Strictly Come Dancing: 8 of the best Argentine Tango routines ever

But one of the most anticipated dances of every series is the dramatic and passionate Argentine Tango.

It has a place in many fans’ hearts thanks to former pros Flavia Cacacia and Vincent Simone, who showed the celebrity dancers on the hit BBC show how it should be done, and went on to have their own stage show.

As Jay McGuinness and his partner Aliona Vilani take on the first Argentine Tango of the 2015 series to Diferente by The Gotan Project, here’s our pick of the best Argentine Tangos of Strictly series past.

1. Simon Webbe and Kristina Rihanoff, series 12 (2014)

The Blue singer and his partner made their mark in last year’s competition with their sizzling dance to El Tango De Roxanne from Moulin Rouge at Blackpool’s Tower ballroom.

After finding himself in the dance-off a couple of times, Simon smouldered through his routine and found himself a hit with the judges, who scored him 38 out of 40, and the public, who kept him safe in Week 8. He went one better when he revisited the dance in the final, scoring a perfect 40.

2. Caroline Flack and Pasha Kovalev, series 12 (2014)

TV presenter Caroline – the eventual champion in last year’s show – showed her passion with partner Pasha during Quarter Final week, with this dance to La Cumparsita by Gerardo Matos Rodríguez.

They matched their highest score so far with 39 from the Strictly judges for their routine.

3. Natalie Gumede and Artem Chigvintsev, series 11 (2013)

The former Coronation Street actress was one of the stand-out stars of the 2013 series, scoring highly throughout and was eventually a runner-up to champion Abbey Clancy.

She became a lady in red for her Argentine Tango with partner Artem to Montserrat by Bajofondo, scoring a high 38 with the judges in Semi Final week, although surprisingly the pair found themselves in the bottom two and had to be saved in the dance-off.

4. Jason Donovan and Kristina Rihanoff, series 9 (2011)

The former Neighbours star showed off his acting skills in his intimate routine with Kristina, who obviously has a talent for this dance style.

Semi Final week saw them perform to the Assassin’s Tango by John Powell, wowing the judges who gave them a perfect 40. The routine saw them into the final, where they took third place.

5. Harry Judd and Aliona Vilani, series 9 (2011)

McFly drummer Harry used his sense of rhythm and musicality to good effect and lifted the glitterball trophy this year.

His Argentine Tango to Asi Se Baila El Tango from Take The Lead in Week 7 scored 37 points. When he repeated the dance in the Blackpool-based final he matched rival Jason with full marks from all four judges.

6. Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev, series 8 (2010)

Actress Kara was another winner of the BBC ballroom show with her professional partner Artem.

Their blossoming real-life romance may have added a touch of spice to their Argentine Tango in Week 7 to Los Vino by Otros Aires, which scored a high 38 from the judges.

7. Rachel Stevens and Vincent Simone, series 6 (2008)

The S Club singer, showed off her dance talents in the 2008 series of Strictly, eventually finishing as runner-up to actor Tom Chambers.

Dancing with the king of the Argentine Tango Vincent, she was always likely to do well, and her dramatic routine to Prince’s When Doves Cry in the Semi Final saw her receive a score of 39 from the judges.

8. Mark Ramprakash and Karen Hardy, series 4 (2006)

England cricketer Ramps lifted the glitterball trophy with partner Karen this year, after she turned him from a shy sportsmen into a confident dancer.

Their tantalising Tango to Tina Turner’s James Bond theme GoldenEye during the Semi Finals left the judges shaken and stirred and gave them a score of 39, seeing them safely into the Final.