DARREN GOUGH

Sportsman

Darren is a fast medium bowled who has played cricket at both county and international level, and holds the England record for the highest number of wickets taking in one-day internationals, as well has taking 229 wickets in 58 test matches for England. One of highlights of his test career, was taking a hat trick against Australia in Sydney in the 1999 Ashes tour.

Partnered with Lilia Kopylova, Darren danced in the third series of Strictly Come Dancing. A distinctly average start to the competition, Darren scored just 19 points for his Cha Cha Cha, but after getting through the first week, Darren had caught the dancing bug. Taking on board all the judges comments, Darren and Lilia danced the Quickstep in week two, and their score jumped to 30 points. Generally better at ballroom than latin dances, during the competition their highest scoring ballroom was their Waltz with 35 points and in latin, it was their Paso Doble which was awarded 34 points. Darren and Lilia reached the final of the series, and received their first 10 during the final for their Foxtrot, but their finest moment came with their showdance, for which Lilia choreographed a show-stopping routine, working to Darren's strength and earning them a standing ovation. Darren and Lilia won the competition, making Darren the first male celebrity to with Strictly Come Dancing.

Darren and Lilia went on to compete in both the 2005 and 2007 Christmas Specials, dancing the Quickstep in 2005 and the American Smooth in 2007, with both dances awarded the perfect 40 score from the judges, and winning the audience vote to be crowned Christmas Champion both years.

Strictly Come Dancing