Strictly's Darren Gough and Lilia Kopylova unrecognisable 20 years on

Strictly's Darren Gough and Lilia Kopylova unrecognisable 20 years on
Source: Daily Mail Online

Strictly Come Dancing stars Darren Gough and Lilia Kopylova looked unrecognisable as they reunited almost 20 years after winning the hit BBC show.

Lilia, now 47, lifted the Glitterball Trophy alongside Darren, 55, after they beat stars including Patsy Palmer, Gloria Hunniford and James Martin during one of the earliest series of the Saturday night favourite.

The pair also went on to win two Christmas special trophies and topped the leaderboard during the Strictly live tour.

But as Darren arrived on set for the upcoming series, expecting to reflect on his past triumph, he was met with a heartwarming surprise.

Waiting in the wings was none other than Lilia - and as she waltzed out to greet her former dance partner, a stunned Darren exclaimed: 'What are you doing here?!'

Lilia cut a chic figure in a cream top and matching trousers, and the pair wasted no time in reliving their ballroom magic, swaying together once again on the dancefloor.

Darren looked worlds away from his Strictly days, now sporting a grey stubbly beard and salt-and-pepper hair.

When asked what advice he'd give this year's crop of celebrities, the cricket legend said: '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.'

Meanwhile, Cal Gildart of Ladbrokes added: 'Darren Gough and Lilia Kopylova are the most successful couple in Strictly history, so it was only right that we helped to bring them back together to celebrate 20 years since they danced their way to glory.'

With this year's series launching on Saturday night, fans are already placing bets on who could waltz their way to victory.

Celebrities taking to the dancefloor to impress judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, and Anton Du Beke include Balvinder Sopal, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Dani Dyer, Alex Kingston, and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

As well as Ellie Goldstein, La Voix, Chris Robshaw, Thomas Skinner, Stefan Dennis, Vicky Pattison, Ross King, Karen Carney, Lewis Cope, and George Clark.

The pair also went on to win two Christmas special trophies and topped the leaderboard during the Strictly live tour.

But as Darren arrived on set for the upcoming series, expecting to reflect on his past triumph, he was met with a heartwarming surprise.

Waiting in the wings was none other than Lilia - and as she waltzed out to greet her former dance partner, a stunned Darren exclaimed: 'What are you doing here?!'

Leading the odds is Emmerdale star Lewis, who stepped in at the last minute to replace Kristian Nairn, after he pulled out before rehearsals began. Lewis currently stands as the favourite to win at 3/1.

Close behind is Dani at 4/1, followed by Ellie, the show's first contestant with Down's Syndrome, at 5/1.

Meanwhile, Balvinder’s odds of winning stand at 12/1, whilst Harry’s odds currently stand at 16/1.

Vicky’s chances are slightly higher, with her odds of lifting the Glitterball Trophy being listed as 10/1.

Stefan’s odds currently stand at 28/1, whilst La Voix’s odds sit at 33/1.

Meanwhile, at the lower end of the list is Chris with odds of 50/1 and Ross, who has been given 66/1 odds of winning.

Lilia cut a chic figure in a cream top and matching trousers, and the pair wasted no time in reliving their ballroom magic, swaying together once again on the dancefloor.

Darren looked worlds away from his Strictly days, now sporting a grey stubbly beard and salt-and-pepper hair.