For over two decades, a familiar and resonant voice has introduced the glitz and glamour of Strictly Come Dancing to millions of British viewers. That voice has now been officially confirmed as belonging to broadcasting legend Alan Dedicoat, who has been the show's announcer since its very first series in 2004.
The Unseen Star of Strictly
While presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman guide the action in front of the camera, Alan Dedicoat has been the constant, reassuring voice setting the stage for every episode. He has been a pivotal part of the BBC One show's journey, witnessing its evolution into one of the nation's most beloved television programmes. Currently, the 23rd series is underway, featuring celebrities such as Amber Davies, Lewis Cope, and Balvinder Sopal.
His role extends beyond the UK's shores, as he also serves as the announcer for ABC's Dancing with the Stars, the American version of the hit format. Furthermore, viewers will instantly recognise Alan as the iconic 'Voice of the Balls' for the National Lottery results programme, a role that has made his tones a staple of British broadcasting.
A Storied BBC Career
Alan Dedicoat's association with the BBC spans decades. He left BBC Radio 2 in 2015 after an impressive 28-year tenure, where he worked as a continuity announcer and newsreader. Reflecting on his departure at the time, he fondly recalled his 15-year partnership with the late Sir Terry Wogan, describing it as "15 years of constant laughter" and labelling Wogan "the greatest living Irishman."
In 2017, Alan hinted that he might one day share some of the secrets from his long career, suggesting he had plans for an autobiography filled with "juicy stories." He told MailOnline, "I've got a lot of juicy stories to tell, and I will reveal all in my book... I will be naming names. We weren't allowed to say all that was going on behind the scenes, but now I will. Lots of funny things happened."
The Voice That Defines Saturday Nights
Alan Dedicoat's voice has become synonymous with Saturday night entertainment and life-changing lottery draws. His consistent presence on Strictly Come Dancing provides a thread of continuity that links all 23 series, making him an unsung hero of the show's tremendous success. From introducing the first nervous celebrities in 2004 to announcing the finalists in the latest series, his contribution is a foundational element of the Strictly magic.
His unveiling confirms what many dedicated fans may have long suspected—that the comforting, authoritative voice guiding them through the dance competition is one of the most recognisable in British media.
