10 Heart-Warming And Uplifting Things That Happened In 2020
7. Bill Bailey Won Strictly Come Dancing
Part troll, part terpsichorean.
In each series of the celebrity dancing contest Strictly Come Dancing, the show throws in an oddball or comedic contestant for the sole purpose of entertainment, with little expected of them in regards to their prowess and progression. This has previously been the case for the likes of Seann Walsh, Edwina Curry, Rev. Richard Coles and Vanessa Feltz.
Black Books star Bill Bailey fell into that category but very quickly turned heads with his 'Turnout'. With his partner and tutor Oti Mabuse, the pair impressed the public with their Cha Cha Cha and Quickstep in the first two weeks, but faced stiff competition.
Bailey took every week seriously and was evidently keen to learn, researching the origins of each style. His fascination stemmed back to when he was a child.
As he put it:
"My mum was very keen for me to learn to dance. There was a dance academy across the road from my house. I went and had some lessons. As I was young I didn't pursue it and I've always regretted that because it's a lovely thing to do."
With bookies having the pair at 4/5, Oti and Bill were announced as the 2020 winners. This marked the former's second consecutive title and made the latter the oldest contestant, at 55, to win the prize. With a delighted tear in his eye, the comedian remarked:
"I never thought we'd get this far. I have the most extraordinary teacher. The most extraordinary dancer. Someone who believed in me right from the beginning and she found something that turned me into this - into a dancer."