Strictly Come Dancing legends Darren Gough and Lilia Kopylova reunited on set almost two decades after lifting the Glitterball Trophy. The pair won the title in one of the show’s early series, beating a field that included Patsy Palmer, Gloria Hunniford and James Martin. Kopylova, now 47, and Gough, 55, are remembered for their on-screen chemistry and continued success with two Christmas special trophies and a top spot on the Strictly live tour leaderboard.
Darren arrived on set for the forthcoming series and found a familiar face waiting in the wings. Lilia stepped out to greet her former partner, prompting a surprised reaction from Gough as he exclaimed, "What are you doing here?!" The moment captured the enduring camaraderie between the champions as they shared a brief reunion on the dance floor. Gough was seen with grey stubble and salt-and-pepper hair, while Kopylova cut a chic figure in a cream top and matching trousers as they revisited their ballroom roots mid-season.
When asked what guidance he would give this year’s crop of celebrities, the cricket legend offered a reminder to stay authentic: “I think the best advice I could give is to be yourself. I’m really proud that I stuck to my own personality. Like any TV show, they try to create a character, and they want everybody to be different and for the interviews to try to show a certain character. You can stick with that character, or you can just be who you are, and the public will like that. Don’t be something you’re not because people will see through you.”
The moment coincides with a busy launch week for the show, which has already drawn attention from fans and bookmakers alike. Ladbrokes’ Cal Gildart noted that Gough and Kopylova are among the most successful couples in Strictly history, saying their reunion was appropriate as the franchise marks 20 years since their triumph.
Leading the betting for this season is Emmerdale actor Lewis, who replaced Kristian Nairn at the last minute. He sits at 3/1, with Dani Dyer at 4/1 and Ellie Goldstein, the show’s first contestant with Down’s syndrome, at 5/1. Balvinder Sopal and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey sit at 12/1 and 16/1, respectively, while Vicky Pattison is at 10/1. Stefan Dennis is 28/1, La Voix 33/1, Chris Robshaw 50/1, and Ross King 66/1.
The forthcoming series is shaping up to feature a wide-ranging lineup, with Balvinder Sopal, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Dani Dyer, Alex Kingston, and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink among the early entrants. Ellie Goldstein—the show’s first contestant with Down’s syndrome—joins alongside La Voix, Chris Robshaw, Thomas Skinner, Stefan Dennis, Vicky Pattison, and George Clark, with Lewis Cope in the mix as the competition unfolds.