Strictly Come Dancing bosses have denied claims that they let celebrities choose their dance partners before the launch.
It has been claimed that bosses let the celebrities choose which professional they wanted to dance with months before tonight's first show.
This evening, viewers watched as each of the celebrities were paired up with the various professionals.
Emma Barton was paired with Anton Du Beke while Anneka Rice was with Kevin Clifton and James Cracknell with Luba Mushtuk.
But The Sun on Sunday has claimed that some partnerships are decided up to four months before the show.
A source told the publication: "This is complete smoke and mirrors — the 12million viewers are being hoodwinked to some extent.
"Celebrities try to choose their dancers months before, often based on who they think is the best and who will take them the furthest in the series."
While another added: "The celebrities — especially the big ones — make their choices clear and bosses make it happen. It is as simple as that."
However Strictly denied the claims to Mirror TV, branding them "categorically untrue".
A BBC Spokesperson said: "This is categorically untrue.
"Even if preferences are voiced, these are not taken into consideration and neither celebs nor pro dancers find out their partner before the launch show is recorded."
*Strictly returns later this month on BBC One
