Rihanoff, Natalie Lowe and Ola Jordan. Male: Aljaž Skorjanec, Anton du Beke, Brendan Cole, Kevin Clifton, Pasha Kovalev, Robin Windsor and Tristan MacManus.
Celebrity Contestants & Series Review
Series 12 of Strictly Come Dancing, which aired on BBC One in autumn 2014, assembled a line-up of well-known faces from across television, sport, and music. The celebrity cast reflected the show’s trademark mix of established stars and fresh personalities, each hoping to dazzle the judges and the public on the ballroom floor.
The Finalists
Leading the pack was television presenter Caroline Flack, who went on to claim the glitterball trophy with partner Pasha Kovalev after impressing audiences with her flair, timing, and show-stopping final routines. Pop star Frankie Bridge, best known as a member of The Saturdays, also reached the final, partnered with professional Kevin Clifton. Fellow finalist Simon Webbe, from the boyband Blue, overcame early nerves to deliver some of the series’ standout performances with Kristina Rihanoff. Rounding out the finalists was presenter Mark Wright, paired with Karen Hauer, who charmed viewers with his enthusiasm and steady improvement.
Other Celebrity Contestants
The rest of the 2014 line-up brought energy, humour, and variety to the competition. Contestants included rugby player Thom Evans, tennis coach Judy Murray, TV and radio presenter Scott Mills, and This Morning favourite Alison Hammond. Music and acting talent came in the form of singer Pixie Lott, comedian Jennifer Gibney, and boyband star Jake Wood from EastEnders. Wildlife presenter Steve Backshall, Casualty actress Sunetra Sarker, and fashion designer Julien Macdonald completed the line-up.
Memorable Moments
Series 12 stood out for its mix of technical brilliance and light-hearted entertainment. Highlights included Jake Wood’s fiery salsa, Pixie Lott’s consistently high scores, and Scott Mills’ infamous crab dance, which quickly went viral. With its blend of glamour, competitive spirit, and comedy, Strictly Come Dancing 2014 delivered one of the show’s most entertaining and unpredictable seasons, cementing its place at the heart of British popular culture.