'Strictly Come Dancing' Contestants That Were in '80s Boy Bands

One of the most popular dance shows in the history of television, Strictly Come Dancing, has hosted throughout the years a lot of famous faces. From singers like Alesha Dixon, Pixie Lott, and Anastacia to TV and radio personalities like Vick Hope, Caroline Flack, and Ore Oduba, many have tried to show off their best dance skills. But did you know that ex-boyband members are also amongst the celebrity contestants? Before we give you all the gossip about that, let's take a look at the latest season.

The 19th series of the show has come to an end and, without giving any spoilers, it has been a rollercoaster of emotions, TV drama, and, of course, amazing choreography. For a long time, the show has been the most popular reality TV format in the UK, so popular that Strictly Come Dancing betting became a thing in itself. Fans have been placing bets on their choice for the outright winner, as well as top male and female contestants.

Throughout the years, millions of households have been watching this talent show, sharing Strictly Come Dancing tips, and turning it into a real phenomenon. With each season, Strictly has reinvented itself, presenting us with all sorts of celebrities and talented dancers. Now that the 19th season is over, we can’t wait for what the 20th is going to bring to the screens. Now, onto our ex-boyfriend contestants!

"20200119-Bruno" (CC BY-NC 2.0) by Damien Walmsley

Bill Bailey

The winner of the 2020 edition of Strictly Come Dancing, Bill Bailey is mostly known for portraying Manny in the British sitcom Black Books, as well as his stand-up comedy work. When he won the 18th season of the dance show, he became the oldest person to have ever been granted this title. However, what many don’t know about him is that he was part of a boy band in the '80s called The Famous Five.

Just like many other boy bands in the '80s, it started between five friends who were looking for stardom. Bill, who had been taking piano lessons since he was three, joined the band as the keyboard player. Unfortunately, the dream to become as successful as New Kids On The Block was short-lived. In 2007 though, the five members were reunited through BBC2’s Comedy Map Of Britain show, where they reminisced about the times they used to be a pop band.

"Strictly Come Dancing Tour 2017" (CC BY 2.0) by vagueonthehow

Reverend Richard Coles

Richard Coles is by far the most famous vicar in Britain, but he is also known for being a journalist, radio presenter, and a former member of the '80s band The Communards. In 2017, he was a contestant in the 15th edition of Strictly Come Dancing. However, he and his partner didn’t last long on the show, as they were the second couple to be eliminated. On top of that, they also received the lowest score at Pasodoble in the history of the show.

Thankfully, his music skills were way better than his dance skills. Together with Jimmy Somerville, the other part of the duo Communards, they achieved three top ten UK hits. Their biggest hit, ‘Don’t Leave Me This Way’, became the biggest selling single in the UK in 1986, having spent four weeks at number one. Other popular hits included names like ‘Never Can Say Goodbye’ and ‘So Cold the Night’. So, there you have it. Two '80s boy bands to grace the Strictly dancefloor. But they're not the only '80s legends to have competed, Michelle Visage, while not lasting very long, was also a contestant along with Anneka Rice. It seems the show has a penchant for a certain era...