Sarah Hadland was the center of attention during the Strictly Come Dancing final held on December 14, 2024, where she, alongside her dancing partner Vito Coppola, aimed to secure the coveted Glitterball trophy. Known for her delightful role as Stevie Sutton on the BBC sitcom Miranda, Hadland was seen as the 'dark horse' of the competition, especially after remaining intact throughout the entire series without ever facing the dance-off.
Despite entering the event as one of the show's top competitors, trailing only comedian Chris McCausland and former JLS member JB Gill, Hadland faced considerable pressure. The evening began cheekily for her and Vito, representing the last of the four couples. During their first performance, the American Smooth to "Proud" by Heather Small, the couple experienced unexpected hilarity when Vito’s trousers split, leading to light-hearted moments shared with the show's host, Tess Daly.
“Are you okay Vito?” Tess asked humorously as she approached the pair following the mishap. “We have a wardrobe issue. Are you able to maintain your decency?” Hadland, ever the professional, leaned over to keep her partner covered, drawing applause and laughter from the audience.
Later, tensions rose when Hadland took to the floor again for their Show Dance to Cabaret. Despite their earlier success, Hadland unfortunately admitted to having made mistakes during the routine. Upon realizing this, and mere seconds before the studio audience erupted with boos, she was frank about her performance. “Yes, I did...even though I went a bit wrong,” she confessed. To this, Tess quickly interjected, “Oh, oh...let's not mention it.”
Craig Revel Horwood, one of the show’s judges, went on to critique her performance, citing, “I don't think you brought enough 1950s jazz to the performance,” which prompted the audience's displeasure, leading to loud boos ringing out across the studio.
Despite the challenges, Hadland expressed immense gratitude for the experience, reflecting on how it impacted her life. “What it’s made me realize, which I did not expect to get out of this, is I have actually put limits on myself,” she shared. Her emotional progress throughout the competition became clear as she highlighted how Vito’s encouragement played a pivotal role. “He would say to somebody else, ‘She’ll do this,’ and I’d be astonished. By the end of the week, I always manage to pull it off.”
The camaraderie between Hadland and Vito was palpable, reflecting their teamwork throughout the series. Their connection was celebrated by friends and fans alike, none more so than Miranda Hart, who supported Hadland fervently. Hart quipped on social media, “Well, I’ll tell you why... I taught you all you need to know. I’m empty of choreography!” This amusing yet heartfelt message served to encapsulate their friendship and camaraderie formed through dance.
Fans of the duo were quick to take to social media to underline their favor, making comments like, “It is criminal Sarah and Vito didn’t get 40 when his trousers popped open mid-dance and they STILL delivered a perfect routine.” This indignation from supporters showcased not only their disbelief at the vote but also their enjoyment of the pair’s antics throughout the series.
The culmination of performances on the night brought Hadland and Vito together, not just to compete but to celebrate their progress. After weeks of rehearsals and challenges, they showcased their hard work and dedication, embodying the spirit of the show, which aims to bring joy and entertainment.
Despite being heralded as the potential frontrunners for the Glitterball trophy at one point, the final saw Chris McCausland crowned as the champion, followed by JB Gill. Hadland, meanwhile, ended her tenure as the competition's heartwarming storyline, displaying resilience, comedic flair, and genuine warmth. She noted the importance of the experience; “I feel so lucky to be doing this show,” she said, reflecting her deep connection to the competition and her partners.
Though Hadland may not have lifted the Glitterball trophy, she undoubtedly won the hearts of many, reinforcing the notion of celebrating successes, big or small, through the power of dance. With her engaging performances and significant growth over the course of the season, Sarah Hadland has proven to be more than just another contestant; she has been a beacon of hope and happiness for many during the series.
