Strictly Surprises

STRICTLY SURPRISES Lisa Riley, dancing here in the Strictly Jake Wood (pictured dancing the samba with Christmas special with Robin Windsor, partner Janette Manrara) was one of the impressed Craig Revel Horwood surprise hits of Series 12 enough to win the leading role in his show Strictly Confidential

Sunetra Sarker’s beautiful arms impressed the judges this year a strident Conservative 3. Susanna Reid, A beacon of hope for all first male win and, crucially, politician campaigning for Series 11 late bloomers – and those proving that all different Strictly the return of the death Amid growing mutterings languishing in professional types of masculinity are penalty could charm with about lithe ringers with obscurity – the unknown compatible with ballroom. surprises a loopy Titanic tribute? extensive stage-school Blue Peter presenter didn’t He kicked off a sporting training, presenter and mum hit his stride until halfway renaissance (Mark Taking on the “dark horse” mantle in 2014’s Strictly Come 4. Cherie Lunghi, of three Susanna offered a through, but instantly Ramprakash, Matt Dawson) Dancing were snake-hipped Jake Wood and game Sunetra Series 6 refreshing alternative. She gained a vocal fanbase – although, conversely, There is inarguably an age and new pro “Kevin From still bemoaning his semi- those who bet on Olympic Sarker – both, of course, coming under the “Little- bias to the show, given its Grimsby” made it all the final exit. He’s not the only golden girl Victoria Pendleton known but unexpectedly watchable actors” category. relentless pace, unforgiving way to the final, wowing one to take his time: see would have been sorely Our resident blogger Marianka Swain counts down costuming and requirement with an operatic Blackpool also Michael Vaughan, disappointed with her her top five surprise contestants from past series that you occasionally abandon paso along the way. Chris Hollins, and… “surprising” performance. l all semblance of dignity. Fellow aberrant Lisa Riley 5. Ann Widdecombe, hapless hoofers. Some Nevertheless, leaderboard- impressed Craig enough to 1. Darren Gough, Read Marianka’s take Series 8 are cast in that role (Julian topping Cherie produced win the leading role in his Series 3 on the Strictly Come Love them or loathe them, Clary, Russell Grant, Mark a series standout rumba. show Strictly Confidential. The burly cricketer Dancing final at www. the comedy acts do add Benton); others (Ann, John Other golden oldies include shockingly beat out hot dancing-times.co.uk/ entertainment, as well Sergeant) are a revelation. Felicity “Bendy” Kendal and 2. Gethin Jones, favourites Zoë Ball and dance-today-blog as reassuring similarly Who would have thought finalist Pamela Stephenson. Series 5 Colin Jackson, scoring the