Darren Bennett's Biography

Darren Bennett, who was born in Deepcar, began dancing when he was just six. His father, Tony Bennett, runs the City Limits Dance School in Walkley with his wife Judith.

Darren has a twin brother Dale.

Darren Bennett is married to his professional dancing partner, Lilia Kopylova, who in 2005 won Strictly Come Dancing partnering Darren Gough.

Before meeting Lilia Kopylova after an introduction from his twin brother Dale, Darren was a shoe company sales manager.

Darren and Lilia married in January 1999 in Rotherham.

They ranked as the number one British Latin American Couple for many years. The couple were World Professional Latin Finalists 2005.

As well as competing Darren and Lilia coach and choreograph.

Darren, whose favourite dances are the samba and the foxtrot, appeared in the normal Come Dancing in the mid-Nineties.

Darren Bennett is a huge fan of science fiction books.

In May and June of 2009, Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova performed Latin Fever at the Peacock Theatre.

Darren Bennett won series 2 of Strictly Come Dancing partnering Jill Halfpenny.

In series 3 he danced with Gloria Hunniford, but they exited in the third week.

In series four of Strictly Come Dancing, Darren Bennett danced with Emma Bunton and they did well achieving the third spot.

In series five of Strictly Come Dancing, Letitia Dean partnered Darren Bennett. They got into the quarter-finals but just missed out in being in the last three.

In series 6 of Strictly Come Dancing, Darren Bennett danced with Jessie Wallace. They were voted off in week 4.

In series 7 of Strictly Come Dancing, Darren Bennett partnered Lynda Bellingham. They were the fourth couple voted off.