The winner of Strictly Come Dancing 2019 was Kelvin Fletcher, who took home the Glitterball Trophy alongside his professional partner Oti Mabuse during the grand final on December 14, 2019. Kelvin, a former Emmerdale actor, joined the competition as a last-minute replacement for reality star Jamie Laing, who was forced to withdraw after sustaining a foot injury during the launch show. The 17th series was a landmark year for the BBC flagship program, featuring the debut of Motsi Mabuse on the judging panel and the first-ever “Couple’s Choice” categories to include Contemporary, Street/Commercial, and Theatre/Jazz as distinct options. Throughout the thirteen-week competition, viewers witnessed high-scoring performances from finalists Karim Zeroual and Emma Barton, making it one of the most competitive seasons in the show’s history.
The 2019 Celebrity Cast
The 2019 lineup featured a diverse array of talent from the worlds of sport, television, and social media. This series was notable for its broad demographic appeal and the high baseline of dance ability among the contestants.
The Finalists and Winner
Kelvin Fletcher and Oti Mabuse were the standouts of the season, famously starting their journey with a Samba that earned 32 points in Week 1. They were joined in the final by CBBC presenter Karim Zeroual and Amy Dowden, as well as EastEnders actress Emma Barton and Anton Du Beke—marking Anton’s first appearance in a final since the show’s first series.
The Full Contestant List
The 15 celebrities who competed in 2019 included sports stars like James Cracknell and Alex Scott, TV presenters like Anneka Rice and Mike Bushell, and influencers like Saffron Barker. The season also featured the first competitive appearance of a Paralympic athlete since 2016, with Will Bayley performing until a knee injury necessitated his withdrawal in Week 7.
Judging Panel and Presenters
Series 17 saw a significant change in the judging lineup, which brought a fresh energy to the technical critiques and Saturday night banter.
Motsi Mabuse Joins the Team
Following the departure of Darcey Bussell, Motsi Mabuse—sister of professional dancer Oti—joined Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, and Bruno Tonioli. Her expertise from the German version of the show, Let’s Dance, provided a technical yet enthusiastic perspective that was widely praised by the audience.
The Hosting Duo
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman returned as the primary hosts, maintaining their iconic partnership. Their chemistry and support for the celebrities in the “Clauditorium” remained a cornerstone of the broadcast’s success throughout the autumn of 2019.
Iconic 2019 Dance Highlights
Several performances from 2019 have gone down in Strictly history as masterclasses in choreography and storytelling.
Kelvin’s Week 1 Samba
Arguably the most famous debut in the show’s history, Kelvin Fletcher’s Samba to “La Vida Es Un Carnaval” shocked the judges and the public. It set a technical standard that remained the benchmark for Latin dances throughout the rest of the competition.
Karim Zeroual’s Jive
In Week 11, Karim Zeroual and Amy Dowden performed a Jive to “You Can’t Stop the Beat” that earned a perfect score of 40. The routine was noted for its incredible speed, precision, and Karim’s professional-level footwork, securing his place as a frontrunner for the trophy.
Weekly Results and Elimination Table
Tracking the progression of the series reveals the fluctuating fortunes of the contestants as they grappled with different genres.
[Table: Strictly 2019 Elimination Order] | Week | Celebrity | Professional Partner | Status | | :— | :— | :— | :— | | Week 2 | James Cracknell | Luba Mushtuk | Eliminated | | Week 3 | Anneka Rice | Kevin Clifton | Eliminated | | Week 4 | Dev Griffin | Dianne Buswell | Eliminated | | Week 5 | David James | Nadiya Bychkova | Eliminated | | Week 6 | Catherine Tyldesley | Johannes Radebe | Eliminated | | Week 7 | Will Bayley | Janette Manrara | Withdrew | | Week 8 | Mike Bushell | Katya Jones | Eliminated | | Week 9 | Michelle Visage | Giovanni Pernice | Eliminated | | Week 10 | Saffron Barker | AJ Pritchard | Eliminated | | Week 11 | Alex Scott | Neil Jones | Eliminated | | Week 12 | Chris Ramsey | Karen Hauer | Eliminated | | Final | Kelvin Fletcher | Oti Mabuse | WINNER |
Blackpool and Theme Weeks
The 2019 season followed the traditional format of “special” weeks that added extra production value and spectacle to the competition.
Movie Week and Halloween
Movie Week (Week 3) saw Kelvin Fletcher channel Mary Poppins, while Michelle Visage stunned as Morticia Addams during the Halloween Special (Week 6). These weeks allow the costume and hair departments to showcase their world-class skills, creating a visual feast for the millions of viewers.
The Blackpool Tower Ballroom
Week 9 saw the remaining contestants head to the home of ballroom dancing. The Blackpool special is always a milestone for celebrities, and in 2019, it featured a memorable Contemporary routine from Alex Scott that celebrated her footballing roots and personal journey.
Practical Information for Fans
If you are looking to watch or engage with Strictly 2019 content in 2026, here is the essential factual data.
Where to Watch
While full episodes of 2019 are no longer on BBC iPlayer due to music licensing, many of the most iconic dances are available on the official Strictly Come Dancing YouTube channel. You can find full playlists of Kelvin Fletcher’s winning journey and Karim Zeroual’s perfect scores.
2019 Tour Details
The Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour followed in early 2020, featuring many of the 2019 finalists. While the tour is long over, many fans still collect the official 2019 annuals and calendars as memorabilia of this specific era of the show.
FAQs
Who won Strictly Come Dancing 2019?
The competition was won by Kelvin Fletcher and his professional partner Oti Mabuse.
Why did Jamie Laing leave Strictly 2019?
Jamie Laing had to withdraw before the first live show after injuring his foot during the launch show group dance.
Who were the judges in 2019?
The judges were Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Bruno Tonioli, and Motsi Mabuse.
What was Kelvin Fletcher’s highest score?
Kelvin achieved a perfect score of 40 multiple times, including for his Quickstep in the semi-final and his Rumba in the final.
Which professional dancer won in 2019?
Oti Mabuse won her first Glitterball Trophy in 2019 (she would go on to win again in 2020 with Bill Bailey).
How many 40s were awarded in 2019?
A total of seven perfect scores of 40 were awarded throughout the series, with Karim Zeroual and Kelvin Fletcher receiving the majority.
Who was the first celebrity eliminated in 2019?
Olympic rower James Cracknell was the first to leave the competition in Week 2.
Did Chris Ramsey make the final?
No, comedian Chris Ramsey was eliminated in the semi-final (Week 12), finishing in fourth place.
What happened to Will Bayley in Strictly 2019?
Will Bayley was forced to withdraw in Week 7 after suffering a serious knee injury during rehearsals.
Who replaced Darcey Bussell on the panel?
Motsi Mabuse was appointed as the new judge following Darcey’s departure at the end of the 2018 series.
What was the “Couple’s Choice” for Michelle Visage?
Michelle Visage famously performed a Vogue routine for her Couple’s Choice, paying tribute to the ballroom culture of New York.
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