STRICTLY Come Dancing is not solely about sequins, sambas, and glitter balls.
It has also played a significant role in transforming contestants’ health and fitness, in addition to their dancing abilities – long before they ever stepped onto the dance floor.
Here, we explore some of the most astonishing weight loss transformations from Strictly.
Lisa Riley
Lisa made her appearance on Strictly in 2000.
She first appeared in Emmerdale in 1995 as Woolpack barmaid Mandy.
Lisa has lost 12 stone over the years.
Emmerdale star Lisa Riley has shed an impressive 12 stone, saying, “My bum may not be J-Lo’s, but I love it.”
The actress returned to our screens in January 2019 as the lively Mandy Dingle after an 18-year hiatus from the soap.
After leaving the Dales in 2001, Lisa starred in the drama Fat Friends, hosted You’ve Been Framed, joined the Loose Women panel, and finished fifth on Strictly Come Dancing in 2012.
Her experience on the BBC dance show initially motivated Lisa to lose weight, as she wanted to demonstrate to others that she wasn’t a “chunky monkey.”
She lost 4 stone and became the first female contestant on the show to lift her male dance partner.
However, the tragic loss of her mother, Cath, to breast cancer at the age of 57 that same year compelled Lisa to completely change her lifestyle.
She eliminated junk food and takeaways, began cooking healthier meals, and embraced exercise, going from a size 30 to a size 14 in just under two years.
Lisa stated, “I am incredibly proud of everything I have accomplished. At my funeral, the priest will not say, ‘Thank you for coming, Lisa Riley was fat!’ He won’t mention my size because it doesn’t matter.”
“I love that I can inspire others to be healthy and make them believe that if they want it, they can achieve it. However, I have given so much more to people and my career.”
Susan Calman
Susan Calman competed in the 2017 series of Strictly.
Susan shared a picture showcasing her three and a half stone weight loss.
Comedian Susan Calman participated in Strictly in 2017, where she was paired with Kevin Clifton.
While weeks of dancing improved her fitness, Susan embarked on a serious health journey in December 2023.
In a recent post on her Instagram, 50-year-old Susan celebrated her weight loss success alongside a photo highlighting her slimmer appearance.
She wrote, “Hit another milestone today. 54 pounds lost (of weight, not money; if I’d lost cash, I’d be quite annoyed).”
“I know before and after photos are sometimes frowned upon, but it’s a significant change. The person in the second photo was perimenopausal (I’m on HRT now, which helps a bit), tired, sore, and unwell.”
“Being more active, eating better, and being more mindful of my choices have all contributed.”
She continued, “It’s taken almost two years to reach this point, and I still have a bit further to go. I’ve been lifting heavier weights, walking farther, and I even ran 10k the other day, although an old knee injury means I won’t be winning any speed contests.”
“More than anything, exercise has significantly improved my mental health.”
“In what has been a challenging year, having goals to work towards has provided a sense of accomplishment.”
“Onwards and upwards. Walk, run, golf, lift. Repeat, even when I don’t feel like it. Sending big love to anyone else on a similar journey.”
Susan previously admitted that her health was “in a precarious position” before she began her health and fitness journey.
