The 2016 final was no walk in the park. It had more tension than a half-baked custard slice, sweet but could collapse at any moment. The other two couples in the final were Louise Redknapp (of Eternal fame and football WAG royalty) with Kevin Clifton, and the incredible Danny Mac (from Hollyoaks) with Oti Mabuse.
Let’s be real: Danny Mac was the technical favourite. The man could leap, glide, and spin like he was born in a dance studio. Louise was the epitome of elegance, so smooth she looked like she was skating on air. But Ore? Ore had heart.
He had the story. He was the underdog who started with two left feet and somehow turned them into gold. The judges loved him, the public adored him, and by the time the final rolled around, he was on fire.
The Showstopping Moment
If you want the exact moment people knew he had it in the bag, it was the Showdance. Ore and Joanne performed a routine to “Run” by Leona Lewis, and honestly, it was more emotional than a dog eating your last slice of pizza.
It was powerful, elegant, and had lifts that made your jaw drop. The judges gave it a standing ovation, and Bruno Tonioli probably needed a fan to cool down. That dance was the victory lap before the race was even won.
When the results were announced, Ore’s face was a picture of pure, unfiltered shock. He kept saying “What?!” like he’d just won a lottery he forgot he entered. It was adorable, messy, and so genuine.
Is Strictly Come Dancing 2016 champion Ore Oduba swapping sports
Why Ore Oduba Deserved to Win?
Let’s break it down. Danny Mac was technically brilliant, but sometimes he looked like he was performing a dance. Ore, on the other hand, danced like he was having the time of his life. He connected with the audience every single week.
He told a story with each routine. Whether he was playing a jive-happy jester or a romantic hero, you felt it. Plus, his improvement was astronomical. He went from “cute sports guy” to “dancing sensation” in just a few months. Talk about a glow-up!
And let’s not forget the chemistry with Joanne Clifton. They were like two peas in a very sparkly pod. Their energy was infectious, and you could tell they genuinely loved every second.
The Aftermath & The Glitterball Tour
Winning Strictly in 2016 basically made Ore a national treasure. He went on to host The One Show and became a full-time TV presenter, all thanks to that shiny trophy. The Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour that year was a huge hit, with Ore and Danny often swapping the win.
But here’s the thing: the win wasn’t just about the dance skills. It was about joy. Ore danced like nobody was watching, even when millions were. He reminded us that Strictly is, first and foremost, about having a blast.
In the grand scheme of Strictly history, 2016 is remembered as the year the heart won over the technique. And honestly? That’s why we love this show.
Who won Strictly Come Dancing 2016? How Ore Oduba and Joanne Clifton
A Little Fun Fact
Did you know Ore Oduba was the first sports presenter to ever win Strictly? And he did it while the rest of the world was obsessing over Danny Mac’s salsa. It just proves that you don’t need a dance background to be a champion. You just need soul. And maybe a good pair of non-slip shoes.
Also, Joanne Clifton, his partner, later admitted in interviews that Ore was the hardest-working celebrity she ever danced with. He practiced until his feet hurt, then practiced some more. That’s dedication, people!
