Strictly Come Dancing series 19


Strictly Come Dancing returned for its nineteenth series with a launch show on 18 September 2021 on BBC One, and the live shows beginning on 25 September. Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman returned as hosts, while Rylan Clark-Neal returned to host Strictly: It Takes Two alongside new presenter Janette Manrara, who replaced Zoe Ball. In June 2021, the BBC announced that Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, and Craig Revel Horwood would return to the judging panel. Anton Du Beke, who served as a guest judge in the previous series, joined the panel in place of Bruno Tonioli, who did not return for the second year in a row due to travel restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In July 2021, the show's executive producer, Sarah James, said the show would return for a "full-length series", with fifteen celebrities, themed weeks, pre-recorded professional group dances, and a Christmas special, but no Blackpool Tower Ballroom special. For this series, the contestants were no longer restricted to perform one of the "couple's choice" categories — contemporary, theatre/jazz, or street/commercial — and could instead incorporate the routine however they wished. In September, a row broke out over whether dancers should be vaccinated against COVID-19. Reports had suggested that three dancers had refused to be vaccinated, with one unnamed celebrity already having to self-isolate since the show's launch night had been filmed.
EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice were announced as the winners on 18 December, while John Whaite and Johannes Radebe — the first male same-sex couple to compete on the programme — finished in second place.

Format

The couples dance each week in a live show. The judges score each performance out of ten. The couples are then ranked according to the judges' scores and given points according to their rank, with the lowest scored couple receiving one point, and the highest scored couple receiving the most points. The public are also invited to vote for their favourite couples, and the couples are ranked again according to the number of votes they receive, again receiving points; the couple with the fewest votes receiving one point, and the couple with the most votes receiving the most points.
The points for judges' score and public vote are then added together, and the two couples with the fewest points are placed in the bottom two. If two couples have equal points, the points from the public vote are given precedence. As with the previous series, the bottom two couples have to perform a dance-off on the results show. Based on that performance alone, each judge then votes on which couple should stay and which couple should leave, with Shirley Ballas, as head judge, having the last and deciding vote.

Professional dancers

In March 2021, the BBC announced that all sixteen professional dancers from the eighteenth series would return in 2021. However, in June, the BBC revealed that Janette Manrara and Anton Du Beke would not be reprising their dancing roles: Manrara was announced as a new co-host of It Takes Two, succeeding Zoe Ball, while Du Beke would replace Bruno Tonioli on the judging panel.
In July 2021, the BBC announced that four new professional dancers would be joining the cast: Italian Latin and Ballroom Champion Nikita Kuzmin, who was also a professional dancer on the German version of the show in 2020; South African Latin Champion Cameron Lombard, who was also a finalist on South Africa's Got Talent in 2012; Polish Open Latin Champion Jowita Przystał, who won The Greatest Dancer in 2020; and World Junior Latin American Champion Kai Widdrington, who was also a former professional on the Irish version of the show.
Graziano Di Prima received a celebrity partner for the first time since the sixteenth series, while Nadiya Bychkova and Neil Jones received a celebrity partner for the first time since the seventeenth series. Nancy Xu received a celebrity partner for the first time, as did Nikita Kuzmin and Kai Widdrington, while Luba Mushtuk, Cameron Lombard, and Jowita Przystał did not receive a partner.

Couples

This series featured fifteen celebrity contestants. On 4 August 2021, the first three celebrities participating were announced: Tom Fletcher, AJ Odudu, and Robert Webb. The following day, it was announced that John Whaite would be paired as part of the first male same-sex couple in Strictly Come Dancing history. Celebrity contestants continued to be revealed until 13 August 2021, when the full line-up was announced. Rose Ayling-Ellis was also the first deaf contestant to appear on the programme. On 13 October, it was announced that Robert Webb had been advised to withdraw from the competition due to health problems. On 17 December, the day before the final, it was announced that AJ Odudu had withdrawn from the competition after suffering ligament damage in her right ankle.
CelebrityNotabilityProfessional partnerStatus
Nina WadiaStage & screen actressNeil JonesEliminated 1st
on 3 October 2021
Katie McGlynnCoronation Street actressGorka MárquezEliminated 2nd
on 10 October 2021
Robert WebbComedian & actorDianne BuswellWithdrew
on 13 October 2021
Greg WiseFilm & television actorKaren HauerEliminated 3rd
on 17 October 2021
Ugo MonyeEngland rugby player & punditOti MabuseEliminated 4th
on 24 October 2021
Judi LoveComedian & Loose Women panellistGraziano Di PrimaEliminated 5th
on 31 October 2021
Adam PeatyOlympic swimmerKatya JonesEliminated 6th
on 7 November 2021
Sara DaviesDragons' Den investor & businesswomanAljaž ŠkorjanecEliminated 7th
on 14 November 2021
Tom FletcherMcFly singerAmy DowdenEliminated 8th
on 21 November 2021
Tilly RamsayChef & television presenterNikita KuzminEliminated 9th
Dan WalkerBBC Breakfast presenter & journalistNadiya BychkovaEliminated 10th
on 5 December 2021
CBBC presenterNancy XuEliminated 11th
on 12 December 2021
AJ OduduTelevision presenterKai WiddringtonWithdrew
on 17 December 2021
John WhaiteBaker & television presenterJohannes RadebeRunners-up
on 18 December 2021
Rose Ayling-EllisEastEnders actressGiovanni PerniceWinners
on 18 December 2021

Scoring chart

The highest score each week is indicated in with a dagger, while the lowest score each week is indicated in with a double-dagger.
Color key:
;Notes

Average chart

This table only counts for dances scored on a traditional 40-point scale.
CoupleRank by
average
Total
points
Number of
dances
Total
average
John & Johannes1st5731635.8
Rose & Giovanni2nd5661635.4
AJ & Kai3rd4501334.6
Rhys & Nancy4th4441334.2
Tilly & Nikita5th3151031.5
Tom & Amy6th244830.5
Sara & Aljaž7th228828.5
Dan & Nadiya8th3021127.5
Adam & Katya9th186726.6
Judi & Graziano10th122524.4
Robert & Dianne11th72324.0
Ugo & Oti12th94423.5
Greg & Karen13th92423.0
Katie & Gorka14th67322.3
Nina & Neil15th42221.0

Weekly scores

Unless indicated otherwise, individual judges scores in the charts below are listed in this order from left to right: Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke.

Week 1

There was no elimination this week; all scores and votes carried over to the following week. Couples are listed in the order they performed.
CoupleScoresDanceMusic
Tom & Amy21 Cha-cha-cha"September" — Earth, Wind & Fire
Tilly & Nikita21 Waltz"Consequences" — Camila Cabello
Ugo & Oti18 Samba"Iko Iko (My Bestie)" — Justin Wellington, feat. Small Jam
Rhys & Nancy27 Viennese waltz"End of the Road" — Boyz II Men
Sara & Aljaž17 Cha-cha-cha"The Boss" — Diana Ross
Dan & Nadiya24 Quickstep"Everybody Needs Somebody to Love" — The Blues Brothers
Rose & Giovanni22 Jive"Shake It Off" — Taylor Swift
Katie & Gorka22 Tango"Black Hole" — Griff
Robert & Dianne20 Cha-cha-cha"Rasputin" — Boney M.
Greg & Karen24 American Smooth"That's Life" — Frank Sinatra
Nina & Neil24 Samba"Mi Gente" — J Balvin & Willy William, feat. Beyoncé
John & Johannes30 Tango"Blue Monday" — New Order
Judi & Graziano24 American Smooth"Chain of Fools" — Aretha Franklin
AJ & Kai34 Jive"Gold Dust" — DJ Fresh
Adam & Katya30 Cha-cha-cha"Beggin'" — Måneskin

Week 2

Musical guests:
After Tom Fletcher and Amy Dowden tested positive for COVID-19, they were unable to perform on the live show. Under the rules of the show, he was granted a bye to the following week.
Couples are listed in the order they performed.
CoupleScoresDanceMusicResult
Rhys & Nancy30 Cha-cha-cha"Reach Out I'll Be There" — Human NatureSafe
Nina & Neil18 Tango"Would I Lie to You?" — EurythmicsEliminated
Adam & Katya19 Quickstep"Are You Gonna Be My Girl" — JetSafe
Katie & Gorka21 Jive"Good 4 U" — Olivia RodrigoBottom two
Greg & Karen23 Couple's choice"If You Could Read My Mind" — Ultra Naté, Amber & Jocelyn EnriquezSafe
John & Johannes31 Cha-cha-cha"Starstruck" — Years & YearsSafe
AJ & Kai31 Foxtrot"Tears Dry on Their Own" — Amy WinehouseSafe
Judi & Graziano25 Samba"Get Busy" — Sean PaulSafe
Robert & Dianne27 Tango"La cumparsita" — Machiko OzawaSafe
Rose & Giovanni26 Salsa"Cuba" — Gibson BrothersSafe
Sara & Aljaž34 Foxtrot"Dream a Little Dream of Me" — Cass ElliotSafe
Dan & Nadiya26 Paso doble"Giant" — Calvin Harris & Rag'n'Bone ManSafe
Ugo & Oti25 Quickstep"Bring Me Sunshine" — The Jive AcesSafe
Tilly & NikitaCharleston"Yes Sir, That's My Baby" — Firehouse Five Plus TwoSafe

;Judges' votes to save
  • Horwood: Katie & Gorka
  • Mabuse: Katie & Gorka
  • Du Beke: Nina & Neil
  • Ballas: Katie & Gorka

Week 3: Movie Week

Musical guest: Ben Platt — "You Will Be Found"
Couples are listed in the order they performed.
CoupleScoresDanceMusicFilmResult
Judi & Graziano24 Charleston"When You're Good to Mama"ChicagoBottom two
Dan & Nadiya21 Foxtrot"Once Upon a Dream"Sleeping BeautySafe
Sara & Aljaž28 Samba"Best Years of Our Lives"ShrekSafe
AJ & Kai35 American Smooth"I Have Nothing"The BodyguardSafe
Robert & Dianne25 Quickstep"The Muppet Show Theme"The MuppetsSafe
Greg & Karen26 Paso doble"James Bond Theme"Dr. NoSafe
Tilly & Nikita27 Jive"The Nicest Kids in Town"HairspraySafe
Rose & Giovanni36 Foxtrot"Rose's Theme"TitanicSafe
Ugo & Oti31 Couple's choice"You're Welcome"MoanaSafe
Tom & Amy32 Jive"Johnny B. Goode"Back to the FutureSafe
Adam & Katya20 Rumba"I See You"AvatarSafe
Katie & Gorka24 American Smooth"Cruella de Vil"CruellaEliminated
Rhys & Nancy37 Couple's choice"Spider-Man"Spider-Man:
Into the Spider-Verse
Safe
John & JohannesPaso doble"He's a Pirate"Pirates of the Caribbean:
The Curse of the Black Pearl
Safe

;Judges' votes to save
  • Horwood: Judi & Graziano
  • Mabuse: Judi & Graziano
  • Du Beke: Katie & Gorka
  • Ballas: Judi & Graziano

Week 4

Musical guest: Westlife — "Starlight"
After Ugo Monye sustained a back injury, he was unable to perform on the live show. Under the rules of the show, he was granted a bye to the following week. Additionally, Robert Webb and Dianne Buswell withdrew from the competition earlier in the week due to Webb's ill health.
Couples are listed in the order they performed.
CoupleScoresDanceMusicResult
Rose & Giovanni27 Cha-cha-cha"Raspberry Beret" — Prince & The RevolutionSafe
Tom & Amy29 Foxtrot"Fly Me to the Moon" — Frank SinatraSafe
Tilly & Nikita32 Paso doble"Diablo Rojo" — Rodrigo y GabrielaSafe
Greg & Karen19 Samba"Macarena" — Los del RíoEliminated
John & Johannes29 American Smooth"I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)" — Aretha Franklin & George MichaelSafe
Rhys & Nancy31 Salsa"Butter" — BTSSafe
Sara & Aljaž36 Tango"Por una Cabeza" — Carlos GardelSafe
Dan & Nadiya26 Cha-cha-cha"U Can't Touch This" — MC Hammer
& "Super Freak" — Rick James
Safe
Judi & Graziano24 Waltz"Hero" — Mariah CareyBottom two
Adam & KatyaArgentine tango"Tango in the Night" — Fleetwood MacSafe
AJ & Kai28 Samba"Don't Go Yet" — Camila CabelloSafe

;Judges' votes to save
  • Horwood: Judi & Graziano
  • Mabuse: Judi & Graziano
  • Du Beke: Judi & Graziano
  • Ballas: ''Did not vote, but would have voted to save Greg & Karen''

Week 5

Musical guests: Craig David & MNEK — "Who You Are"
After Judi Love tested positive for COVID-19, she was unable to perform on the live show. Under the rules of the show, she was granted a bye to the following week.
Couples are listed in the order they performed.
CoupleScoresDanceMusicResult
Dan & Nadiya28 Viennese waltz"She's Always a Woman" — Billy JoelSafe
Adam & Katya29 Samba"Faith" — George MichaelSafe
Sara & Aljaž25 Rumba"You're Still the One" — Shania TwainSafe
Tom & Amy34 Salsa"Watermelon Sugar" — Harry StylesSafe
Tilly & Nikita36 Foxtrot"Little Things" — One DirectionSafe
AJ & Kai35 Argentine tango"Edge of Seventeen" — Stevie NicksSafe
Ugo & Oti20 Rumba"Leave the Door Open" — Silk SonicEliminated
John & Johannes38 Charleston"Milord" — Édith PiafSafe
Rose & Giovanni37 Viennese waltz"Fallin'" — Alicia KeysSafe
Rhys & Nancy32 American Smooth"I've Got the World on a String" — Michael BubléBottom two

;Judges' votes to save
  • Horwood: Rhys & Nancy
  • Mabuse: Rhys & Nancy
  • Du Beke: Rhys & Nancy
  • Ballas: ''Did not vote, but would have voted to save Rhys & Nancy''

Week 6: Halloween Week

Musical guest: Gregory Porter — "Dry Bones"
Couples are listed in the order they performed.
CoupleScoresDanceMusicResult
John & Johannes33 Quickstep"Bad Moon Rising" — Creedence Clearwater RevivalSafe
AJ & Kai37 Viennese waltz"Dangerous Woman" — Ariana GrandeSafe
Dan & Nadiya27 Jive"Rock Lobster" — The B-52'sSafe
Rhys & Nancy33 Paso doble"The Eve of the War" — Jeff WayneSafe
Sara & Aljaž23 Couple's choice"Queen of the Night" — Whitney HoustonSafe
Rose & Giovanni40 Tango"Shivers" — Ed SheeranSafe
Tilly & Nikita35 Cha-cha-cha"Spooky Movies" — Gary S. PaxtonSafe
Adam & Katya29 Viennese waltz"Moonlight Sonata" — Ludwig van BeethovenBottom two
Judi & Graziano25 Cha-cha-cha"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnEliminated
Tom & Amy29 Tango"Highway to Hell" — AC/DCSafe

;Judges' votes to save
  • Horwood: Adam & Katya
  • Mabuse: Adam & Katya
  • Du Beke: Adam & Katya
  • Ballas: ''Did not vote, but would have voted to save Adam & Katya''

Week 7

Musical guest: The Script — "Superheroes"
Couples are listed in the order they performed.
CoupleScoresDanceMusicResult
Adam & Katya27 Jive"Little Bitty Pretty One" — Frankie LymonEliminated
Rose & Giovanni32 Samba"Cinema Italiano" — Kate HudsonSafe
Tom & Amy38 Paso doble"Amparito Roca" — Jaime TeixidorSafe
Rhys & Nancy34 Quickstep"What a Man Gotta Do" — Jonas BrothersSafe
Tilly & Nikita31 Tango"Kings & Queens" — Ava MaxBottom two
Dan & Nadiya28 Couple's choice"Classic" — MKTOSafe
John & Johannes35 Rumba"Shape of My Heart" — StingSafe
AJ & Kai39 Charleston"Don't Bring Lulu" — Dorothy ProvineSafe
Sara & Aljaž33 Quickstep"9 to 5" — Dolly PartonSafe

;Judges' votes to save
  • Horwood: Tilly & Nikita
  • Mabuse: Tilly & Nikita
  • Du Beke: Tilly & Nikita
  • Ballas: ''Did not vote, but would have voted to save Adam & Katya''

Week 8

Musical guest: James Blunt — "Goodbye My Lover"
Couples are listed in the order they performed.
CoupleScoresDanceMusicResult
Tilly & Nikita29 Quickstep"I Won't Dance" — Damita JoBottom two
AJ & Kai28 Paso doble"Game of Survival" — RuelleSafe
Dan & Nadiya29 American Smooth"King of the Road" — The ProclaimersSafe
Rhys & NancyCharleston"The Charleston" — Bob Wilson and his Varsity Rhythm BoysSafe
Sara & Aljaž32 Argentine tango"No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)" — Barbra Streisand & Donna SummerEliminated
John & Johannes38 Samba"Acuyuyé" — Dark Latin GrooveSafe
Tom & Amy30 Viennese waltz"Iris" — Goo Goo DollsSafe
Rose & Giovanni39 Couple's choice"Symphony" — Clean Bandit, feat. Zara LarssonSafe

;Judges' votes to save
  • Horwood: Tilly & Nikita
  • Mabuse: Tilly & Nikita
  • Du Beke: Tilly & Nikita
  • Ballas: ''Did not vote, but would have voted to save Tilly & Nikita''

Week 9: Musicals Week

Individual judges scores in the chart below are listed in this order from left to right: Cynthia Erivo, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke.
Musical guests: Max Harwood & The Feeling — "Out of the Darkness (A Place Where We Belong)"
On 15 November, it was announced that Craig Revel Horwood had tested positive for COVID-19 and was self-isolating following the latest government guidelines. On 19 November, it was announced that Cynthia Erivo would replace him on the judging panel for the week.
Couples are listed in the order they performed.
CoupleScoresDanceMusicMusicalResult
AJ & Kai38 Waltz"Edelweiss"The Sound of MusicSafe
Rhys & Nancy32 Jive"Footloose"FootlooseBottom two
Tom & Amy31 Couple's choice"On My Own"Les MisérablesEliminated
Rose & Giovanni37 Quickstep"Love Is an Open Door"FrozenSafe
John & Johannes32 Viennese waltz"Chim Chim Cher-ee"Mary PoppinsSafe
Tilly & Nikita40 Couple's choice"Revolting Children"Matilda the MusicalSafe
Dan & Nadiya31 Charleston"Good Morning"Singin' in the RainSafe

;Judges' votes to save
  • Erivo: Rhys & Nancy
  • Mabuse: Rhys & Nancy
  • Du Beke: Rhys & Nancy
  • Ballas: ''Did not vote, but would have voted to save Tom & Amy''

Week 10

Individual judges scores in the chart below are listed in this order from left to right: Craig Revel Horwood, Cynthia Erivo, Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke.
Musical guests: Years & Years — "Sweet Talker"
On 26 November, it was announced that Motsi Mabuse had come into contact with someone who had tested positive for COVID-19. While Mabuse was doubly vaccinated, which would have allowed an exemption from the self-isolation guidelines, the British government did not recognise her vaccines, so she could not travel back from Germany. Cynthia Erivo returned to the judging panel for the week.
Couples are listed in the order they performed.
CoupleScoresDanceMusicResult
Rose & Giovanni33 Paso doble"California Dreamin'" — SiaSafe
Dan & Nadiya31 Rumba"Desperado" — EaglesSafe
AJ & Kai36 Couple's choice"Make Me Feel" — Janelle MonáeSafe
Rhys & Nancy35 Waltz"You Light Up My Life" — Whitney HoustonBottom two
Tilly & Nikita30 Samba"Levitating" — Dua LipaEliminated
John & Johannes39 Argentine tango"The 5th" — David GarrettSafe

;Judges' votes to save
  • Horwood: Rhys & Nancy
  • Erivo: Rhys & Nancy
  • Du Beke: Rhys & Nancy
  • Ballas: ''Did not vote, but would have voted to save Rhys & Nancy''

Week 11: Quarter-final

Musical guest: JLS — "Postcard"
Couples are listed in the order they performed.
CoupleScoresDanceMusicResult
John & Johannes32 Salsa"We Are Family" — Sister SledgeSafe
Rhys & NancyArgentine tango"In the Air Tonight" — Phil CollinsSafe
Rose & Giovanni39 American Smooth"This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" — Natalie ColeSafe
Dan & Nadiya31 Tango"Santa María (del Buen Ayre)" — Gotan ProjectEliminated
AJ & Kai30 Salsa"Rhythm Is Gonna Get You" & "Get on Your Feet" — Gloria EstefanBottom two

;Judges' votes to save
  • Horwood: AJ & Kai
  • Mabuse: AJ & Kai
  • Du Beke: AJ & Kai
  • Ballas: ''Did not vote, but would have voted to save AJ & Kai''

Week 12: Semi-final

Each couple performed two routines, and are listed in the order they performed.
CoupleScoresDanceMusicResult
Rhys & Nancy36 Tango"One Vision" — QueenEliminated
Rhys & Nancy38 Samba"It Had Better Be Tonight (Meglio stasera)" — Michael BubléEliminated
AJ & Kai40 Quickstep"Sing, Sing, Sing (With a Swing)" — Benny GoodmanSafe
AJ & Kai39 Rumba"Show Me Heaven" — Maria McKeeSafe
John & Johannes39 Couple's choice"Hometown Glory" — AdeleBottom two
John & Johannes39 Jive"Higher Power" — ColdplayBottom two
Rose & Giovanni39 Waltz"How Long Will I Love You?" — Ellie GouldingSafe
Rose & Giovanni40 Argentine tango"A Evaristo Carriego" — Eduardo RoviraSafe

;Judges' votes to save
  • Horwood: John & Johannes
  • Mabuse: John & Johannes
  • Du Beke: John & Johannes
  • Ballas: ''Did not vote, but would have voted to save John & Johannes''

Week 13: Final

Musical guest: Ed Sheeran — "Bad Habits"
AJ Odudu and Kai Widdrington withdrew from the final after Odudu suffered ligament damage in her right ankle.
Each couple performed three routines: one chosen by the judges, their favourite dance of the season, and their showdance routine. Couples are listed in the order they performed.
CoupleScoresDanceMusicResult
Rose & Giovanni39 Quickstep"Love Is an Open Door" — from FrozenWinners
Rose & GiovanniCouple's choice"Symphony" — Clean Bandit, feat. Zara LarssonWinners
Rose & Giovanni40 Showdance"The Rose" — Bette MidlerWinners
John & Johannes39 Rumba"Shape of My Heart" — StingRunners-up
John & Johannes40 Paso doble"He's a Pirate" — from Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black PearlRunners-up
John & Johannes40 Showdance"You've Got the Love" — Florence and the MachineRunners-up

Dance chart

The couples performed the following each week:
  • Weeks 1–11: One unlearned dance
  • Week 12 : Two unlearned dances
  • Week 13 : Judges' choice, favourite dance & showdance

Reception

Series 19 received positive reviews from fans and critics. Lottie Townend of Glasgow University Guardian said that "the series provided a place of escape and comfort from the difficulties of the outside world. You become personally invested in each contestant’s journey, root for their success and feel the warmth through their shared love for dance". Jane Rackham of Radio Times was positive towards this season's unpredictability, writing: "This must be the most unpredictable series of Strictly ever. And not only because several participants had to miss a show after testing positive for Covid".

Ratings

Weekly ratings for each show on BBC One. All ratings are provided by BARB.
EpisodeDateOfficial rating
Weekly rank
for BBC One
Weekly rank
for all UK TV
Share
Launch show8.512244.7%
Week 19.612247.9%
Week 29.571148.5%
Week 2 results8.142343.6%
Week 310.071151.1%
Week 3 results8.382344.2%
Week 410.251151.0%
Week 4 results8.222343.2%
Week 510.461152.0%
Week 5 results8.812243.1%
Week 610.581152.5%
Week 6 results8.722343.7%
Week 710.151153.5%
Week 7 results8.812341.8%
Week 810.091151.6%
Week 8 results9.182245.8%
Week 910.721252.3%
Week 9 results8.722439.1%
Week 1010.991153.9%
Week 10 results9.592445.6%
Week 1110.161150.7%
Week 11 results8.992242.5%
Week 1210.561151.0%
Week 12 results10.272248.8%
Week 1312.211157.8%
Series average
20219.7248.1%