In a stunning confession, former Strictly Come Dancing champion Chris Hollins has admitted to feeling pangs of guilt following his unexpected victory in the BBC dance competition's 2009 series. The presenter, who was a rank outsider with the bookmakers, famously defeated the hot favourite, Hollyoaks actor Ricky Whittle, in one of the show's most memorable upsets.
The Underdog's Triumph
The 2009 final saw Hollins, partnered with professional dancer Ola Jordan, go head-to-head with Ricky Whittle and his pro partner Natalie Lowe. Throughout the series, Whittle had consistently dazzled the judges and was the clear frontrunner in the betting odds. In contrast, Hollins, while popular, rarely topped the leaderboard for his technical scores.
However, the BBC One show's unique format, which combines judges' scores with the public vote, proved decisive. Chris Hollins captured the public's imagination and sailed through each week without ever facing the dreaded dance-off, ultimately securing his place in the grand final.
A Confession of Guilt
Even before the final dance, Hollins revealed he felt conflicted about his journey. He specifically mentioned guilt over reaching the finale instead of fellow contestants Ali Bastian and Brian Fortuna, who had received higher marks that week but were eliminated.
Speaking on the companion show It Takes Two, Hollins stated: "Brian and Ali were awesome and some people have said that I took their place, so I do feel a bit guilty." He even recounted how a disgruntled viewer called a radio show he was on to say he had "ruined their weekend."
Despite these mixed emotions, Hollins was determined to prove he deserved his spot, telling audiences: "We will do everything we have got to prove that we deserve a place in the final."
Securing the Glitterball
On the night of the final, the pattern continued. While Ricky Whittle and Natalie Lowe again achieved superior scores from the judging panel—which included Craig Revel Horwood, Bruno Tonioli, Alesha Dixon, Darcey Bussell, and the late Len Goodman—it was not enough.
The public vote carried Chris Hollins and Ola Jordan to victory, clinching the coveted Glitterball trophy in a result that shocked many. The BBC later confirmed that Hollins had confessed to feeling somewhat guilty about claiming the crown over the favourite.
In his gracious victory speech, Hollins thanked his rivals, saying: "I'd just love to thank everyone so much especially you two (Ricky and Natalie), you've made it a wonderful final." He saved special praise for his partner, affectionately dubbing her "little Ola chops" and thanking her for believing in him throughout the challenging journey.
This historic upset serves as a potent reminder that on Strictly Come Dancing, the public's affection can often outweigh technical perfection, creating unforgettable and unpredictable television moments.
