Co-hosts Tess Daly and Bruce Forsyth in the early days of BBC's Strictly Come Dancing
(Image: BBC)

BBC Strictly Come Dancing in numbers - from highest scoring couple to most competitive celebrities in show history

by · Manchester Evening News

Now that the glitter and excitement has settled from BBC's Strictly Come Dancing final, it's only right that we celebrate its 20th anniversary.

The latest series saw Strictly in its 20th year, with the iconic show making its way into homes across Britain since 2004. In order to mark the occasion, BBC are airing Strictly Come Dancing: 20 Fabulous Years on 21st December at 7pm featuring exclusive behind the scenes footage, interviews with past contestants, judges and the crew, as well as studying the cultural impact the show has had since it first came onto our screens.

Shirley Ballas, current head judge and former professional dancer, admitted: "Strictly means everything to me", before adding that the success is "rooted in the loyal audience" that tune in each week year after year.

READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing's Dianne Buswell given irreplaceable second prize after win with Chris McCausland

When asked what moment from the last 20 years of Strictly stands out to her the most, the head judged confessed: "I’ve got Ann [Widdecombe] and Anton [Du Beke] when she cleaned the floor - I shall forever remember her, I’ve never seen anything quite like it", as well as Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice's silent dance which will be "etched in my heart forever".

Jason Gilkison, creative director at Strictly believes that the secret to its long-standing success is that when it starts you know "it's the real lead-up to Christmas", and that the fun you see on camera is so genuine - you can’t fake that wonderful Strictly energy."

Over the years the show has seen plenty of celebrities grace the dance floor, and the judges have given out score after score.

Ahead of the 20th anniversary special, here is Strictly Come Dancing in numbers.

Most tens given by a judge

  • 292 – Bruno Tonioli (most out of all the judges across the series)

Highest scoring couple and celebrity

  • Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec
  • Tasha Ghouri - 596 (this series saw Tasha beat the record of 591 that was held by series 16 contestant Ashley Roberts)

Lowest score ever

  • 8 – Quentin Willson and Hazel Newberry (Series 2 – Cha Cha Cha)

Longest streak of perfect scores

  • Danny Mac and Oti Mabuse received 10s seven weeks in a row.

Most competitive final

  • Series 19 – Rose Ayling-Ellis and John Whaite both finishing the night on 119 (this has since tied with series 22 where Tasha Ghouri and JB Gill also received 119).

Judge with the most seasons

  • Craig Revel Horwood has been on the show for all 22 series.

Lowest scoring couple to win the show

  • Bill Bailey and Oti Mabuse – averaged scores of 25.083 every week

Strictly Come Dancing: 20 Fabulous Years airs on 21st December at 7pm on BBC One.