Where are the forgotten stars of Strictly? From politicians to Olympians and I’m A Celeb stars – a look at the fan favourite contestants who ditched showbiz for a quieter life

Where are the forgotten stars of Strictly? From politicians to Olympians and I'm A Celeb stars - a look at the fan favourite contestants who ditched showbiz for a quieter life

As I delve into the captivating stories of these individuals, I can’t help but be awestruck by their resilience and versatility. From Louis Smith, who shone brightly on both the Olympic stage and the dance floor, to Quentin Wilson, who went from being dubbed “Britain’s Worst Dancer” to a respected figure in automotive journalism, their lives are a testament to the power of determination and adaptability.

Strictly Come Dancing has seen over 300 contestants compete for the Glitterball trophy since 2004.

A variety of well-known personalities such as politicians, athletes from the Olympics, actors, talk show hosts, and reality television stars have graced the stage on this program.

For some celebs, starring on Strictly has catapulted their career into many different directions.

However, many well-known figures have disappeared from the spotlight or chosen to leave the entertainment world for a more tranquil existence.

Susannah Constantine, Ore Oduba, Danny Mac and Edwina Currie are among the stars that have ditched the spotlight.

Here TopMob takes the look at what happened to those long forgotten Strictly stars…

Where are the forgotten stars of Strictly? From politicians to Olympians and I'm A Celeb stars - a look at the fan favourite contestants who ditched showbiz for a quieter life

Susannah Constantine

English journalist and fashion guru Susannah, 62, appeared in the BBC show alongside Anton Du Beke.

In 2018, the fashion designer, well-known for her career with Trinny Woodall, was initially eliminated from the contest.

Over a span of three decades, Susanna became widely recognized due to her close bond with Trinny, as well as their joint appearances on What Not To Wear. However, more recently, she seems to have moved away from the public spotlight.

In my experience last year, I faced a potentially life-altering situation when I was diagnosed with a neurological condition that put me at high risk for a stroke.

In 2023, it came to light that she had been urgently admitted to the hospital for surgery due to a neurological issue called Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM), an uncommon condition that affects blood circulation and oxygen supply to the brain.

In a recent chat with The Times, Susannah shared that had her health issue not been addressed promptly, she might have faced a condition leading to a brain hemorrhage, paralysis, or a stroke.

She said: ‘My left arm became weaker. All the muscles were atrophied, it was withered. I got to the point where I couldn’t even change gear in my car and it was very painful.’

I’d like to share an experience I had. A year ago, some documents were left unattended. It wasn’t until recently that the receptionist took a look at them and advised me urgently to consult with a neurosurgeon right away.

After undergoing a crucial operation, she shared: “Women are incredibly adaptable. I’ve come to accept whatever comes my way, and there were things beyond my power to alter.

As you grow older, you tend to adopt a mindset that says, “Job completed, let’s move on to the next challenge.” Over time, small things may slip away, and it becomes increasingly important to pay closer attention to our health and wellbeing.

She mentioned that her left arm grew progressively weaker. The muscles had shrunk significantly, leaving it looking shriveled. At one point, she found herself unable to shift gears in her vehicle, and the discomfort was intense.

Mark Ramprakash

Mark appeared in Strictly Come Dancing with his professional partner Karen Hardy in 2006.

As a seasoned lifestyle enthusiast, I can share an intriguing tidbit from the world of sports: I once came across a captivating figure – a 55-year-old former cricket player who managed to secure the second spot on a popular show. What made him stand out was his graceful agility, earning him the endearing nickname “Snake Hips” for his effortless fluidity of movement.

After appearing on Strictly, the cricketer from Middlesex and Surrey declined other entertainment offers and instead stealthily returned to his cricket career, accumulating runs to accomplish a remarkable milestone by scoring 100 centuries in first-class matches.

In 2013, he stopped participating in the game and received an MBE for his contributions. Since then, he has continued to be involved in sports as the batting coach for England.

Currently, he seldom receives much attention, but back in 2015, news outlets were abuzz as reports surfaced that he and his second spouse, Puja Vedi, had parted ways following a three-year marriage.

Ore Oduba

In the year 2016, Ore and his dance partner, Joanne Clifton, emerged victorious at the Glitterball competition, surpassing actors Danny Mac and singer Louise Redknapp in the grand finale.

Triumphing at the show sparked the TV host’s interest in reality television, leading him to participate in not only The Cube but also Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins.

2019 marked the start of his journey in musical theater, taking on a part in Grease, and since then, he’s also graced the stage in The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Ore now focus on being a father to son Roman, four, and daughter Genie, 14 months.

The star announced he and wife Portia had ended their nine-year marriage in October.

He confirmed the ‘difficult’ news in an Instagram statement where he revealed they had decided to split earlier this year.

He expressed: “Hello everyone, it’s regrettable news to share – Portia and I parted ways earlier in the year. We’d like to express our heartfelt thanks for the affection you’ve bestowed upon us throughout the years.

“We appreciate your understanding in advance as we go through this challenging period, keeping our privacy intact. We won’t have any additional comments. Please show kindness at all times.

Natasha Kaplinsky

Winning the initial season of the show in 2004 catapulted Natasha to become the most sought-after TV news anchor in the UK.

Channel 5 reportedly offered her an annual salary of approximately £1 million as an incentive for her to leave BBC News and join them instead.

Natasha’s partnership with Brendan Cole on Strictly Come Dancing ignited whispers, as it resulted in Brendan ending his engagement to fellow professional dancer Camilla Dallerup.

In 2005, the news anchor got married to Justin Bower, an investment banker, and they now share a family of four – their son Arlo, who is eight years old, and daughter Angelina, aged six.

After taking a year off for maternity leave in 2010, she decided to move on from Channel 5 and focus on other ventures.

Danny Mac

In the year 2016, Danny, aged 36, advanced all the way to the finals of Strictly Come Dancing alongside his dance partner, Oti Mabuse.

In 2011, the actor became a member of the Hollyoaks team, portraying the character Mark ‘Dodger’ Savage until 2015.

Spending four years on the Channel 4 soap, Danny was nominated at the National Television Awards for Best Newcomer, Most Popular Newcomer, and Best Serial Drama Performance.

He received the title of Soap’s Sexiest Man on three separate occasions at the Inside Soap Awards, and he was named Sexiest Male a total of two times at the British Soap Awards.

In recent years, Danny has shifted his attention towards nurturing roles as a loving parent to his three-year-old daughter, Skye, and his six-month-old son, Beauie Mac.

Back in 2011, I found myself smitten by this amazing actress, who would soon become my partner and the mother of my kids. Six years after our romantic beginnings, we exchanged vows and officially became a family.

Edwina Currie

In the year 2011, it was Edwina, aged 78, who was the initial contestant to be eliminated from the competition, after having danced with her partner, Vincent Simone.

In the year 2014, three years after leaving politics, the ex-politician made an appearance on I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! and ended up placing fourth.

She’s mainly avoided public attention, making only occasional appearances on Good Morning Britain to express her views.

2022 saw the ex-health minister disclose that she suffered a broken hip in an unexpected incident involving a stray canine.

During a walk with her dog, Edwina was badly injured when a German Shepherd unexpectedly ran into her.

After a hard fall, the longtime participant of I’m A Celebrity required an urgent hip surgery, causing her to stay in the hospital for approximately ten days.

Edwina shared that she was struck with intense discomfort after a dog charged at her, close to her residence in Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire, causing her injury.

The ex-politician had a four-year affair with former Prime Minister John Major in the 1980s.

Quentin Wilson

In the year 2004, Quentin Wilson, aged 67, along with his professional dance partner Hazel Newberry, earned the record for the lowest score ever recorded in a Strictly competition.

In 2004, the previous host of Top Gear became a topic of discussion due to receiving the worst dance evaluation ever given on Strictly Come Dancing by the judges.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but marvel at this TV personality who rules my screen! Most famously recognized for hosting the automotive extravaganza, but also gracing shows such as Britain’s Worst Driver and Fifth Gear with his captivating presence.

Nevertheless, things didn’t go as planned, and the presenter ended up being labeled as “Britain’s Worst Dancer” due to a surprisingly low score of just one, given by Craig Revel Horwood.

The pair received a total of eight points from the four judges (Craig, Len Goodman, Arlene Phillips, and Bruno Tonioli), which included two scores of one and two scores of three.

It’s not surprising that Quentin and Hazel were the first to be eliminated from the show, as they currently hold the record for the lowest scores.

Following his departure from Fifth Gear, Quentin adapted to multiple new positions and enriched the field of automotive journalism by penning articles and providing insightful views on automobiles.

Quentin also engages in public speaking and participated in various motoring-related events.

Louis Smith

Shortly after winning silver and bronze medals at the 2012 London Olympics, Louis triumphed on Strictly Come Dancing. However, his esteemed image has suffered some damage recently.

Following his victory on Strictly, numerous honors poured in. In the 2013 New Year Honours, he received an MBE for outstanding contributions to gymnastics. Later, in 2014, during the Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow, he clinched a gold medal.

However, following his win of a silver medal at the men’s pommel horse final during the 2016 Olympics in Rio, he was criticized as showing signs of ‘sour grapes’ by offering a subdued congratulation to his fellow British athlete Max Whitlock upon his gold victory.

He then recently received a two-month ban from gymnastics, after a controversial video of him mocking the way Muslims pray surfaced online.

Louis recently announced the birth of his second child with his girlfriend Charlie Bruce.

They already parents to daughter, Marley Valentina, three, who they welcomed in 2021.

2024-12-22 14:50