Hamza Yassin and his professional partner Jowita Przystał won Strictly Come Dancing 2022, lifting the iconic Glitterball Trophy on December 17, 2022. Despite finishing at the bottom of the judges’ leaderboard in the grand final with a score of 113, the wildlife cameraman and Countryfile presenter secured the win through the all-important public vote. The pair defeated fellow finalists Fleur East, Helen Skelton, and Molly Rainford in a nail-biting finale that capped off the show’s 20th series.
The 2022 Champions: Hamza and Jowita
Hamza Yassin, best known to younger audiences as “Ranger Hamza” on CBeebies, entered the competition as a self-described “underdog” with no previous dance experience. His partnership with Jowita Przystał—the 2020 winner of The Greatest Dancer—proved to be a masterclass in coaching and natural rhythm. Throughout the 13-week series, Hamza became a “national treasure,” praised by the judges for his surprisingly light footwork and incredible strength during complex lifts.
Their journey was marked by a steady rise in confidence, eventually leading to their record-breaking Afrobeats-inspired “Couple’s Choice to “Jerusalema,” which scored a perfect 40. Jowita’s win was equally significant, as it made her the first female professional to win in her very first year with a celebrity partner. This victory cemented her status as one of the show’s elite choreographers.
Top 3 Most Iconic Routines of 2022
The 2022 series was lauded for its high technical standard and diverse musical selection. Three particular dances stood out as the “blueprint” for the season’s success.
The Afrobeats Couple’s Choice (Week 8)
Danced to “Jerusalema – Remix” at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom, this routine was a historic moment for the show. It earned the pair their first perfect 40 and was credited with bringing a fresh, contemporary energy to the competition.
Helen Skelton’s “Revenge” Mein Herr (Week 11)
Helen Skelton’s Couple’s Choice to “Mein Herr” from Cabaret during Musicals Week became a viral sensation. Frequently referred to as her “revenge dance” following a high-profile breakup, it symbolized her transformation from a shy contestant to a confident performer.
Fleur East’s Samba (Final)
Fleur East and Vito Coppola’s Salsa/Samba hybrid was described by Craig Revel Horwood as “magic.” It was one of the few routines in the 20th series to be unanimously praised by the judges for its professional-level speed and complexity.
Practical Information: Watching the 2022 Replays
If you are a fan looking to relive the 2022 season in 2026:
- Platform: Entire episodes and highlights are available on BBC iPlayer and the official Strictly YouTube channel.
- Live Tour: While the 2023 tour has concluded, you can find professional clips of the winners on various streaming services.
- DVDs/Merchandise: Annual “Best Of” DVDs for the 20th series are available at most major UK retailers.
- Strictly Live 2026: If you wish to see current winners, tickets for the 2026 Strictly Live Tour typically go on sale in September.
Major Controversy: Tony Adams’ Withdrawal
The most significant disruption to the 2022 series occurred in Week 8, when Arsenal legend Tony Adams was forced to withdraw from the competition. After landing in the bottom two against Tyler West, host Tess Daly announced that Tony would not participate in the dance-off due to an injury sustained during the live Saturday night show.
It was later revealed that the 56-year-old had suffered a hamstring injury and, following medical advice, decided to bow out. His departure was met with mixed reactions; while many praised his “true Strictly spirit” and mental health advocacy, others had previously criticized his longevity in the show over technically superior dancers like Ellie Simmonds.
Celebrating BBC 100: A Special Week
As 2022 marked the centenary of the BBC, the show introduced a one-off “BBC 100” themed week. Couples performed to iconic theme tunes from the broadcaster’s history, including Casualty, EastEnders, Line of Duty, and The Apprentice.
This themed week also featured a special professional routine that paid tribute to the BBC’s natural history unit, fittingly foreshadowing Hamza Yassin’s eventual victory. It remains one of the most-watched episodes of the series, blending nostalgia with the show’s signature glamour.
FAQs
Who won Strictly 2022?
Hamza Yassin and his partner Jowita Przystał won the 20th series on December 17, 2022.
Why did Tony Adams leave Strictly?
Tony Adams withdrew in Week 8 due to a hamstring injury sustained during his Jive to “Land of 1000 Dances.”
Who were the four finalists in 2022?
The four finalists were Hamza Yassin, Fleur East, Helen Skelton, and Molly Rainford.
Did Helen Skelton win Strictly?
No, Helen Skelton finished as a runner-up alongside Molly Rainford and Fleur East.
Which professional won for the first time in 2022?
Jowita Przystał won in 2022, making her the first female pro to win in her first year with a celebrity partner.
What was Hamza Yassin’s highest score?
Hamza received multiple perfect 40s, most notably for his Couple’s Choice (Afrobeats) and his Semi-final Charleston.
Who was the first person voted off in 2022?
Journalist and Loose Women star Kaye Adams was the first celebrity to be eliminated.
Was there a Blackpool week in 2022?
Yes, 2022 saw the highly anticipated return to the Blackpool Tower Ballroom for the first time since the pandemic.
Who were the judges in 2022?
The panel consisted of Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas (Head Judge), and Anton Du Beke.
What happened to the professional dancers after 2022?
Most pros returned for the 2023 and 2024 series, though Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima notably left the show in 2024 following internal investigations.
How old was Hamza Yassin when he won?
Hamza was 32 years old when he lifted the Glitterball Trophy.
Where can I watch the 2022 Strictly final now?
You can watch the 2022 final and all series highlights on BBC iPlayer and the official Strictly Come Dancing YouTube channel.
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