Strictly Come Dancing winner Bill Bailey reveals shock over fan response three years on

Virgin Radio

31 Jul 2023, 13:59

Strictly Come Dancing 2020 winner Bill Bailey has admitted fans still sing the theme tune at him three years on from lifting the glitterball trophy. 

The comedian was crowned the winner of Strictly alongside Oti Mabuse, becoming the oldest contestant to win the competition. 

While chatting to fellow Strictly alum Christine Lampard on ITV’s Lorraine, Bill shared how the Strictly legacy has followed him throughout the years. 

Referring to the Strictly theme tune, the funnyman said: “I walk down the street and sometimes, someone will clock me as I go past, and they just go dun dun dun dun dun dun dunnnn, and I have to turn and go, dun dun dun dun dun. It's just like a little call and response thing'.

"The thing is, I love dancing, I still incorporate it in my live shows. I do a bit of Charleston, a bit of Jive. When you learn those skills... those routines, they're right in there. They never leave you. So I just think, 'I might as well use these skills now I've got them'."

As we approach 2023’s Strictly Come Dancing season, speculation has begun on who could pick up the coveted trophy this year, and there are already a couple of names floating around the rumour mill. 

As reported by The Mail on Sunday, Angela Rippon “has been in discussions” with show bosses “for several weeks” and “both parties have agreed terms”.

The presenter previously hosted episodes of the original Come Dancing, which was the inspiration behind Strictly. The BBC show, which ran on and off from all the way back in 1949 to 1998. Unlike its follow-up the contestants weren’t celebrities.

Assuming the news-reading legend does take to the dancefloor, the 78 year old will be Strictly's oldest ever contestant.  

Meanwhile, Former Corrie star Ellie Leach is said to have signed up, according to The Sun.

The newly-single actress, who left the ITV1 soap after playing Faye Windass since 2011, has recently split from her boyfriend of five years.

A TV insider said: “This could be just the tonic for Ellie, who’s had some huge life changes this year and could do with something fresh to focus on.

“It’s going to take some adjusting to, but Strictly is part of opening up a new chapter for Ellie.”

Strictly Come Dancing is expected to return to BBC One later this year.