Here are the stars from the classical world who have graced the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing – as performers and, in one case, a much-loved judge

By Steve Wright

Published: Thursday, 24 August 2023 at 10:21 AM


Over its long history (the first series was broadcast way back in 2004), the BBC’s flagship dance contest show Strictly Come Dancing has attracted hundreds of illustrious contestants from the worlds of sport and entertainment… and, among them, we can find a select quartet of notable names from the classical world.

Classical performers who have appeared on Strictly Come Dancing 

Aled Jones

Singer and radio / TV presenter Aled Jones shot to fame as a teenage chorister in 1985. That was the year his recording of ‘Walking in the Air’, for the film The Snowman, made the top five of the UK singles chart. Since then, Aled has worked for the BBC, ITV, and Classic FM.

What year did Aled Jones apear on Strictly?

Aled’s Strictly moment came in 2004 (Series Two) when, dancing with the Russian professional Lilia Kopylova, he reached week 7. Only Julian Clary, Denise Lewis and series winner Jill Halfpenny performed better.