Strictly Come Dancing

- Season 7

(2009)

In the first of two 2-part rounds, 8 of the new contestants must perform one of the ballroom dances. The remaining 8 pairs must perform a mambo in the first group dance of the new season. Alesha Dixon joins the team as a new regular judge.

In the 2nd part of round one, the first 8 pairs must perform either a Cha-Cha-Cha or a Rumba. The three new girl dancers, Aliona, Katya and Natalie perform a special routine with Matthew, Brendan and Ian, whilst all the professional dancers perform a 'Sweet Charity' medley. 2008 champions Tom and Camilla dance to 'If They Could See Me Now'. Martina and Matthew, and Rav and Aliona find themselves in the bottom two and have to perform in the dance off.

In round 2 the last eight pairs must perform either a waltz or a tango. The other remaining seven pairs perform a group dance, choreographed by Karen Hardy.

In the 2nd part of round 2, the second set of pairs must perform either a Cha-Cha-Cha or a Rumba. There are two group pro dances, a Paso Doble and a Quickstep, and special guest Jamie Cullum sings. Richard and Lilia, and Craig and Flavia find themselves in the bottom two and have to perform in the dance off.

Round 3 sees all remaining 14 pairs competing together for the 1st time, performing either a Paso Doble or a Quickstep. Lynda and Darren, and Rav and Aliona find themselves in the bottom 2 and have to take part in the dance off. There are professional group dances of the Foxtrot and Salsa, and Andy Williams sings 'Moon River'.

In Round 4 the pairs must perform either a Foxtrot or a Salsa. There is a tap tribute to The Nicholas Brothers, and Dionne Bromfield sings. Lynda and Darren, and Craig and Flavia find themselves in the bottom two and have to perform in the dance off.

In round 5, the remaining couples must perform either a Jive or a Viennese Waltz. There is a pro group Samba, and Vincent and Flavia perform a Tango Waltz. Guests Spandau Ballet sing their classic hit 'Gold'. Zoe and James, and Joe and Kristina find themselves in the bottom two and have to take part in the dance off.

In Round 6, the remaining couples must perform either a Samba or an American Smooth. The pro dancers perform a group Jive and guest Harry Connick Jr sings 'The Way You Look Tonight'. Jade and Ian, and Jo and Brendon find themselves in the bottom two and have to perform again in the dance off.

For the first time this season, Round 7 sees the remaining couples each perform a different dance. Some of the professionals perform a group Cha-Cha-Cha, whilst Matthew and Aliona perform a Samba. The Bee Gees sing their hit 'You Should be Dancing'. Zoe and James, and Ali and Brian find themselves in the bottom two and have to perform in the dance off.

The remaining couples travel to the Tower Ballroom, Blackpool, where they each perform a different dance. Ali and Brian get the season's first perfect 40 score. Karen Hardy choreographs a group Viennese Waltz, and there is also a special swing dance with former champion Jill Halfpenny. Musical guest Rod Stewart sings 'The Same Old Song'. Craig and Flavia, and Ricky and Erin find themselves in the bottom two.

In an injury prone round Jade is unable to dance, having popped her knee, and Laila is unable to finish hers having badly banged her ankle, both just hours before the show. Host Bruce is in bed with flu and also doesn't appear. There is a pro Bolero with Brian and Kristina, and the cast of West End show The Jersey Boys perform. Phil and Katja, and Ricky and Erin are in the bottom two and have to dance again.

Jade has to drop out of the competition as she is still not able to dance after popping her knee before last weeks show. There is as pro Rumba group dance, and Darren and Lilia perform a Swing routine. Shirley Bassey sings her new single. Laila and Anton, and Ricky and Erin are in the bottom two and have to perform in the dance off.

For the first time on the show, the remaining couples have to perform either a Rock'n'Roll dance, or a Charleston, plus a group in-competition-style Viennese Waltz. There is a pro-Foxtrot with a modern twist, the cast of Riverdance perform, and Nelly Furtado and James Morrison sing together. Natalie and Vincent, and Ricky and Natalie Lowe are in the bottom two and have to dance again.

For the rest of the series, Darcey Bussell joins as a guest judge. The remaining couples must perform two dances. There is also a pro Cha Cha Cha.

There is a pro group American Smooth, and Flavia and Vincent dance an Argentine Tango. Special guest Bette Midler sings. Ricky and Natalie, and Laila and Anton find themselves in the bottom two and have to dance again.

In the semi-final, all three remaining couples must perform an Argentine Tango and a new version of their favorite dance of the season. There is a special pro-dance and Ian Waite and Darcey Bussell dance a Jive.

Ian Waite and Natalie Lowe perform a Fox Trot. The cast of West End show 'Hairspray' and musical guest Lily Allen perform.

In the first part of the Grand Final, the two final couples perform their favorite ballroom dance, and for the first time, the Lindy Hop. Some of the previously eliminated couple dance again, and Alesha and Bruce sing together.

In part 2, Chris and Ola perform their Charleston, and Ricky and Natalie their previous Cha-Cha-Cha. They also both do a show-dance. Brian and Kristina perform a special pro dance together, and former contestants Lisa Snowdon and Rachel Stevens perform in a group dance with the pro dancers. More of the eliminated couples also return.

The three 2009 finalists, Ricky, Chris and Ali, and returning contestants Gethin, Austin and Rachel compete for the title of Christmas Champions 2009. Musical guests 'The Rat Pack' sing 'White Christmas'.