Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova

Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova Next Appearing Friday 29th June 2012

Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova Dancing together since 1997 Darren & Lilia achieved great success early in their career together winning the International and British Youth Championships at under 21. As amateur they won the British National Championships 4 times and travelled the world in amateur events. Whilst amateur they were invited to perform for many different types of audience including Elton John's 50th Birthday.

Turning Professional in 2003 they won the British Rising Star Professional Championships at their first attempt beating 250 couples to this prestigious title. They continued their success making the final of the Italian & Dutch Opens and World Masters. Within their first year of professionalism they achieved a ranking in the top 6 of the World Series. .

In 2004 they make it to the World Final and became members of the British Team. In July 2004 they were asked if they would like to take part in the BBC Strictly Come Dancing, having been unavailable for the first series they took up the offer and never looked back. The show has continued to be one of the BBC success stories and at it's peak attracts approx. 11 million viewers. Darren dancing with Jill Halfpenny from Eastenders won the show and then went on to win the Champion of Champions dance off. Lilia dancing with Aled Jones were the fan's favourite winning the phone vote for 6 weeks. Darren went on to present at the Royal Variety Show meeting Prince Charles and performing with Michael Buble on stage.

2005 was another great year, with them becoming British National Champions after being placed first in all 5 dances. A return to Strictly Come Dancing saw Lilia this time take the title while partnering cricketing star Darren Gough, after which they also went on to win the International Chrismas special. Read more...