Tasha Ghouri and JB Gill have already won by joining Strictly’s perfect 40 club-Josie Copson-Entertainment – Metro

Over 70 Strictly Come Dancing routines have scored the perfect 40 (Picture: PA)

Strictly Come Dancing contestants are all after one thing in tonight’s final – the glitterball trophy, but there’s another honour that two contestants have already earned.

While competing on the BBC TV series getting a 10 paddle is something the pairs all aim for. On some very special but pretty rare occasions, all four judges believe the routine is worthy of the elusive score and the perfect 40 is achieved.

JB Gill and Lauren Oakley as well as Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec have managed to do it, and no doubt Chris McCausland and Sarah Hadland along with their partners Dianne Buswell and Vito Coppolo will be hoping to follow them into the history books.

In the dancing programme’s 19-year run over 70 dances have managed to achieve the top marks.

While we wait to see if the list is going to get longer, grab yourself a cup of tea, and let’s take a walk down memory lane. We’ll also reveal who made history by scoring the earliest 40 in Strictly history…

Jill Halfpenny and Darren Bennett’s Jive

The very first 40 happened in series two and was achieved by actress Jill. Her high-tempo Jive to I’m Still Standing in the finale encouraged judges, the late Len Goodman, Arlene Phillips, Craig Revel Horwood, and Bruno Tonioli to all get out their 10 paddles.

Jill managed to win the whole series in 2004 and even returned a few years later to perform her impressive Jive once more.

Mark Ramprakash and Karen Hardy’s Salsa

It was another two series before we saw history repeated by eventual winners Mark and Karen. Their Salsa to Hot Hot Hot began with disaster when cricketer Mark’s mic got caught in Karen’s dress and they had to re-start their routine. They still managed to score 36, and then in the final, they did it again and got the perfect 40.

Matt Di Angelo and Flavia Cacace’s Waltz

The first couple to score a 40 before the final was Matt and Flavia, who dated after the series. Their romantic semi-final Waltz to Open Arms in series five wasn’t quite enough to win the series though.

Alesha Dixon and partner Matthew Cutler took the glitterball trophy in series five, despite never scoring a 40. She even went on to replace Arlene as a judge from series seven, before leaving after three years.

Rachel Stevens and Vincent Simone’s Foxtrot

In series six, we got to see Rachel do her thing in the ballroom, and the S Club 7 singer proved her moves were as good as her vocals. Her Foxtrot to They Long to Be Close to You scored 40 in both week 10, and the final when she reprised it with Vincent.

Lisa Snowdon and Brendan Cole’s Quickstep, Foxtrot, and Cha-cha-cha

Lisa and Brendan entered the history books as the first couple to score 40 in more than one routine.

They did a hattrick with their semi-final Quickstep to Dancing in the Dark by Frank Sinatra, and the finale performances – a Foxtrot to Walkin’ My Baby Back Home and Cha-cha-cha to Tears Dry on Their Own.

Despite their impressive scores, Tom Chambers and Camilla Dallerup won series six.

Ali Bastian and Brian Fortuna’s Viennese Waltz and American Smooth

Either the quality of dancing improved over the years, or the judges got a bit more generous as in series seven three couples managed to get 40 (and 50s – we will explain!).

We’re starting off with actor Ali, who first scored 40 with her Viennese waltz to Do Right Woman, Do Right Man during the Blackpool episode. It was this series that Blackpool became a staple week of the show, and the special venue has provided us with many 40s…

From the quarter-final, Darcey Bussell joined as a guest judge meaning it was now possible to score 50. Ali managed the feat for her American Smooth to Come Dance with Me in the semi-final.

Ricky Whittle and Natalie Lowe’s Quickstep

Ricky also managed to bag a rare 50 for his Quickstep to Down with Love.

But it wasn’t either of the actors who managed to win…

Chris Hollins and Ola Jordan’s Charleston

As well as the introduction of Blackpool, a new style of dance also joined the line-up – the Charleston.

Cricketer and journalist Chris performed the genre of dance to Fat Sam’s Grand Slam from the Bugsy Malone film, which scored 50, and he won the series.

Pamela Stephenson and James Jordan’s Viennese Waltz and Quickstep

James and Pamela were the only couple to achieve 40 in series eight. Their movie week Viennese waltz to Unchained Melody from Ghost did it twice – once in week ten, and again when they performed it in the final. Their Quickstep to Steppin’ Out with My Baby also managed it.

However, it was Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev who won and also went on to be an actual couple for a while.

Harry Judd and Aliona Vilani’s Quickstep and Argentine Tango

In series nine we once again saw three couples getting 40. Winners Harry and Aliona left it all on the dance floor in the finale and got 40s for their Quickstep to Don’t Get Me Wrong, and Argentine Tango to Asi se baila el tango – the first 40 for this style of dance. A song that was also used by Giovanni Pernice and Rose Ayling-Ellis for their Argentine Tango in a future series.

Jason Donovan and Kristina Rihanoff’s Argentine Tango and Showdance

Actor Jason did a perfect finale Showdance to Dancin’ Fool that got everyone on their feet. He certainly wasn’t a one-trick pony either and created a moody atmosphere with an Argentine Tango to Assassin’s Tango.

Chelsee Healey and Pasha Kovalev’s Paso Doble

Hollyoaks actor Chelsee was a Stirctly favourite, and although she missed out on the win to Harry, she can be super proud of her Paso doble to Malagueña.

Kimberley Walsh and Pasha Kovalev’s Cha-cha-cha/Tango, Charleston, and Tango

In series ten, Darcey officially joined the judging panel replacing Alesha, and three couples managed to grab 40s.

For the first time, couples had to merge two dance styles. Kimberley’s Cha-cha-cha/Tango hybrid to It’s Raining Men impressed. Her Charleston to Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines, and Tango to When Doves Cry also got top marks.

Denise Van Outen and James Jordan’s Showdance and Charleston

For her Showdance, TV personality Denise showed exactly what she learnt through the series with some epic moves and lifts to the Flashdance song What a Feeling. Her equally energetic Charleston to Walk Like an Egyptian is also in the history books.

Louis Smith and Flavia Cacace’s Showdance

Series ten’s glitterball trophy went to gymnast Louis, and he showed his Olympic strength in an epic Showdance to Rule the World. He definitely ruled the dance floor.

Abbey Clancy and Aljaž Škorjanec’s Salsa and Waltz

Nine years after the last 40 for a Salsa, model Abbey managed to break the dance’s curse with a hot routine to You Should Be Dancing from Saturday Night Fever. Switching gears, she also did a beautiful Waltz to Kissing You. It’s unsurprising she picked up the Glitterball!

Natalie Gumede and Artem Chigvintsev’s Salsa and Showdance

Although Abbey took gold, actress Natalie gave her some tough competition and helped professional Artem get his first 40s with a Salsa to Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ and Showdance to Steppin’ Out with My Baby.

Caroline Flack and Pasha Kovalev’s Charleston, Showdance, and Cha-cha-cha

The late Caroline won series 12 and became the first person to not drop a single mark in the final. Alongside Pasha she created dance floor magic with a Cha-cha-cha to Can You Feel It, a fairytale Showdance to Angels, and Charleston to Istanbul.

Simon Webbe and Kristina Rihanoff’s Argentine Tango

They originally performed their incredible Argentine Tango in Blackpool and nearly secured full marks. Blue’s Simon got a second chance in the finale when couples get to perform routines from earlier in the series again. Their moody number to El Tango de Roxanne definitely deserved the score.

Kellie Bright and Kevin Clifton’s Showdance and Charleston

The only couple who managed to score two 40s in series 13 were Kevin and EastEnders actor Kellie with their finale Showdance to The Ding-Dong Daddy of the D-Car Line, and Charleston to Chicago’s Hot Honey Rag. It was Jay McGuiness and Alioni Vilani, who won the series.

Georgia May Foote and Giovanni Pernice’s Charleston

Actor Georgia and her professional partner Giovanni, who went on to be a couple after the 13th series ended, finished with a bang. They performed their Charleston for a second time in the final and upped it from a 39 – which they scored in week eight to a much sought-after 40.

Ore Oduba and Joanne Clifton’s Showdance and Jive

Presenter Ore managed to get the first perfect Jive to Runaway Baby and got top marks for their Showdance to I Got Rhythm. He won series 14, but he wasn’t the only one with a 40…

Louise Redknapp and Kevin Clifton’s Argentine Tango

Kevin was on a roll with the 40s, and the Argentine Tango to Tanguera with singer Louise was definitely worth it.

Danny Mac and Oti Mabuse’s Charleston, Samba, and Showdance

It was a series filled with talent, and actor Danny managed the 40 hatrick with his Charleston to Puttin’ On the Ritz, Showdance to Set Fire to the Rain, and Samba to Magalenha, which managed to do it twice – in week 10 and the finale.

Debbie McGee and Giovanni Pernice’s Tango and Argentine Tango

Once again in series 15, which was Shirley Ballas’ first year as head judge taking over from the late Len Goodman, we saw three couples get the biggest seal of approval. Tango was definitely performer Debbie’s fortay and her I Gotta Feeling routine was a no-brainer. Her high kick alone in the Argentine Tango to Por una Cabeza was worth 40.

Alexandra Burke and Gorka Marquez’s Salsa, American Smooth, and Jive

Singer Alexandra proved herself as one of the series’ most talented dancers – her American Smooth to Wouldn’t It Be Loverly from My Fair Lady, saucy Salsa to Finally, and ridiculously quick Jive to Proud Mary were all incredible and left the judges with no choice but to give her full marks.

Joe McFadden and Katya Jones’ Charleston

Alexandra and Debbie didn’t do quite enough to beat winner Joe, who’s Charleston to Alexander’s Ragtime Band sent him to the top of the leaderboard and into the nation’s hearts.

Ashley Roberts and Pasha Kovalev’s Jive, Salsa, Showdance, and Charleston

For the first time since Caroline, we saw not one, but two perfect 120s in the final. One came from Pussycat Doll Ashley with her Salsa to (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life from Dirty Dancing, which included the epic lift, Showdance to Keeping Your Head Up and Charleston to Witch Doctor.

That’s not all – she also got 40 for her Jive to Shake a Tail Feather in Blackpool.

Faye Tozer and Giovanni Pernice’s Charleston, Viennese waltz, Showdance, and Theatre/Jazz

Steps singer also got 40s in four routines – a Viennese waltz to It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World, Showdance to Lullaby of Broadway, and Theatre/Jazz to Fever. They also got top marks for their Charleston to The Lonely Goatherd two weeks earlier. However, it was Stacey Dooley and Kevin who won series 16.

Kelvin Fletcher and Oti Mabuse’s Quickstep and Showdance

Kelvin won series 17, which was Oti’s sister Motsi Mabuse’s first year as a judge, and the actor showed he could master ballroom with his Quickstep to The Lady is a Tramp, and also shake his stuff in his Showdance to Shout.

Karim Zeroual and Amy Dowden’s Jive and Quickstep

It was Kelvin and Oti who clinched the win, but Karim and Amy may have had the dance of the series with their Jive to You Can’t Stop the Beat from Hairspray. They did it not once, but twice – in Blackpool and at the finale. They also got a 40/40 for their Quickstep to Mr. Pinstripe Suit.

Bill Bailey and Oti Mabuse’s Showdance

Bruno Tonioli couldn’t be involved in series 18 due to Covid-19 travel restrictions. He usually flew between Dancing With The Stars in the USA and Strictly in the UK, but it wasn’t possible which left the BBC series with just three judges.

With only three judges 30 became the new 40, and Bill secured the highest available score for his Showdance to The Show Must Go On. The comedian won the whole series, making Oti champion two years in a row.

Maisie Smith and Gorka Marquez’s Street/Commercial and Showdance

Actor Maisie was on Bill’s tail on the way through the competition and proved when she was out of hold she could grab the 30 – her Street/Commerical dance to Gettin’ Jiggy wit It and festive Showdance to We Need a Little Christmas both did it.

HRVY and Janette Manrara’s Street/Commerical, Charleston, and American Smooth

HRVY also didn’t make it easy for Bill to get the win and got the perfect 30 an impressive three times. His Street/Commercial dance to A Sky Full of Stars, Charleston to Another Day of Sun — from La La Land, and American Smooth to One (Singular Sensation) were undeniably brilliant.

Rhys Stephenson and Nancy Xu’s Charleston

They just missed out on the final in series 19, but CBBC presenter Rhys and Nancy won with their Charleston to the very aptly named song The Charleston.

AJ Odudu and Kai Widdrington’s Quickstep

The Big Brother host was an incredible competitor who had to drop out of the final due to injury.

She put on an impressive performance in the semi-finals and managed to get the 40 for her Quickstep to Sing, Sing, Sing (With a Swing) with Kai by her side.

John Whaite and Johannes Radebe’s Pasa Doble and Showdance

The first all-male pairing on Strictly put on a show every week. The Great British Bake Off Winner John’s Paso doble to He’s a Pirate from Pirates of the Caribbean for movie week and beautiful Showdance to You’ve Got the Love were given the ultimate reward.

Who scored the earliest 40 in Strictly history?

Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice’s Tango, Couple’s Choice, and Showdance

Actor Rose and Giovanni went into the Strictly history books for her week six Tango to Shivers, which was the earliest perfect score ever.

Their Couple’s choice to Symphony also will forever be remembered for the poetic sequence danced in silence to celebrate Rose, who is deaf.

The pair’s Showdance to The Rose was pretty epic too, and so it’s unsurprising they won series 19.

Helen Skelton and Gorka Marquez’s Couple’s Choice

We’re almost at the present day now! TV presenter Helen competed in last year’s series of Strictly and got herself full marks for Mein Herr from Cabaret. It was her second outing of the routine in the finale that earned her the entry into this epic list of routines.

Fleur East and Vito Coppola’s Couple’s Choice and Samba

Fleur paid the ultimate tribute to her favourite band Destiny’s Child, when she performed a Couple’s Choice to a medley of their hits. With no rules, Fleur and Vito were able to let loose in Blackpool and showcase their talent.

Hot Hot Hot was once again chosen as the musical accompaniment but this time for the Samba, and just like Mark and Karen all the way back in series two, they scored 40.

Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystał’s Couple’s Choice

Although Helen and Fleur proved themselves as amazing dancers, it was the equally brilliant Hamza who won series 20. The wildlife cameraman’s Couple’s choice to Jerusalema certainly helped.

Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin’s Paso Doble, Charleston, Argentine Tango, and Quickstep

After 10 long weeks on Strictly 2023 with no perfect scores, Layton and Nikita were finally able to end the dry spell.

Their powerful Moulin-Rouge-themed Paso Doble to Backstage Romance did exactly what it set out to do.

Reacting to the triumph Layton wrote on X, formerly Twitter: ’10’s across the board! Fighting back from the bottom 2 is rough but what a perfect routine for it.

‘All credit has to go to the most amazing dance partner and teacher ever – @kuzmin__nikita! Think what you want about me, but give him his flowers plz.

‘Reading all these comments really gave me the boost to go out there and slay for the stageys, theatre fans and MT industry! I’ve been flying the flag for us all since day dot and hope I’m doing ya’ll proud [sic]’.

Just one week later, they did it again with their energetic Charleston to Fit As A Fiddle.

The pair were unstoppable in the final and achieved two perfect 40s for their Argentine Tango to Eurovision hit Tattoo and Quickstep to Putting On The Ritz.

Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola’s American Smooth

The series winners managed to get that elusive perfect 40 at the last possible opportunity.

For their final routine, Ellie and Vito were able to choose their favourite routine and perform it again. They picked the American Smooth to Ain’t That A Kick In The Head, and the dance routine that had an old Hollywood feel finally convinced Craig to lift his 10-paddle alongside the other judges who had regularly been giving Ellie the two-digit number.

Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec’s American Smooth and Waltz

Aljaž and Tasha were the first celebrities in the 2024 season to make it into the perfect 40 club. They achieved the task by performing an effortless beautiful American Smooth to Someone You Loved by Lewis Capaldi.

When back in Ballroom hold a couple of weeks later they did it again with their Waltz to A Natural Woman by Aretha Franklin.

Heaping praise on his partner, Aljaž said he’d ‘never felt that way’ on the Strictly ballroom. Their goosebump-worthy routine certainly deserves its spot on the list.

JB Gill and Lauren Oakley

On the week before the final, JB Gill got his hips rolling for a upbeat Salsa to Red Alert by Basement Jaxx.

The tricks, body rolls, lifts and spins not only got a 40, but it also led to a Strictly first – Craig decided to shake JB’s hand as a way to congratulate him. It was a cute nod to Great British Bake Off’s Paul Hollywood being in the audience. It’s the crossover we didn’t know we needed!

Strictly Come Dancing final airs tonight at 6pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

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