Strictly Come Dancing's winners now- Heartbreak, kids and glittering new careers
This weekend Bobby Brazier, Ellie Leach and Layton Williams will leave it all on the dancefloor in a bid to be crowned the winner of Strictly Come Dancing 2023.
The fab foursome will take to the Elstree ballroom to perform three dances - including their hotly-anticipated showdances - in the hopes of being the latest recipient of the Glitterball Trophy.
As viewers have seen with past finalists, a win on the BBC dance show can prove career gold for the lucky celebs with lucrative campaigns, West End roles and even an unsuspecting romance awaiting them at the finish line.
But while coming out on top can lead to dizzying success, not everybody gets to waltz off into the sunset.
As the 2022 final awaits, we take a look back out how the previous Strictly winners have fared...
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Hamza Yassin - 2022
Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal won the 2023 final - despite finishing bottom of the leaderboard on the night (PA)Animal lover Hamza stepped out from behind the camera to become a household name when he starred on Strictly Come Dancing in 2022. While he was one of the lesser known stars on the line-up to start with, Hamza found a special place in viewers' hearts thanks to his sweet nature and endless enthusiasm.
Hamza, 33, saw off some stiff competition in the final going up against talented trio Fleur East, Helen Skelton and Molly Rainford to come away with the top prize, despite finishing bottom of the leaderboard on the night.
After the show, Hamza has continued his passion for wildlife documentary-making and appeared on TV shows from CBeebies to Countryfile.
Appearing at the Mirror's Pride of Britain this October, Hamza revealed he had struggled with the fame winning Strictly brought him. "I’m just a normal person and hearing everyone shout my name, I’m still not used to it. Whenever I get the time I escape to the peace and quiet of the wild. Strictly raised my profile a thousand times more than I was expecting, I’m using it to the best of my advantage and just trying to show the British public and the world how important mother nature is," he said.
There had been rumours that Hamza had a crush on his Strictly partner Jowita Pryzstal with fans observing their sweet bond. However, after the final it was revealed that Jowita was secretly dating show ladies' man Giovanni Pernice dashing viewers hopes of a romance with Hamza.
Rose Ayling-Ellis - 2021
Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice were very worthy winners (BBC/Guy Levy)Rose Ayling-Ellis and her partner Giovanni Pernice stole the hearts of the nation with their incredible partnership in 2021.
The EastEnders actress made history as the first deaf contestant to appear on the dance show, and proceeded to win everyone over - from the judges to viewers at home - with her refusal to let her disability ever get in her way.
After a series of stunning routines, and the first perfect 40 of the series, Rose's place in Strictly history was sealed with an incredibly moving Couple's Choice dance that featured one spine-tingling moment where the music stopped completely.
After recreating the dance in the final, Rose and Giovanni went on to lift the Glitterball trophy last year. Following her triumph, Rose went on to pick up a BAFTA award for TV moment of the year for her personal dance with Giovanni.
Shortly after, Rose announced she was quitting EastEnders and went on to bag a role on the West End stage, playing Cecila in an adaption of Shakespeare's As You Like It.
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Her personal life has also undergone an upheaval in the years since her win. Rose and her boyfriend of seven years Samuel Arnold called it quits in September 2022. A source put the split down to the duo spending a lot of time apart following Rose's increasingly hectic schedule.
Rose has continued to stay close friends with her dance partner Giovanni, and was seen publicly supporting him amid the drama of his this year's partner Amanda Abbington quitting in October.
Bill Bailey - 2020
Bill Bailey and Oti Mabuse, winners of Strictly Come Dancing 2020. (PA)Comedian Bill Bailey was the very unlikely winner of Strictly Come Dancing 2021.
After gearing himself up to be the 'joke act', the funnyman went on to impress the judges, viewers - and even Janet Jackson herself - with a series of flawless and innovative routines before eventually seeing off stiff competition from HRVY and Maisie Smith to take home the trophy.
At 55 Bill became the oldest winner in Strictly history while his victory also secured a history-making double win for partner Oti Mabuse. But what happened next for Bill?
The comedian went back to his comedy roots, announcing a UK tour of his En Route To Normal stand-up show following the Covid pandemic. Bill also explored new avenues, making a live TV presenting debut on Steph's Packed Lunch when he covered for regular host Steph McGovern on her self-titled Channel 4 show.
And when not in front of the camera, qualified zoo-keeper Bill spends time at his family home in west London taking care of the exotic birds he fosters in his back garden aviary.
Kelvin Fletcher - 2019
Kelvin Fletcher lifted the trophy with Oti Mabuse (BBC/PA)Emmerdale's Kelvin became another unlikely Strictly success story after going on to win the series with Oti Mabuse when producers only drafted him in at the every last minute.
The soap star, 39, was called up to replace Made in Chelsea's Jamie Laing who injured his leg in rehearsals and was forced to drop out.
Just three months after his Strictly triumph, Kelvin announced his first theatre role after landing a part as the Prince in a Sheffield production of Sleeping Beauty for a rumoured £100,000 fee. His name also topped the bill at the Strictly live show.
However, due to Covid restrictions wreaking havoc on the entertainment industry in 2020, Kelvin was sadly unable to perform in either production.
The star went on to admit that he struggled to find work after being rejected for 10 roles following his Strictly win. Former Emmerdale star Kelvin, best known for playing Andy Sugden, said he became "sick" of hearing the word no following a string of auditions.
After turning his back on acting, Kelvin went on to land his own farming documentary show charting his bid to make a profit from 120 acres of land with no past experience.
Stacey Dooley - 2018
After years of coming second, Kevin Clifton lifted the Glitter Ball trophy with his now-girlfriend Stacey Dooley in the 2018 series (BBC)Documentary-maker Stacey Dooley bagged a boyfriend as well as the Glitterball Trophy when she won the sixteenth series of the show with Kevin Clifton.
Shortly after the final, Stacey fell victim to the so-called 'Strictly Curse' and split with her long-term partner. Weeks later she confirmed swirling rumours that she was now dating her dance partner - the thrice married Grimbsy native Kevin.
Five years later, the pair have now welcomed their first child together - adorable daughter Minnie who Stacey says she is 'obsessed with.'
Stacey's career also went off in a new direction as she made the switch from documentaries to reality TV by landing a role presenting BBC Three's Glow Up: Britain's Next Make-Up Star.
However, she hasn't turned her back on the hard-hitting series that made her famous. Stacey filmed a string of documentaries directly after Strictly - including Stacey Meets the IS Brides - and launched her successful 'Stacey sleeps over' series.
Joe McFadden - 2017
Joe McFadden was the surprise winner in 2017 (BBC/Guy Levy)Holby City actor Joe was the surprise winner of Series 15 after his storming final performances with Katya Jones positioned him a last minute favourite among viewers.
He topped the leaderboard just once throughout the whole series but still saw off stiff competition from Alexandra Burke, Debbie McGee and Gemma Atkinson to clinch the trophy.
After his win Joe bagged a spot on the UK tour of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
Ore Oduba - 2016
Ore Oduba enjoyed a career on the stage after his triumph (BBC)After winning the show with Joanne Clifton in 2016, presenter Ore went on to big things.
He kick-started a career in musical theatre, starring in the UK tour of Grease - where he played the teen angel - before appearing alongside Jason Manford in Curtains the musical.
Ore then made his West End debut in January this year when Curtains landed a permanent spot in London - shortly before the theatres were sadly forced to close due to the coronavirus pandemic.
But Ore has not been short of TV work since winning Strictly, going on to front the main coverage of Sport Relief and land hosting jobs on This Morning and The One Show.
He has also been able to show off his acting skills, playing the role of news anchor Akintola in BBC One drama Noughts + Crosses. He has also had a successful run playing Brad Majors in the West End show and touring production of the Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Jay McGuiness - 2015
Jay McGuines and Aliona Vlani channelled John Travolta and Uma Thurman for their incredible jiveThe Wanted star Jay sealed his place in Strictly history with his performance of that Pulp Fiction jive in Movie Week.
A repeat of the much-loved routine with partner Aliona Vilani in the series finale helped push the duo towards the Glitterball Trophy that year.
Jay went on to show off his newly honed dance skills in London Palladium show Rip it Up the 60s alongside fellow Strictly stars Harry Judd, Aston Merrygold and Louis Smith.
This year he reunited with his The Wanted bandmates to perform to fans a final time as a fivesome before the tragic death of Tom Parker.
Since then, Jay has done a career U-turn and ventured into the world of young adult fiction releasing his first novel Blood Flowers this year.
Caroline Flack - 2014
Caroline Flack said being on Strictly was the time of her life (BBC/PA)Tragic Caroline described her time on Strictly as 'the best experience of my whole life.'
Her time on the show came just after she had been replaced as the host of The Xtra Factor and following a difficult break-up.
From her first week Caroline's enthusiasm for performing shone and she revealed to the public a very different side to her talents as the competition progressed.
Dancing with Pasha Kovalev, Caroline landed three perfect scores of 40 in the finale with her performances, that included a spine-tingling show-stopper to Angels by Robbie Williams.
The routine was movingly repeated in a special tribute to Caroline this year following her death.
Her emotional showdance moved viewers to tears (PA)The former Love Island host took her own life at the age of 40 in February 2020 while awaiting a trial for assault.
The news sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry with BBC bosses paying tribute on the official Strictly social media page at the time.
They wrote: "The entire Strictly Come Dancing family are heartbroken to hear this incredibly sad news. Caroline had an infectious energy and passion for dance, she shone brightly in the Strictly ballroom every week and became an incredible champion. Words cannot express our sadness, she was simply one of a kind. We are sending our love to all her family and friends during this difficult time".
Caroline was then remembered by her co-stars and the judges in a special tribute episode celebrating 20 years of the show.
Janette Manrara, who went on to become friends with the TV presenter, said: "The highlight was her showdance. You could feel she was lost in the moment. As a performer you can't ask for more. It is a memory I hold close to my heart. I think overall she would have said her Strictly journey was magical. I'm so happy she was able to pick up that glitterball and win."
Abbey Clancy - 2013
Abbey Clancy bagged a career in presenting and launched a clothing line after winning (BBC)The model wife of Peter Crouch reached a whole new audience with her impressive performances on the eleventh series of Strictly.
Abbey saw off stiff competition in the final from Coronation Street actress Natalie Gumede and Good Morning Britain's Susanna Reid to win the show with Aljaz Skorjanec.
After her triumph, Abbey was announced as the new host of the revived series of Britains' Next Top Model - nine years after she started her own career on the reality show. She also went on to land a lucrative collaboration with high-street retailer Lipsy, who she continues to release collections with today.
After welcoming daughter Sophia in 2011, Abbey and husband Peter went on to have three more children; Liberty Rose in 2015, Johnny in 2018 and Jack in 2019.
The husband-wife duo have now launched their own podcast, where they delight listeners with tales of the highs and lows of their 12 year marriage.
Louis Smith - 2012
Louis Smith returned to the Olympics four years after winning Strictly (PA)Following his success in the 2012 Olympics, gymnast Louis turned his attentions to Strictly Come Dancing later that same year.
His biggest rival Denise Van Outen was the top scorer for nine of the twelve weeks, but Louis managed to steal a place in viewer's hearts and went on to win the show with Flavia Cacace.
After his success on the dance show, Louis went on represent Great Britain again at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro - where he finished second in the pommel horse behind teammate Max Whitlock.
But Strictly also helped his career in other ways. He appeared in the London Palladium show Rip it Up - The 60s, alongside fellow ex stars Harry Judd, Aston Merrygold and Jay McGuiness in 2018 and also starred in a 70s adaption of the show the following year. He went on to perform alongside Love Island's Amber Davies in hit West End show Bring It On.
Harry Judd - 2011
Harry Judd had been the runaway favourite in his year (BBC)McFly drummer Harry Judd was mobbed by his bandmates when the late Bruce Forsyth announced he had won the show with Aliona Vilani in 2011.
Harry went on to put his new skills to good use by performing in a touring theatre show with some of his fellow Strictly male celebrities. He also won a whole new legion of fans after showing off his impressive six pack and bulging biceps in his steamy routines, leading Harry to release fitness book Get Fit Get Happy to share his top tips on looking and feeling good.
The year after starring in the BBC dance show was also a big one for the musician's personal life too as he tied the knot with his wife Brittany 'Izzy' Johnston who he now shares two children with.
Earlier this year, Harry starred in Celebrity Race Around the World alongside his mum.
Kara Tointon - 2010
Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev confirmed they were a couple after winning Strictly (PA)The sizzling chemistry between actress Kara and her Russian dance partner Artem Chigvinstev kept viewers captivated for weeks during the 2010 series.
Their impressive dance skills and undeniable chemistry was enthralling to watch and by the time they got to lift the Glitterball Trophy the dynamic duo were secretly a couple. The pair dated for four years before splitting in 2014.
While Kara was unlucky in love with Artem, her career went from strength to strength as she landed the leading role of Eliza Doolittle in the West End production of Pygmalion, receiving rave reviews from critics, before landing a slew of other theatre and TV roles.
Kara moved on to find love with Norwegian chiropractor Marius Jensen in 2017, with whom she welcomed children Frey, three, and Helly, two months. In 2022 reports emerged that Kara and Marius had secretly split.
Chris Hollins - 2009
Chris Hollins and Ola Jordan were the shock winners in 2009 (BBC)There was an upset in 2009 when Chris Hollins triumphed over Hollyoaks actor Ricky Whittle in the Strictly final. Ricky had been the judges' darling throughout the series after producing near faultless routines every week.
But it was BBC sports correspondent Chris and partner Ola Jordan who won the viewers vote - helped in part by their joyously toe-tapping Charleston.
After winning Strictly, Chris left his role as a sports pundit on BBC Breakfast behind to co-present Watchdog. He has since followed this up with hosting slots on The One Show, Food Inspectors and Secret Britain.
Tom Chambers - 2008
Tom Chambers made a smooth transition from Strictly stardom to the West End stage (BBC)Holby City actor Tom was a natural on the dancefloor in the very capable hands of Camilla Dallerup in 2008.
S Club 7 actress Rachel Stevens had been the bookies favourite that year, but Tom managed to win over viewers with an impressive Foxtrot and Salsa before the all important vote.
Capitalising on his new found popularity, Tom left Holby for BBC drama Waterloo Road but his biggest success came on the stage.Tom landed the role of Jerry Travers in the UK production of Top Hat after honing his performance skills on Strictly. The actor's fancy footwork and bags of charisma made him the ideal fit for the Fred Astaire classic.
Alesha Dixon - 2007
Alesha Dixon's career reached new heights after winning Strictly with Matthew Cutler (PA)Perhaps one of Strictly's biggest ever success stories is that of Alesha Dixon.
The down on her luck singer was reeling from the bitter demise of her marriage to MC Harvey and being dropped from her record label when she was invited to dance with professional Matthew Cutler on the show.
After impressing BBC bosses during her time on the competition, Alesha was invited to return to the show on the judging panel - replacing Arlene Phillips. The move proved extremely controversial amongst some viewers at the time who accused the BBC of ageism.
Alesha quit the role after only three years but went on to land a spot on the panel of Britain's Got Talent over on ITV. Strictly also helped reignite Alesha's stalled musical career as her second album The Alesha Show - released months after the show - went platinum and spawned four hit singles.
Mark Ramprakash - 2006
Mark Ramprakash went back to cricket (PA)Paired with Karen Hardy on the BBC One dance show, Mark looked a dead cert for the final after dazzling viewers with his sizzling week 9 Samba - which landed him a perfect score of 40.
He became the second consecutive cricketer to win the show, following former England team mate Darren Gough.
Unlike many of his dancing competitors, Mark turned his back on showbiz after his triumph opting instead to return to his sporting roots. He was announced as batting coach with the England Lions in India before taking up the same role at Middlesex and later with England.
Darren Gough - 2005
Darren Gough was hugely popular with the British public (PA)Darren didn't have the easiest start to Strictly Come Dancing after winding up near the bottom of the leader board several weeks in a row.
However, viewers kept their faith in the cricketer and partner Lilia Kopylova, with the pair surprising everyone by making it all the way to the final where they beat Colin Jackson and Zoe Ball to the trophy.
Two years later Darren returned for the Christmas Strictly Special and proved his enduring popularity as he went on to win again. Following his success, the sportsman took part in the live tour in 2008 before hanging up his dancing shoes for good.
He was appointed an MBE in the 2020 Birthday Honours for his services to cricket and charity.
Jill Halfpenny - 2004
Jill Halfpenny's jive is a favourite among die-hard Strictly fans (BBC)The EastEnders star made history as the first Strictly star to ever reach a perfect 40.
Jill's infectious Jive to Sir Elton John's I'm Still Standing is still regarded one of the greatest dances to be performed by a celeb at the Elstree ballroom.
Riding a wave of success, Jill quit her role as Kate Mitchell in EastEnders after five years on the soap before it was announced she was taking on the prestigious role of Roxie Hart in the West End musical Chicago.
After treading the boards, Jill went on to play Izzie Redpath in Waterloo Road and later Diane Mannin in In The Club.
Earlier this year, viewers saw Jill starring in Jack the Ripper drama The Long Shadow, praising her for her 'unrecognisable' performance.
Natasha Kaplinsky - 2004
Natasha Kaplinsky and Brendan Cole were Strictly's first ever winners (BBC)Yes, that's right... Strictly was such a triumph in its debut year that the BBC aired two series within 12 months.
Before Jill picked up the Glitterball Trophy in the autumn of 2004, Natasha did it first in the May-June series. After her win with the bad boy of the ballroom Brendan Cole, Natasha went on to host the BBC's Six O'Clock news.
In October 2007, she was recruited to help relaunch Channel 5 - earning herself the biggest fee ever paid to a UK newsreader in the process.
However, after just three years hosting Five News with Natasha Kaplinsky, the journalist moved over to ITV News.
In her personal life, Natasha married her partner Justin Bower a year after her Strictly win with whom she shares two children Angelica and Arlo.
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