Strictly Come Dancing fans uncover Graeme Hall’s previous experience as they brand him ‘dark horse’ of the series
Online reports show Graeme Hall competing in Latin and ballroom events between 2013 and 2019Graeme Hall has been branded a Strictly Come Dancing “dark horse” after fans uncovered records of his competitive dance past.
The Sun reports that online results list the television dog trainer’s ballroom and Latin entries between 2013 and 2019. The discovery adds fresh intrigue to Graeme’s return to dancing after his 2019 stroke.
He is now partnered with professional dancer Lauren Oakley for Series 24. But several Reddit users reacted with surprise, while others wondered whether previous ballroom training should matter.
Graeme Hall’s ballroom records emerge
Scores reportedly show he entered an Over 35s Intermediate CJ Latin competition in 2013. His latest listed appearance came at the Champions of Tomorrow ballroom competition in 2019.
That gives viewers a much clearer picture of his experience before the televised contest.
One user wrote: “I think he’s a dark horse.”
A second asked: “I thought having prior ballroom and Latin training was a big no no?”
Another joked: “Woah Grandpa Graeme has dance experience.”
The comments reveal contrasting early views of Graeme’s prospects. Some now see a possible contender, while others are questioning how earlier training fits the competition.
Over the years, Strictly stars previous dance history has caused a lot of controversy among fans. So, it’s not surprising that some are annoyed by the revelation.
Graeme Hall’s dancing stopped after health ordeal
Graeme first caught the dancing bug during a charity event in 2012. However his time on the dance floor was then paused after he suffered a stroke in 2019.
Joining Strictly has consequently become a personal milestone for the television star.
His earlier competitions pre-date that health ordeal, with the last listed entry falling in the same year. The available record does not show a more recent competitive appearance before Strictly.
Graeme is now tackling the programme alongside pro-dancer Lauren Oakley, and fans are already thinking they could go all the way.
Why Strictly fans know Graeme Hall
Graeme made his TV breakthrough in 2017 by fronting Channel 4’s Dogs Behaving Badly. Channel 5 picked up the format in 2019 as Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly.
The programme has since passed 100 episodes, turning its host into a familiar television face. Graeme is also known as “The Dogfather”.
His other work includes The Dog Hospital, an Australian spin-off, the Talking Dogs podcast and several books. For audiences who mainly know that career, competitive Latin and ballroom results may feel unexpected.
Yet past records cannot show how he will perform under Strictly’s particular pressure. The opening weeks will reveal whether the “dark horse” label proves well placed.
Either way, fans have already found a new talking point around Graeme’s Strictly run.
Read more: ‘Tension’ spotted already between Strictly stars Katya Jones and John Nellis
