STRICTLY is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and viewers are curious to see who will lift the Glitterball Trophy on such a special occasion.
So far none of the celebrity league leaders have been eliminated from the competition, but some Strictly fans’ favorite professionals have.
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A number of long-serving Strictly pros have still failed to lift the Glitterball TrophyCredit: BBC
It’s particularly painful for some because, despite years on the show, some of the longest-serving professionals surprisingly still haven’t won the Glitterball.
Let’s take a look at who they are and how close they’ve come before, only to be pipped into the post.
Gorka Marquez
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Gorka Marquez reached the final three times, but never wonCredit: BBC 
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He came close to Alexandra Burke, Maisie Smith (pictured) and Helen SkeltonCredit: PA
The Spanish hunk joined Strictly in 2016 for the 14th series, where he was paired with EastEnders actress Tameka Empson.
Gorka couldn’t last long as they were eliminated in third place, but the following year he had much more success with the X Factor winner, Alexandra Burke.
The pair performed some incredible routines, including a memorable Charleston and energetic Jive.
They reached the final but missed the Glitter Ball, with actor Joe McFadden And Katya Jones win.
The next The year in which he was voted out fourth Katie Piperbefore failing to get a celebrity partner for the 2019 series.
Gorka was back in 2020 with EastEnders’ Maisie Smithand reached the final again.
In something of a trend, he left the show prematurely in 2021 with Corrie’s Katie McGlynnbefore reaching the final with presenter in 2022 Helen Skelton.
But unfortunately the Glitterball still eludes him, and has already been voted out this year with a famous partner Dr. Punam KrishanGorka and his fans will have to hope that 2025 will be his year.
Strictly speaking viewers burst into tears over ‘crushed’ Amy Dowden as brave dancer returns
Karen Hauer
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Karen Hauer is the show’s longest-serving female proCredit: BBC 
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Surprisingly, Karen has only reached the final twice in her long career, most recently with Jamie Laing (pictured)Credit: PA
Can you believe Strictly’s longest serving female pro has never won? I certainly can’t.
Karen joined the show in 2012 and has had to train a mixed bag of celebrities.
Her first famous partner was Westleven‘s Nicky Byrne, and they reached the quarter-finals.
The following year she danced with the late Hairy Bikers star Dave Myerswhere they were voted out seventh.
Karen reached her first final in 2014 with former Towie star Mark Wright and that only worked again in 2020 with Made in Chelsea‘S Jamie Laing.
On other occasions, she reached the quarter-finals with actor Charles Venn in 2018, and the semi-finals with comedian the following year Chris Ramsey.
Unfortunately, Karen seems to have been stuck at the Week 5 point for the past three seasons, leaving her at the same point in the competition with Jayde Adams, Eddie Kadi and this year, Paul Merson.
Amy Dowden
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Amy Dowden joined the show in 2017Credit: BBC 
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She reached the final once, with Karim Zeroual in 2019Credit: PA
Amy quickly won the hearts of Strictly viewers when she joined the show in 2017.
She was linked to TV legend Brian Conley and they finished in 12th place.
In her second year she was paired Death in paradise‘S Danny John-Jules and they did slightly better, finishing ninth.
Amy reached her first final as a presenter in 2019 Karim Zeroualbut they were defeated Kelvin Fletcher And Oti Mabuse.
She then finished sixth with JJ Chalmersseventh with McFly‘S Tom Fletcher and 11th with EastEnders actor James bye.
Sadly, Amy was forced to miss the 2023 series after being diagnosed breast cancer.
Fans were excited to see her return for the 2024 series, which she was linked to JLS singer JB Gill.
But unfortunately Amy was forced to withdraw from the series with a foot injury on Monday, a week after she went to the hospital after the Halloween live show.
JB will keep dancing with Lauren Oakleywho stood in for Amy during Icons Week, and she will no doubt be hoping he can lift the Glitterball Trophy on her behalf.
Dianne Buswell
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Dianne Buswell joined at the same time as AmyCredit: BBC 
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She made it to the finals twice, once with now boyfriend Joe Sugg in 2018
Red-haired Aussie Dianne joined Strictly in 2017 with Amy and quickly made her mark.
Her first partner was Reverend Richard Coles, and they were the second couple eliminated.
But things went much better for Dianne the following year when she was linked to her current boyfriend. Joe Sugg.
The couple reached the finals, but were defeated Stacey Dooley And Kevin Cliftonwho also became a couple after the series ended.
Dianne was unlucky in the next two heats and was eliminated in third place with DJ Developer Griffin and The Wanted’s Max George respectively.
In 2021, her competition was cut short when her celebrity partner, actor Robert Webb had to withdraw in week three due to illness health.
In 2022, she was linked to DJ Tyler West and they were the eighth couple to be eliminated.
Dianne reached her second final last year with the EastEnders actor Bobby Brazierbut was reposted by Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola.
This year Dianne is paired with blind comedian Chris McCausland, could this be her year?
Strictly special
- Movies Week – Each year the show’s cast of dancers perform mesmerizing routines to an iconic movie soundtrack or hit associated with the big screen blockbusters. Previous films featured include The Sound of Music, Bridget Jones’ Diary and Clueless.
- Musicals Week – In the same vein as Movies, each year during the show the cast performs routines inspired by popular musicals.
- Halloween Week – Things take a seriously spooky turn when the show turns into a Halloween getaway in late October. With some hair-raising costumes and sometimes terrifying routines, it proves to be a fan favorite week year after year.
- Blackpool Week – As the show reaches Blackpool Tower, things get even more exaggerated. Huge props, background dancers and extra special effects flood the ballroom for this extra special week.
Neil Jones
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Neil Jones has been part of the show since 2016Credit: PA 
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In 2019, he made it to the quarterfinals with his first celebrity partner, Alex Scott
Neil joined Strictly in 2016, but also had to watch others before him lift the Glitterball.
For the first three years, Neil did not get a celebrity partner and performed in the group dances.
But in 2019 he collaborated with England football player Alex Scottand they reached the quarter-finals.
Two years later, in 2021, he was linked to an actress Nina Wadia but they were the first to be eliminated.
After missing a partner in 2022 and 2023, Neil was linked to singer Toyah Wilcox this year.
But unfortunately, they were the second couple to be voted out.
Airs strictly on Saturdays on BBC One and available on BBC iPlayer.
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