Wildlife cameraman and television presenter Hamza Yassin and his professional dance partner Jowita Przystał won Strictly Come Dancing 2022, lifting the coveted Glitterball Trophy during the grand finale on December 17, 2022. The duo triumphed over fellow finalists Fleur East, Helen Skelton, and Molly Rainford in a spectacular live show broadcast on BBC One, which concluded the milestone 20th series of the hit British entertainment program. Despite finishing at the bottom of the judges’ leaderboard on the final night with an aggregate score of 113 points, Hamza and Jowita secured the absolute majority of the public vote to claim victory, marking a historic win for Jowita in her very first series with a celebrity partner.
The Historic Victory of Hamza Yassin
The Champion’s Unforgettable Final Routines
Hamza Yassin delivered an emotional masterclass across three distinct routines in the grand finale, capturing the hearts of millions of viewers despite intense pressure from his fellow competitors. The pair performed a high-octane Salsa to “Ecuador” by Sash!, a theatrical Showdance to “Let’s Face the Music and Dance” by Irving Berlin, and brought back their legendary Couple’s Choice routine to “Jerusalema – Remix” by Master KG. The Couple’s Choice routine, which they originally showcased in week eight, was the absolute highlight of their evening, earning them a perfect score of 40 from judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse, and Craig Revel Horwood.
Jowita Przystał’s Record-Breaking Debut Season
Jowita Przystał achieved an unprecedented professional milestone during the 20th series by winning the main competition the very first time she was allocated a celebrity partner. Having joined the professional troupe in 2021 solely for group numbers, her promotion to the main competitive lineup proved to be an inspired decision by the executive production team. Her choreography throughout the season was widely praised for maximizing Hamza’s natural rhythm while introducing jaw-dropping, acrobatic lifts that became the definitive visual signature of their partnership.
Analysis of the 2022 Runners-Up
Fleur East and Vito Coppola
Pop singer and radio presenter Fleur East, partnered with professional newcomer Vito Coppola, delivered arguably the most technically precise performances of the final night, topping the judges’ leaderboard with a near-perfect score of 119 points. The dynamic couple secured two perfect scores of 40 during the finale for their sizzling Samba to “Hot Hot Hot” and their explosive Couple’s Choice routine to a Destiny’s Child megamix. Even though they frequently found themselves in the dreaded dance-off earlier in the series, their technical virtuosity cemented their status as one of the most capable pairings in the show’s history.
Helen Skelton and Gorka Márquez
Television presenter Helen Skelton and her professional partner Gorka Márquez finished their Strictly journey as joint runners-up, scoring an impressive 116 points across the final three dances. Helen, who joined the show just seven months postpartum following a highly publicized personal separation, underwent an incredible emotional transformation that resonated deeply with the British public. Their final performance of the iconic Mein Herr routine from Cabaret during the finale received a standing ovation from the studio audience and locked in a perfect score of 40.
The Full 2022 Elimination Order
Early Weeks and Shock Exits
The 2022 series featured a highly competitive field that led to several heartbreaking and unexpected departures during the weekly live shows. Loose Women panelist Kaye Adams was the first celebrity to be eliminated on October 2, 2022, followed by radio host Richie Anderson and music icon Matt Goss. Comedian Jayde Adams, actor James Bye, and Paralympic swimming champion Ellie Simmonds were subsequently voted out as the judges raised the baseline standard for technical footwork and ballroom posture.
The Run-Up to the Grand Finale
As the competition moved toward its winter climax, the margins for error became incredibly slim for the remaining couples. Football legend Tony Adams was forced to withdraw from the competition in week eight due to an injury, allowing the remaining contestants to advance into the highly anticipated Blackpool special. In the direct run-up to the final, media personalities Tyler West, Ellie Taylor, and Kym Marsh were systematically eliminated, with veteran stage and screen actor Will Mellor narrowly missing out on a spot in the final four after being eliminated in the semi-final week.
Practical Information and Balloting
How to Attend the Live Broadcasts
For fans wishing to experience the unmatched atmosphere of the live television recordings, the BBC operates an official, randomized public ticket lottery every summer. The live shows are filmed at the comprehensive Elstree Studios complex located in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, which has served as the permanent home of the ballroom since the production moved from television center. Applications typically open via the BBC Shows and Tours website in August, allowing successful applicants to secure free entry to either the main Saturday live show or the professional launch recordings.
The Strictly Live Arena Tour Experience
Following the conclusion of the television broadcast, the production transitions into a massive live arena tour that travels to major cities across the United Kingdom throughout January and February. The tour features a selection of the most popular couples from the recent series performing their favorite routines live in front of arena audiences and a panel of touring judges. Tickets for these stadium events are sold through mainstream commercial vendors, with prices typically ranging from forty to one hundred pounds depending on seating locations and premium hospitality packages.
Filming Location: Elstree Studios, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire
Ticket Cost: Free via the official BBC public ballot system
Broadcast Schedule: Saturday evenings with Sunday results shows on BBC One
Tour Availability: Major UK arenas including London, Manchester, and Birmingham
Viewer Advice: Bring valid photo identification if you are successful in the ticket lottery
FAQs
Who won the 2022 series of Strictly Come Dancing?
Wildlife presenter and cameraman Hamza Yassin won the 2022 series alongside his professional dance partner Jowita Przystał. They officially lifted the Glitterball Trophy on December 17, 2022.
What routines did Hamza Yassin perform in the final?
Hamza performed a Salsa to “Ecuador” by Sash!, a Showdance to “Let’s Face the Music and Dance” by Irving Berlin, and a Couple’s Choice routine to master KG’s “Jerusalema – Remix”.
Who were the four finalists in Strictly 2022?
The four finalists who competed in the grand finale were wildlife presenter Hamza Yassin, pop singer Fleur East, television host Helen Skelton, and actress Molly Rainford.
Did Hamza Yassin top the leaderboard in the final?
No, Hamza actually finished at the bottom of the judges’ leaderboard in the final with a score of 113. However, he won the competition due to receiving the highest number of public votes.
Who was the first celebrity eliminated in the 2022 series?
Journalist and Loose Women anchor Kaye Adams was the first celebrity to leave the competition. She was eliminated in week two after a tense dance-off against Matt Goss.
Why did Tony Adams withdraw from Strictly 2022?
Former England footballer Tony Adams withdrew from the competition in week eight due to a hamstring injury. He chose to pull out before the dance-off took place against spider-man star Molly Rainford.
Which judges sat on the panel for the 2022 series?
The 2022 judging panel consisted of head judge Shirley Ballas, veteran ballroom expert Anton Du Beke, dancer Motsi Mabuse, and the notoriously strict Craig Revel Horwood.
How many perfect scores of 40 did Fleur East get in the final?
Fleur East secured two perfect scores of 40 during the live final broadcast. She received maximum points for both her traditional Samba and her energetic Couple’s Choice routine.
Where is the Strictly Come Dancing studio located?
The main weekly live shows are filmed at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire. The only exception is the annual special filmed at the historic Blackpool Tower Ballroom.
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