Although the underdogs rarely score highly in Strictly Come Dancing odds, or become the bookie’s favourite, they certainly find a special place in our hearts! Who doesn’t love watching someone make an idiot out of themselves on live television, whilst kicking back from the comfort of your own home? Sometimes the worst dancers are the best dancers – and the following contestants certainly prove that to be true! Read on as we talk you through some of the most jaw-dropping wannabe dancers that the Strictly ballroom has ever seen.
John Sergeant
John Sergeant is best known for his work as a political commentator, as well as a much-loved television broadcaster, but we know him best as the man who changed the Paso Doble forever. Sergeant appeared on the show back in 2008, and was partnered up with the ever-glamorous professional Kristina Rihanoff. He quickly made a name for himself as the worst contestant that had ever been seen on the show, despite the fact he was trying so hard to pick up the steps.
His worst moment was undoubtedly in week six, when he and Rihanoff performed their own rendition of the Paso Doble. Typically, a fast-paced Spanish dance, its namesake roughly translating to “double-step”, and Sergeant definitely took that translation very literally. The seasoned journalist began to stomp around the stage, as the music began, before taking his partner by the ankle, and dragging her across the floor, in what has now been dubbed as the “least graceful move…[anyone] has ever seen”. Ah, we still love you John!
Ann Widdecombe
Now, you didn’t think that we’d compile a list like this without mentioned the iconic performances that came from British politician, Ann Widdecombe, did you? Perhaps one of the best known “so-bad-it’s-good” contests of all time, Widdecombe made history when she took to the dance floor in 2010. Partnered with Anton Du Beke, someone who is no stranger to being paired up with a somewhat challenging celebrity, the daring duo put forward many comedic performances, that kept avid watchers in stitches.
One of the most memorable performances from Widdecombe and Du Beke came in the form of their fantastically awful Rumba in week nine, which saw the pair bopping around to the Titanic theme tune – My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion. This routine involved the politician being hoisted up by wires and a pully system, flying her way past a tongue-in-cheek ice-berg prop, whilst Du Beke waited below, before swinging his partner around by one of her ankles and her wrist. If that’s not an image that’ll stay with you forever – the we don’t know what is!
Ed Balls
Fast forward to 2016, and the Strictly Come Dancing stage was graced by the unrhythmic stylings of the former Labour MP Ed Balls. From the very beginning, Balls’ talents weren’t exactly looking promising, but his partner, Katya Jones, did her best with what she had. Balls and Jones were one of the series’ most popular couples, hence why they managed to hang on in the competition until week 10 – landing them 6th place!
Ed Balls left us speechless when he took to the stage in week eight, busting out his best Salsa moves to none other than Psy’s Gangnam Style. An internet sensation back in 2012, you wouldn’t necessarily pair this song with a Salsa dance, but these two definitely proved that idea wrong! Fans were left with their jaws on the floor after Katya Jones was seen to lift her partner, as well as letting him chuck her around like a rag doll! To say that it was entertaining, is an understatement!
