The couples set to twirl into the Strictly Come Dancing quarter-final

Strictly Come Dancing has shimmied into its 19^th series, and since the show took to our screens in 2004, it has remained a staple in Saturday night entertainment for the entire nation. With the likes of Paralympians, performers, and even Politicians taking center stage, it’s no wonder the show has captured our hearts.

As the years have gone by, we’ve seen a slight shift in the talented judging panel, hosts and professional dancers – but each person to have graced the dance floor has definitely made an impact.

Join us as we recap some of this series’ most memorable moments, which couples have the best Strictly winner odds and who is set to twirl to the top of the leader board in the quarter-final.

John Waite and Johannes Radebe

Topping the leaderboard last week with an incredible score of 39, after their passionate Argentine Tango set the stage on fire, John, a 32-year-old baker, and professional partner, Johannes, were praised by Judge Craig Revel Horward, who commented:

“It was fantastic seeing the Tango done in its original form, it was first danced by two men, I absolutely loved it.”

The couple is currently training for their quarter-final piece – a salsa to the disco classic We Are Family, by Sister Sledge. Despite their near-perfect score, John Waite recently took to his social media to let fans know that the show’s physio has recommended a day of rest because his hip flexors are in “so much pain”.  Could this cause trouble in their next performance?

AJ Odudu and Kai Widdrington

AJ and Kai also saw a ten-paddle last week, scoring a total of 36 with their couple’s choice routine to Make Me Feel by Janelle Monae. AJ wore a glittering emerald green dress with tassels that seemed to dance with her.

With the duo facing speculation regarding a romance, their quarter-final dance is sure to go off with a bang as they perform a Salsa to Rhythm Is Gonna Get You/Get on Your Feet by Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine.

Rhys Stephenson and Nancy Xu

CBBC presenter Rhys and professional partner Nancy took third place on the leaderboard last week, scoring 35 for their elegant Waltz. Having recently faced the bottom two, Rhys has opened up about the negative thoughts he’s been facing – and how they’ve become a “poison” to his dancing. In an attempt to change the narrative, the couple is set to dance the feisty Argentine Tango to In The Air Tonight by Phil Colins.

Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice

Despite coming fourth on the leader board last week, with a score of 33 for their passionate Paso Doble, Rose and Giovanni are set to be this year’s favourites, according to Strictly Come Dancing tips, having made history with their ten seconds of silence in week eight.

A rumored romance was previously on the cards for the pair, despite Rose having a boyfriend, but now Giovanni has announced that he’s been dating Made in Chelsea star Verity Bowditch. However, there’s no doubt this couple has created a bond for life – capturing the hearts of the nation as well as each other – and are set to perform an American Smooth to This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) by Natalie Cole.

Dan Walker and Nadiya Bychkova

With a score of 31 for their Rumba last week, fans took to twitter to express their surprise with the performance, with one saying:

“I wasn’t prepared to type this but that rumba by Dan Walker was a surprising delight to watch”

Others, however, claimed Nadiya did all the work.

Next week, the duo will get their turn to dance the Tango to The Gotan Project’s Santa Maria. Only time will tell if they’ll Tango into the semi-finals, or get knocked off the bottom of the leaderboard.

So, who do you think will hold up the iconic glitterball trophy this year?