Strictly's biggest blunders: From wardrobe malfunctions to awkward gags

Strictly Come Dancing has had its fair share of slip-ups and mishaps over the years

Strictly Come Dancing, the hit talent show that has catapulted many unlikely celebrities to fame, is entering its 21st season this year. Along the way, there have been plenty of blunders that have left audiences in stitches and contestants red-faced. From wardrobe malfunctions to saucy gags, let's take a look at some of the most memorable moments in Strictly history.

What a boob: Ola Jordan's embarrassing wardrobe malfunction

In 2015, professional dancer Ola Jordan suffered an unfortunate wardrobe malfunction when her boob 'popped out' during a live performance. Partnered with Welsh sprinter Iwan Thomas, Ola's dazzling outfit failed to contain her assets as Thomas shook her uncontrollably during their routine. Ola later joked on Twitter about the incident, saying it was going to be a great series.

Halloween horror: Chelsee Healey's exposed cleavage

During her Halloween routine in 2011, Waterloo Road star Chelsee Healey had a wardrobe mishap that left her in tears. As her partner Pasha Kovalev spun her around, Healey's dress failed to hold up, exposing her cleavage to millions of viewers. Despite presenter Tess Daly's reassurance that nobody saw anything, Healey slipped down the judges' scoreboard and later took to social media to express her mortification.

Fleur re-run row: Controversy over a redo performance

Last year, there was much controversy when it was revealed that X Factor singer Fleur East was allowed to redo her performance after a prop blunder. During a dance-off with partner Vito Coppola, the pair came crashing down due to the mishap, but the moment was not aired. Strictly had to issue a statement explaining the decision, and East ended up beating their rivals and advancing in the competition.

Doing the splits: Brendan Cole's wardrobe malfunction

In 2014, Brendan Cole gave viewers an eyeful when he ripped his trousers while performing the splits. After finishing off his routine with Sunetra Sarker, Cole shuffled off stage on his knees, only for host Tess Daly to point out his wardrobe malfunction. Despite the embarrassing moment, Cole shrugged it off and remained upbeat.

"Drunk" claims: Katya Jones' falls prompt speculation

In 2019, professional dancer Katya Jones fell twice during a performance with Mike Bushell, leading viewers to speculate if she was "drunk." While the first fall was real, Jones claimed the second fall was intentional. On the show, she clarified that she did it on purpose and denied being intoxicated, despite what some people may have thought.

Awkward gaffe: Shirley Ballas' unintentional pun

Early in her time as a judge on Strictly, Shirley Ballas made an unintentional pun that left her red-faced. After Paralympian Jonnie Peacock and dance pro Oti Mabuse performed a top-notch Quickstep, Ballas told Peacock, "You bring a whole new meaning to putting a spring in your step." Peacock, who has a prosthetic leg, responded with humor, pointing out his disability and causing Ballas to cover her face in embarrassment.

Potty mouth: Bruno Tonioli's fiery comments

Judge Bruno Tonioli has a reputation for breaking pre-watershed rules with his colorful language. After a dance by Jay McGuiness, Tonioli gleefully remarked, "Oh yeah, those are the bull's b*****ks!" before realizing he had said something inappropriate for the live show. Another time, he made a comment about TV presenter Stacey Dooley's "greatest t**s" instead of her "greatest hits." Both remarks left the audience and fellow judges mortified.

Voting dis-AH-ster: A blunder in the voting process

One of the biggest controversies in Strictly history occurred in 2008 when a voting error rendered the entire semi-final show meaningless. Lisa Snowdon and Rachel Stevens tied at the top of the leaderboard, making the votes for third-placed Tom Chambers irrelevant. The BBC received numerous complaints, and the incident was deemed an "oversight" by Ofcom.

Saucy straddle: Ruth Langsford's compromising position

During a Paso Doble performance in 2017, Ruth Langsford and her dance partner Anton Du Beke took a tumble that left them in a compromising position. As Langsford straddled Du Beke after the fall, her husband Eamonn Holmes laughed from the audience. Host Tess Daly also couldn't contain her amusement and remarked that it definitely wasn't planned.

Mic mayhem: Karen Hardy and Mark Ramprakash's microphone mishap

In 2006, Karen Hardy and Mark Ramprakash experienced a halt in their salsa routine when their microphones got tangled. After a brief pause to untangle themselves, the duo continued with their energetic performance and went on to win the glitterball trophy that season.

Flash dance: Stacey Dooley's wardrobe malfunction

During her Paso Doble in 2018, Stacey Dooley caused a stir when it appeared she had flashed the audience without wearing any underwear. However, it was later revealed to be a wardrobe malfunction, as she was wearing a nude-colored bodysuit. Despite the mishap, Dooley and her partner Kevin Clifton received high praise from the judges.

Strictly Come Dancing has provided its fair share of entertainment over the years with these blunders and mishaps. As the show enters its 21st season, fans can only wonder what surprises are in store.