Caledonian Travel's Five Favourite Strictly Come Dancing Moments

As we prepare to offer coach breaks to the Strictly Come Dancing live tour in 2025, we couldn’t resist looking back on some of our all-time favourite moments from this family-favourite show.

From unforgettable performances to heartwarming moments, Strictly has entertained audiences in their living rooms for years, and now, with our upcoming tours to Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, and Birmingham, fans will have the perfect opportunity to experience the magic of the live show firsthand.

But first - let's remember just why we love Strictly Come Dancing. Here are our top five Strictly Come Dancing moments - moments that make us laugh, cry, and cheer - just in time to get you in the mood for the 2025 live tour!

Ed Balls – Gangnam Style

We had to get this one in first, as no list of iconic Strictly moments would be complete without mentioning Ed Balls and his unforgettable 'Gangnam Style' routine. In what is perhaps one of the most unexpected and funniest performances in Strictly history, former politician Ed Balls took to the floor with partner Katya Jones to deliver an energetic (and well coordinated!) dance that left audiences in stitches and on their feet.

With a perfect mix of fun and absurdity, it shows that Strictly is not just about technical perfection but about enjoying yourself. Balls’ commitment to the routine made it a moment to remember, and it remains one of the most-watched Strictly clips to date.

Check out Ed Balls' 'Gangnam Style' moment below!

Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice – The Silent Dance

In 2021, Strictly made history with a performance that not only wowed audiences but also raised awareness for the deaf community. Rose Ayling-Ellis, the show’s first-ever deaf contestant, danced with partner Giovanni Pernice to 'Symphony' and in a truly moving moment. The music was cut out halfway through the routine, leaving the audience to experience a few seconds of silence, in the way that Rose experiences the world.

This powerful moment became one of the most talked-about performances in Strictly history. And viewers praised the poignant tribute to the deaf community, hailing Rose an inspiration.

Relive the magic of Rose and Giovanni’s silent dance below:

Bill Bailey – Talk to the Animals/Dr Dolittle

Bill Bailey, known for his eccentric humour and unique style, brought his quirky personality to the Strictly ballroom when he performed a cha-cha-cha to 'Talk to the Animals' from Doctor Dolittle. What made this moment so special? It wasn’t just Bill’s humour, but the surprising fact that he was actually a brilliant dancer.

Teamed up with Oti Mabuse, Bill Bailey delivered one of the most entertaining and delightful routines of the series, combining comedy with clever choreography.  A performance that's still talked about today!

Watch Bill Bailey’s show-stopping routine:

Ann Widdecombe – The Infamous Dragging

If there’s one Strictly moment that fans love to rewatch for pure comedy value, it has to be Ann Widdecombe’s cha-cha-cha. Partnered with Anton Du Beke, Widdecombe made waves when she was (quite literally) dragged around the dance floor, much to the amusement of audiences in the studio and at home.

The judges’ critiques were equally memorable, with the routine being compared to a variety of outlandish descriptions. Yet, despite the chaos, Ann Widdecombe remains one of the most memorable contestants in Strictly history, showing that even the less coordinated can leave a lasting impression!

Enjoy the hilarity of this performance:

The Launch of the 2024 Series

As we prepare for the 2025 live tour, the excitement of the 2024 series of Strictly Come Dancing is already in full swing. With a fresh cast of celebrities and professional dancers, this season promises to bring even more dazzling routines, captivating performances, and unforgettable moments.

Who will shine? Who will surprise? And what new moves will take the ballroom by storm? 

Catch a sneak peek of the 2024 series launch below, and find out who you could see on tour when you join Caledonian Travel at one of the Strictly Live shows in 2025:

Ready for the Strictly Live Tour 2025?

If these moments have left you feeling nostalgic or excited, there’s no better way to experience the magic of Strictly Come Dancing than by coming along to the 2025 live tour. Caledonian Travel is offering special coach breaks to see Strictly in Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, and Birmingham, giving you the perfect opportunity to see your favourite dancers and celebrities up close. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to Strictly-mania, this is one experience you won’t want to miss.

Book your Strictly Come Dancing live tour coach break with Caledonian Travel today, and join us for an unforgettable celebration of dance, music, and entertainment!