Strictly Come Dancing Season 7

Synopsis

The seventh series of Strictly Come Dancing commenced on BBC One on 18 September 2009. Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly returned as presenters together with Craig Revel Horwood, Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli as judges. Series 5 winner, Alesha Dixon, joined the judging panel, replacing Arlene Phillips. Darcey Bussell was a guest judge from the quarter final onwards. Series 6 winner Camilla Dallerup, series 4 winner Karen Hardy and Hayley Holt were replaced as professional female dancers by Aliona Vilani, Katya Virshilas and Natalie Lowe. The show on 7 November was filmed from the Blackpool Tower Ballroom for the first time since the Grand Final of series 2. Due to illness, Bruce Forsyth did not feature in the show on 14 November. As a result, Tess Daly took over as main presenter and Ronnie Corbett was a surprise guest. Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two host Claudia Winkleman took over Daly's normal role. The series was won by sports presenter Chris Hollins and his professional partner Ola Jordan.

Main Cast

Bruce Forsyth

Self - Presenter

Age : 89 | Popularity : 7%

Tess Daly

Self - Presenter

Age : N/A | Popularity : 3%

Len Goodman

Self - Judge

Age : 80 | Popularity : 8%

Alesha Dixon

Self - Judge

Age : 45 | Popularity : 4%

Bruno Tonioli

Self - Judge

Age : 68 | Popularity : 4%

Craig Revel Horwood

Self - Judge

Age : 59 | Popularity : 7%

Episodes

Episode 1

18 September 2009 - Series 7, Show 1

In the first of two 2-part rounds, 8 of the new contestants must perform one of the ballroom dances. The remaining 8 pairs must perform a mambo in the first group dance of the new season. Alesha Dixon joins the team as a new regular judge.

Episode 3

25 September 2009 - Series 7, Show 3

This live show sees the second group of eight celebrities competing for the first time with their professional dance partners. This week they will either take on the Tango or whip up a Waltz to earn your votes and impress judges Len Goodman, Craig Revel Horwood, Bruno Tonioli and Alesha Dixon. Find out who's found their dancing feet as Jo Wood, Phil Tufnell, Laila Rouass, Craig Kelly, Richard Dunwoody, Zoe Lucker, Ricky Whittle and Natalie Cassidy step up to the challenge. Plus, last week's remaining seven couples will be hoping their group Mambo will be memorable for all the right reasons.

Episode 5

03 October 2009 - Series 7, Show 5

The stakes are raised as all 14 remaining celebrities go head to head for the first time. They're hoping to impress with their fancy footwork as they take on either a Quickstep or Paso Doble. One unlucky couple will be hanging up their dancing shoes as they find out who will be leaving the competition for good. While the couples have an anxious wait to find out their fate, the professional dancers whip up a fantastic foxtrot and there's a special treat as Strictly brings a sizzling Salsa to the dance floor. Plus music legend Andy Williams performs.

Episode 6

10 October 2009 - Series 7, Show 6

The remaining 13 celebrities return to the dancefloor hoping to dazzle the judges and viewers with their sensational dance moves, stepping up to perform a salsa or foxtrot. One unlucky couple will perform their last dance, finding out later that they must leave the competition for good. While the couples nervously wait to discover their fate, the professional dancers put on an extravagant, show-stopping performance.

Episode 7

17 October 2009 - Series 7, Show 7

The remaining 12 couples battle it out as they take to the floor with a jive or a Viennese waltz. By the end of the show, one more couple will be leaving the competition for good. Everyone will be out to impress the judges as no-one wants to go home. While the celebrities nervously wait for the result, the professional dancers bring a taste of carnival to Strictly with a sizzling samba, plus music from Spandau Ballet.

Episode 8

24 October 2009 - Series 7, Show 8

Join Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly at BBC Television Centre as the 11 remaining celebrities step up their game to stay in the competition. Each couple will dance either a sensational samba or a sophisticated American smooth, where they will be able to perform lifts without fear of reprimand from the judges. By the end of the show, the two couples with the lowest combined judges' score and viewers' votes will perform again in the dance-off. But who will the judges save this week and who will be bidding farewell to the competition for good? While the couples anxiously wait for the result, the world Latin champions Michael Malitowski and Joanna Leunis will perform a special rumba.

Episode 9

31 October 2009 - Series 7, Show 9

The competition heats up as the remaining couples take to the floor, performing either a ballroom or Latin dance. The couples will hope to book a place in the next show, but there are only nine places up for grabs so they must impress the judges and the audience at home. The two couples with the lowest combined judges' scores and viewer votes face the dreaded dance-off. One unlucky couple will reach the end of their journey as they leave the competition for good. While they anxiously wait for the result, the UK's rising stars of ballroom strut their stuff, and the professional dancers have a treat in store. Plus, music from the Bee Gees.

Episode 10

07 November 2009 - Series 7, Show 10

This week Strictly comes from the world famous Blackpool Tower ballroom. Each of the nine remaining couples step onto the historic dance floor to perform either a ballroom or Latin dance. Waiting to be impressed are judges Len Goodman, Alesha Dixon, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli. At the end of the evening, the two couples with the lowest combined judges' scores and viewer votes face the dance-off. Who will be saved by the judges and who will be performing their last dance? Whilst the celebrities nervously wait to find out their fate, the professional dancers treat us to a stunning Viennese waltz, and music is provided by the legendary Rod Stewart.

Episode 11

14 November 2009 - Series 7, Show 11

Tess Daly is joined by Ronnie Corbett and Claudia Winkleman to present the popular dance competition, which steps up a gear as the remaining couples head back to London to take to the dance floor, performing either a ballroom or Latin dance. The eight couples will hope to impress the judges and book a place in the next show. There are only seven places up for grabs, so no-one can afford to put a foot wrong. The two couples with the lowest combined judges' scores and viewers' votes face the dreaded dance-off. Their fate then lies in the hands of the judges - who will stay and who will go? While they wait for the result, the professional dancers provide entertainment with a sizzling performance.

Episode 12

21 November 2009 - Series 7, Show 12

It's week 10 of the competition and the pressure is on as the seven remaining couples hit the dance floor to perform either a ballroom or Latin dance. No-one can risk putting a step out of place - or they may be the contestants who leave the competition for good. Once the judges' scores and viewers' votes are combined, the two couples with the lowest result will perform again in the dance-off. Who will the judges save this week and who will perform their last dance? While the celebrities wait to find out their fate, the professional dancers provide the entertainment with another sensational performance and Dame Shirley Bassey sings a show-stopping number.

Episode 13

28 November 2009 - Series 7, Show 13

It's week eleven and there's no room for mistakes as the remaining couples are back on the dance floor. It is a Strictly first as they perform one of two new dances - either a rock and roll or cheeky Charleston. The couples must pull out all the stops in a bid to secure a place in next week's quarter finals. The two couples with the lowest combined judges' scores and viewers' votes face the dreaded dance-off, with one couple hanging up their dancing shoes for good. Whilst they nervously wait for the result, the professional dancers perform a spectacular number.

Episode 15

05 December 2009 - Series 7, Show 14 (Results)

Four couples remain, but only three can go through to the semi-final. The two couples with the lowest combined judges' score and viewers' votes will perform again in the dance-off. But who will make it to the semis and who will leave the competition for good? While the couples nervously wait for the result, the professionals perform, and the legendary Bette Midler is in the studio.

Episode 16

12 December 2009 - Series 7, Show 15

It's semi final week and the competition steps up a gear as the remaining three couples are one step closer to lifting that glitterball trophy. However, before they do, they must impress the judges and viewers at home. Hosts Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly oversee proceedings as the couples perform two dances each. They take to the floor with a dramatic Argentine tango plus a ballroom or Latin dance. There are only two coveted places up for grabs in the final so everyone is pulling out the stops to secure their place.

Episode 17

12 December 2009 - Series 7, Show 15 (Results)

Three couples danced their hearts out in a bid to make it to the final, but one must now leave the competition. Someone's dancing dream will be over for good, but who will leave the competition empty handed? Whilst they wait for the all important results there's a jaw dropping performance from the World Showdance Champions, plus the cast of Hairspray perform. There's also music from Lily Allen.

Episode 18

19 December 2009 - Series 7, Show 16

Sixteen couples, fourteen nail biting weeks, one winner - it's the moment we've all been waiting for, the final of Strictly Come Dancing. After months of dancing delights and disasters, only two couples remain and everything rests on the final performances. Both finalists battle it out on the dancefloor in a bid to win the title of Strictly Come Dancing Champion 2009. Who will step up to the challenge and whose dancing dreams will turn to dust? Judges Len Goodman, Alesha Dixon, Craig Revel Horwood, Bruno Tonioli and Darcey Bussell cast their critical eye over the celebrities' dances. Plus there's a chance to relive your favourite moments of the series. Part of the BBC Christmas 2009 season

Episode 19

19 December 2009 - Series 7, Show 16 (Results)

The tension has been mounting and after months of training the moment of truth has finally arrived. Both couples are desperate to win but only one can be crowned Strictly Come Dancing Champion 2009. They have danced to impress the judges but the final decision is down to the public. Who will be lifting the glitterball trophy and who will leave empty handed? Their fate is in your hands.

Crew

Department	Role	Name
Production	Executive Producer	Martin Scott
	Producer	Clodagh O'Donoghue
Department	Role	Name

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