Richard Dunwoody & Lilia Kopylova: Video and bios of the Strictly contestants

Richard and Lilia

Richard's progress

Week 2 - Show 2: Richard was then in the dance off fighting for his place in the competition against Craig Kelly. Unfortunately for Richard, Craig was saved by the judges and Richard, with his partner Lilia Kopylova, became the second couple to leave Strictly Come Dancing 2009.
Week 2 - Show 2: Richard danced a Cha Cha and scored 19 / 40
Week 2 - Show 1: Richard danced a Waltz and scored 19 / 40

After his and Lilia’s elimination, Richard said; “It’s been an unbelievable experience, we’ve had our ups and downs along the way but it’s been magical. Lilia has really done a tremendous job over the last four weeks.”

Professional dancer Lila said of Richard; “Well Richard you definitely have been by far the most hard working partner I’ve had. He’s really worked so hard because it didn’t come easy. The best thing is I’m going to finally get to learn how to ride horses now.”

View our weekly scoreboards gallery to see where Richard was placed.

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Watch clips

Richard Dunwoody

Three-time Champion Jockey Richard Dunwoody is one of Britain's most successful riders. At the forefront of English National Hunt racing in the 80s and the 90s, he was victorious in the Big Three races – the Grand National, the Champion Hurdle and the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

In racing, we don't get criticised - you can always blame the horse!

Richard Dunwoody

His distinguished career and dedication to promoting the sport he loves earned him an MBE in 1993.

In becoming the first ever Jockey to Foxtrot across the Strictly dancefloor, Richard hopes, that with the luck of the Irish, he will be galloping all the way to the final – adding the Strictly glitterball to his already heaving trophy cabinet.

Lilia Kopylova

Lilia is 31 years old and a petite 5’3”. Her professional partner is Darren Bennett - they have been dancing since 1997 and are married. They turned professional in 2003. Her speciality is Latin American.

Lilia's grandmother signed her up for beginner Ballroom lessons at her local school. After just one lesson she was hooked by the elegance and glamour of the sport and has never looked back. By the time she was 12, Lilia was already Russian 10 Dance Champion (Ballroom and Latin combined).

The most memorable moment of Lilia's career was at the Open British at Blackpool in 2004. She and Darren walked out as part of the British Team, a moment that was even more special to them as it was their first major professional competition. Her other highlights are making the World Championship and European Championship final.