Bill Bailey Jokingly Compares Strictly Come Dancing to a 'Cult' Six Years After BBC Victory
Comedian and actor Bill Bailey, who triumphed in Strictly Come Dancing back in December 2020 with professional partner Oti Mabuse, has playfully likened the iconic BBC series to a "cult" or a "special brotherhood." In a recent interview with Metro, the 61-year-old entertainer reflected on his enduring connection to the show, despite the pandemic-era win that limited celebrations for most.
Bailey revealed he still proudly displays his Glitterball Trophy, albeit in a modified form—it now functions as a keyring, which he describes as "a bit of an ostentatious one." The conversation took place ahead of the release of the fifth series of Extraordinary Portraits on BBC One, a show Bailey has hosted since 2023 after taking over from original presenter Tinie Tempah.
Extraordinary Portraits: Democratizing Art on BBC One
Extraordinary Portraits, which fans have praised as a "wonderful" and emotionally moving watch, pairs individuals from diverse backgrounds with portrait artists to create sculptures, paintings, or photographs. This year's series features surprising participants, including Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson, a former art teacher.
The first episode promises to be particularly powerful, focusing on the man who fought off the London Bridge attacker with a narwhal tusk in 2019. Bailey, a fan of the show even before hosting it, emphasized its importance, stating, "What I loved about the show was that it democratizes art in a way that I think is really important."
Strictly Come Dancing: A Lifelong Brotherhood
Reflecting on his Strictly experience, Bailey shared insights into the show's unique bond among contestants. "Once you've been part of it, it's almost like you're then connected with everyone who's ever been on the show," he explained. He described the competition as an intense experience that fosters a sense of community, joking, "Maybe it's a cult."
Bailey highlighted his ability to connect with fellow contestants, mentioning 2025 quarter-finalist Lewis Cope as an example. He praised Cope's Halloween dance, which earned a perfect score with partner Katya Jones, saying it inspired him to want to dance again. Despite accusations that Cope was too experienced a dancer for the show, Bailey defended him, noting that even elite athletes find Strictly incredibly challenging.
Hosting Changes and Future of Strictly
With Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman no longer hosting Strictly Come Dancing, speculation is mounting about their replacements. Bailey suggested that any new host must balance technical presenting skills with a sense of fun and tongue-in-cheek humor. He endorsed Zoe Ball for the role, stating, "She'd be great, actually."
Bailey also addressed the ongoing debate about contestants with prior dance experience, calling it "a funny old thing." He emphasized that the show demands more than people realize, sharing anecdotes from sports stars who were exhausted by the rigorous training.
Dancing Legacy and Personal Joy
More than five years after his victory, Bailey continues to dance at events and celebrations, often taking to the floor with enthusiastic abandon. He expressed deep appreciation for learning to dance properly, calling it a "revelation" and a skill he incorporates into his live shows. "I love the feeling that this elicits in me," he admitted, highlighting the lasting impact of his Strictly journey.
Extraordinary Portraits airs on Friday, March 27, at 7:30 PM on BBC One, offering viewers a blend of art and human stories under Bailey's guidance.
