Strictly Come Dancing has quickstepped its way back to our screens, and according to fresh research, the nation’s voting habits are less about technical talent and more about who they’d like to tango with after the show. 

 

Forget the fancy footwork, a survey by Paddy Power Games asked Brits the main reasons why they vote on the show, with 13% admitting to picking up the phone because they fancy the contestant.  

 

And it’s not just the celeb stars setting pulses racing: 7% admit they vote based on the professional dancer they find attractive, while 8% confess to voting for the plucky underdog. 

 

Meanwhile, 5% of respondents are basically offering a pity point, proving that even if your cha-cha looks like a car crash, someone will still chuck you a vote. 

 

Of course, not everyone’s vote is driven by looks or sympathy. Over a quarter (27%) embody their inner judge and say they are actually assessing the dancers on their ability.  

 

Top five reasons Brits vote on Strictly Come Dancing 

 

Rank   

Reason  

% of Brits   

1  

Their dancing is good 

27% 

2 

I fancy them 

13% 

=2  

I love them outside the show 

13% 

4  

They are trying their best 

12% 

5  

They are an underdog 

8% 

 

When posed the question on who Brits see as the GOAT of all Strictly Come Dancing contestants, the nation crowned comedian Bill Bailey as the people’s champion of the ballroom, with 5.57m votes (8% of the public). Hot on his heels were Alesha Dixon (4.12m) and actress Rose Ayling-Ellis (3.48m).  

 

And in a shock twist more dramatic than a paso doble, Anne Widdecombe made her way into fourth place with 2.78m votes – despite her moves being less ‘finesse’ and more ‘flat tyre’. 

 

Speaking on the research, former Strictly professional dancer Vincent Simone said: “We all know why the public love Bill Bailey – he had never danced before, and he became such an amazing dancer throughout the show. This show is all about dancing, character and the journey of it, and he is what the show is all about. He became amazing at what we as professionals have been doing for years – but in only 10 weeks!”  

 

Former cricketer Darren Gough, who won the series back in 2005, clearly bowled no one over this time around – managing just 1.39m votes. 

 

Top five favourite celebrities to have competed on Strictly Come Dancing 

 

Rank   

Celebrity  

Number of Brits   

1   

Bill Bailey 

5.57m (8%) 

2   

Alesha Dixon 

4.12m (6%) 

3   

Rose Ayling-Ellis 

3.48m (5%) 

4   

Anne Widdecombe 

2.78m (4%) 

5   

Stacey Dooley 

2.78m (4%) 

 

Speaking on behalf of Paddy Power Games, Paddy Power said: “It seems Strictly viewers are less interested in technique and more with who’s setting their hearts racing. With 13% admitting they’re voting purely because they fancy a celeb, it’s fair to say Cupid’s got more sway than the judges when it comes to deciding who stays on the dancefloor.  

 

“Bill Bailey topping the list of all-time favourites proves that a bit of charm and comedy can outshine even the flashiest of foxtrots. And as for Anne Widdecombe, it just goes to show Strictly isn’t always about the best dancer – sometimes it’s about who leaves the most unforgettable impression.”