It’s time to sparkle and groove – Strictly Come Dancing 2025 has waltzed back onto our televisions!
Following on from last week’s launch programme, which revealed celebrity pairings including former Apprentice contestant Thomas Skinner and Amy Dowden, tonight is the first live show of 2025.
Fans have already had their fair share of surprises this season, with ex-Love Island winner Amber Davies stepping in to replace Dani Dyer who was forced to quit the series due to a fractured ankle.
Some viewers, however, have taken issue with the 28-year-old’s past dancing experience. Davies is a trained West End performer, having starred in stage adaptations of Pretty Woman and Back to the Future.
It is the second sudden switch-up of the season, after Game of Thrones star Kristian Nairn withdrew due to medical conditions. He was quickly replaced by Emmerdale’s Lewis Cope, who proved to be a standout dancer during the launch show’s group performance last week. See here for a full list of the contestants.
Tonight’s episode, which has been broadcasting on BBC One since 6.55pm, is seeing the 15 contestants dance with their professional partners for the first time.
Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke are back on the judging panel.
Follow along with all the live updates ahead of the show below…
Strictly Come Dancing news
- Harry Aikines-Aryeetey performs a surprise move - then gets emotional
- Lewis Cope's jives wows the judges and lands an impressive score
- Ross King lands at the bottom of the leaderboard
- La Voix brushes off a technical hitch
- Karen Carney scores a last-minute winner
- Show announce huge change to the results show
This year’s Strictly lineup
11:13 , Annabel NugentFind the rundown of every celebrity taking part in Strictly 2025 here:
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 couples – full list of celebrities and their partners
Everything you missed last week
11:14 , Annabel NugentHaven’t had a chance to catch up on last Saturday’s launch programme? See below for a full rundown of the episode as it happened...
Strictly 2025 launch reveals celebrity and dancer pairings – live
Meet this year’s most controversial contestant
11:17 , Annabel NugentAfter rising to prominence on the 15th series of The Apprentice in 2019, Skinner gained a significant social media following and developed his catchphrase “bosh”.
He now runs several businesses, such as a gym and a mattress company, and has appeared on numerous TV shows, including Celebrity MasterChef, 8 Out of 10 Cats and The Wheel. So what makes him so controversial?
Thomas Skinner: The controversial Strictly star who rose to fame on The Apprentice
What dancing experience does Amber Davies have?
11:30 , Annabel NugentThe announcement of Amber Davies as Dani Dyer’s replacement has ruffled some feathers, with some viewers complaining that the former reality TV star has too much dancing experience.
A year after Davies left Love Island it was announced she would make her West End debut as office girl July Bernly in the Dolly Parton musical 9 to 5, alongside Louise Redknapp.
Davies, who has a diploma in Professional Musical Theatre and Dance, went on to land roles in further West End shows, including Bring It On, Back to the Future and Pretty Woman, in which she played the lead role of Vivian Ward.
Next year, she will play Reese Witherspoon’s role of Elle Woods in a Legally Blonde musical, which will tour across the UK and Ireland.
While Davies professional dance training may help her with rhythm and flexibility when it comes to learning some Strictly routines, the ballroom and latin techniques are sure to still put her through her paces.
The actor has only just started rehearsals with Kuzmin but they will still be joining the other Strictly couples to take to the dancefloor and perform a Waltz tonight.
What time is tonight's show?
11:33 , Annabel NugentThe start times for Strictly will vary across the season. Tonight’s first live show will begin at 6.55pm on BBC One, and is expected to wrap up at 9.35pm after all 15 couples perform.
A timeline of Strictly scandals
12:00 , Annabel NugentFor a wholesome BBC dance competition, Strictly has been rocked by its fair share of scandals – shedding light on some very serious issues within the programme.
See here for a complete timeline of all the times the series has made headlines for the wrong reasons...
Love is in the air!
12:30 , Annabel NugentStrictly star Pete Wicks has “confirmed” a romance with his former dance partner Jowita Przystal.
The Only Way is Essex star was partnered with Przystal on last year’s series while he was dating Love Island’s Maura Higgins, and the pair struck up a close friendship during their months on the show – which has now seemingly evolved into something more.
Strictly stars ‘confirm’ romance one year after competing on show
Strictly fans unhappy over Amy Dowden pairing
13:00 , Annabel NugentSome Strictly fans were not pleased about the pairing of much-loved pro Amy Dowden with controversial star Thomas Skinner.
Some viewers have highlighted how the spotlight on Skinner’s participation in the series may have an impact on Dowden’s longevity in this year’s competition, while others suggested that the dancer’s popularity among fans may help Skinner’s chances.
Dowden was unable to compete in the last two seasons of Strictly as she was receiving cancer treatment in 2023 and suffered a subsequent foot injury that saw her withdraw from last year’s competition.
Read more below...
Strictly fans express frustration over controversial pairing
What has Amy Dowden said about being paired with Thomas Skinner?
13:30 , Annabel NugentWhile their pairing has raised eyebrows, with some fans worried that Skinner’s controversial persona will impact Dowden’s chances to win, the professional dancer seems unbothered herself.
After the launch show aired on Saturday (20 September), Dowden said it had been nice getting to know Skinner, whom she called “really lovely, bubbly and full of life”.
She also thanked Skinner for a great week of rehearsals and said she has been laughing lots in his company.
“The news is out! @iamtomskinner and I are excited and working hard rrrrrready for the first live show next Saturday!” she wrote.
“Tom is working so hard and is loving learning to dance (more than he ever imagined). We are laughing lots too!
Dowden continued: “Thanks for a great week and so looking forward to our Strictly journey ahead! Let’s do this.”
Time to place your bets...
14:00 , Annabel NugentThe series is yet to properly begin and already fans have their thoughts on who will take home the Glitterball Trophy!
Diane Buswell on making history
14:30 , Annabel NugentBuswell made Strictly history as the first professional to perform on the show while pregnant on Saturday night (20 September). She will dance the rest of the series as planned with Neighbours star Stefan Dennis.
The dancer said she wants to show how “absolutely incredible” a woman’s body is by competing in the BBC dance competition while pregnant.
See the full story here...
Dianne Buswell shares reason she wants to compete in Strictly while pregnant
The return of Amy Dowden
15:00 , Annabel NugentStrictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden has returned to the dancing show after two years of being unable to compete due to health complications.
Read on for a detailed look at her health journey so far...
Strictly star Amy Dowden’s health journey as she makes TV return after injury
First look at tonight's show!
15:30 , Annabel NugentIn the first images of tonight’s episode, the judges are seen dancing through the decades.
Du Beke dons a wig along with a tuxedo and tails with a look from the 1970s, while Ballas sparkles in a black sequin dress to represent the 1980s. Mabuse, meanwhile, also wears black in a look straight out of the 1990s, while Revel Horwood models four different costumes for the show.
Strictly’s Vicky Pattison on why she usually avoids the dance floor
16:00 , Annabel NugentWhile there are question marks surrounding Amber Davies’s extensive dance experience, some contestants have admitted to being absolute novices on the dancefloor.
Strictly’s Vicky Pattison on why she usually avoids the dance floor
How did Nikita Kuzmin respond to Dani Dyer quitting the series?
16:30 , Annabel NugentPreviously paired up with Nikita Kuzmin, Dani Dyer was forced to bow out of the competition after sustaining a fractured ankle, with fellow ex-Love Island star Amber Davies stepping in to replace her.
Kuzmin said Dyer’s departure from the series had broken his heart, writing on Instagram: “So so gutted to have finished our journey before it even properly started.”
He continued: “The amount of laughs and fun we had in this short time was unbelievable.
“Really loved our partnership and hope that one day we can actually get to week one lol but, health is the most important thing.”
Nancy Xu responds to being left out of 2025 Strictly season
17:00 , Annabel NugentOne familiar face who will not be participating is professional dancer Nancy Xu who said she was disappointed to be excluded from this series.
“As you all know by now, I don’t have a dance partner on Strictly Come Dancing,” Xu told her Instagram followers earlier this week.
“In the very beginning, when I received the message, it did upset me and I do feel disappointed.”
Xu went on to praise Strictly for giving her the opportunity to showcase her dance skills after she moved to the UK from China.
“I’m good because I’m still part of the Strictly family,” she assured fans, adding that they will hear her voice “more than ever” this year as she will give all her energy to cheering on her fellow stars.
“Thank you all for all your love, kind and supportive messages in the past few days – it has meant the world,” she captioned the video.
ICYMI
17:30 , Annabel NugentHere’s everything you missed from last Saturday’s launch programme, including celebrity pairings, big returns, and early frontrunners...
Strictly 2025 launch reveals celebrity and dancer pairings – live
Is Strictly’s Amy Dowden and Thomas Skinner pairing a secret stroke of genius?
18:00 , Annabel NugentFans aren’t pleased about beloved pro dancer Dowden’s new partnership with the controversial ‘Apprentice’ star, but it actually makes a lot of sense, says Katie Rosseinsky
Is Strictly’s Amy Dowden and Thomas Skinner pairing a secret stroke of genius?
15 minutes to go...
18:40 , Rachel McGrathIf you’ve got some bubbly in the fridge then now’s the time to grab it!
There’s just fifteen minutes to go until the first Strictly live show of 2025 and with all of the couples taking to the floor, it’s going to be a long episode. Two and a half hours to be exact. Buckle up! It should be a good one...
And we're off...
18:58 , Rachel McGrathHere we go! Strictly 2025 is officially underway and tonight's episode is a big one.
We've got a whole host of routines to look forward to, including four cha cha chas and an early paso doble, while two couples will take on the dreaded samba.
Tonight's ep will also introduce Love Islander Amber Davies, who was confirmed for the show just yesterday(!) as the replacement for an injured Dani Dyer. Thankfully, nobody will be going home this weekend as the first dance off will happen after week two's live show.
Pros kick things off with a group dance
19:02 , Rachel McGrathYes, I know we’ve got 15(!) routines to get through but Strictly of course has to start with a group dance - and this time the judges are taking centre stage which is a nice touch... and these ridiculous wigs? Are we peaking early? I hope not.
Chris Robshaw opens the show with a dreaded dance
19:11 , Rachel McGrathFirst up tonight it’s England rugby star Chris Robshaw and Nadiya Bychkova.
Opening the live show is no easy feat. It’s even tougher in week one *and* they’re doing the samba - a notoriously difficult style to master which has resulted in many couples' exits.
Luckily for them, nobody is going home this week so at least they've escaped its dreaded curse.
Rob brings the energy - but not quite the steps...
19:19 , Rachel McGrathI absolutely Rob’s energy and bless him, he grinned his way through that routine didn’t he?
Could you call it a samba? I’m not so sure on that one...
'A good effort': Rob scores 14
19:20 , Rachel McGrathHere’s what the judges have said:
Motsi: “Those hips were there! A lot of focus on Nadiya which I understand. I saw a lot of steps that I recognised, I think you have a strong work ethic and you can go back to the practice room and really really try to think of all those fundamentals you need. And I do believe we can get there.”
Shirley: “I was quite impressed that you didn’t look nervous. There were some timing issues... no heel leads in certain steps you’re doing, your weight is a little too far back and it’s a little clunky in the heels but you do show promise.”
Anton: “It was a very good effort and I enjoyed your focus. You’ve got the samba out of the way - hooray!”
Craig: “It lacked any fluidity, it lacked any hip action. Your arms need sorting out and your hands. I thought the whole thing was heavy and stiff.”
And the scores are... a 3 from Craig, 4 from Motsi, 3 from Shirley and a 4 from Anton for a total of 14. Ouch.
Alex waltzes onto our screens
19:22 , Rachel McGrathActress Alex Kingston is up next with Johannes.
A Viennese waltz to Michael Buble's version of "Cry Me A River" feels like a nice, safe choice for week one of Strictly - I bet Alex breathed a sigh of relief when she found she'd be doing this instead of a samba or cha cha.
Alex scores 21
19:28 , Rachel McGrathShe certainly brought the drama!
Here’s what the judges have told Alex...
Shirley: “I think that was off to a great start, there was some beautiful movement across the floor... your passion and intensity, bringing acting into it, I love all of that. You are doing extremely well.”
Anton: “I’m going to give you this one this week, because it was really good. Johannes, you’re very clever. There wasn’t quite enough in hold. We’d like a little bit longer in hold in ballroom dances.”
Craig: “The shoulders were raised, it was very lumpy. There was way too much rise and fall, it should be very limited. But you know what I did love? The drama.”
Motsi: “I love this combination, I love the both of you, I’m really looking forward to seeing where this journey is going. You moved like a slick fox and then you got together and it was smooth, you were so into it emotionally.”
The scores are: 4, 6, 5 and 6. A total of 21.
From Gladiators to the ballroom...
19:30 , Rachel McGrathHarry (aka Nitro) is the second star from the BBC's Gladiators reboot to appear on Strictly - and he's not a total newbie to the ballroom, having appeared in last year's Christmas special.
The scoring is somewhat more lenient on the festive eps but nevertheless, he's going into the series with two 10s under his belt already, which must feel pretty good.
Harry and Karen Hauer's first dance is a cha cha to "Push It" by Salt-N-Pepa.
Harry's fast-paced cha cha brings the emotion
19:37 , Rachel McGrathHe’s certainly got rhythm, eh? Harry has just done a push-up with Karen stood on his back which is exactly what I want my licence fee to pay for, I am not kidding.
Moments after, Harry - who was forced to pull out of Gladiators due to injury last night - became emotional at being able to perform on the show after suffering so many setbacks. It is not what I was expecting and exactly why I love this show.
Judges give Harry a score of 19
19:38 , Rachel McGrathHere were their comments...
Craig: “The timing was out as you’re fully aware and I’d like to see a bit more freedom in the hips. Push-ups darling, are not in the cha cha cha syllabus.”
Motsi: “Yes, the nervousness I could feel, at the beginning of it you were out of it but you came back in. Keep that enthusiasm just clean it up.”
Shirley: “Sixty years of doing the cha cha, I’ve never seen one like that. You’ve got a viral moment there. It’s okay to go wrong, it’s how quick you picked up and you picked it up. All in all, you did a grand job.”
Anton: “You’ve got a thing going on… wow, it’s a thing.”
The judging then broke off because Harry did a push-up with Anton on his back. Surely he’ll get extra points for that?
The scores are: 4, 5, 5 and another 5 - for a total of 19.
Dianne and Stefan bring the Aussie energy
19:40 , Rachel McGrathNext up it's Stefan (aka Paul Robinson from Neighbours) and Dianne Buswell - who is taking part this year while expecting her first child with boyfriend Joe Suggs.
Having these two perform their first dance to the Neighbours theme tune is an easy win for the BBC (and I don't mean that in a derogatory way, this is the camp energy I expect).
'Best performance so far': Stefan goes top of the leaderboard
19:47 , Rachel McGrathHere are the judges’ comments...
Anton: “I have to say, when you took hold and swept across, I was really impressed. You moved beautifully. Brilliant effort, well done.”
Craig: “It was littered with mistakes. I felt, unlike Anton, you needed to drive across the floor a lot more. But I have to say you have a fantastic flair for musical theatre performing.”
Motsi: “I’m impressed! The ability to shift weight is incredible. It was calm, collected, smooth. I think we have a ballroom king on the way.”
Shirley: “I didn’t agree with Craig at all. We’re on week one and you already had your arms in a good position. You did have a couple of mistakes but so far, that’s been the best performance for me.”
The scores are: 4, 6, 6 and 6 - a total of 22 putting him top of the leaderboard!
Ellie cha chas into the Strictly history books
19:51 , Rachel McGrathEllie Goldstein is one of the Class of 2025 stars who is making history as she's the show's first ever contestant with Down's Syndrome. I absolutely love that she's been paired with Vito.
Energy wise, they feel like the perfect match and I feel like they're going to have a lot of fun on the dancefloor - and this routine is a fab start!
Ellie 'doesn't miss a beat' - and lands a score of 17
19:56 , Rachel McGrathThe judges’ comments are in...
Motsi: “What a vibe! You went for that, I loved it. I was already in a good move but you’ve taken me up to the roof.”
Shirley: “You were absolutely shining, you’re like a bright star. You didn’t miss a beat when it came to timing. I’d like to see a little bit more of how you kiss the floor with your feet and your toes. You are fabulous.”
Anton: “Oh wow, Ellie. You are the joy. I agree with the ladies, we could work on the feet but your timing was exquisite. You were joyful to watch. Superstar.”
Craig: “For me it was a little flatfooted, you need a much straighter leg. However, you do possess a gorgeous, natural rhythm. I loved the detail in your fingers and hands.”
The scores are: 4, 4, 4 and 5 - a total of 17.
Lewis Cope ups the ante
19:59 , Rachel McGrathEmmerdale actor Lewis is going into the series as the favourite to win - and from the snippets of his dancing in the launch show, it was clear to see why.
I imagine Katya will be pretty pleased. Her 2024 run was somewhat overshadowed by 'Wynne-gate' and the drama that followed it so she’s certainly deserving of a stellar year.
Their first dance is a jive to "Get Ready" by The Temptations and in short: wow. This looks like - at least - a week five performance.
Lewis goes top of the leaderboard after action-packed jive
20:05 , Rachel McGrathHere’s what the judges thought...
Craig: “You’re very good.” [that is honestly all he said]
Motsi: “The energy, like dynamite. I absolutely adored it. We do need to clean it up a little bit but we are starting at levels. Hello!”
Shirley: “There was plenty to like there but for me, it was overloaded with choreography. You don’t need all those tricks. The footwork got lost but the entertainment was A*.”
Anton: “This is excellent. Your energy is.. never lose that, but with the energy you need control. You’re going to be marvellous in this series, I can feel it. Wow. What a start.”
And the scores are... 7, 7, 7 and 7 for a total of 28. Unsurprisingly, that puts him top of the leaderboard!
Ross King glitters in Hollywood-themed cha cha
20:09 , Rachel McGrathUp next it's ITV's King of Showbiz Ross King and Jowita, who may or may not be dating her 2024 partner Pete Wicks.
They're starting with a cha cha to "California Gurls" by Katy Perry in a nod to Ross's life in Hollywood, where he usually resides and works.
His trousers are certainly bringing the sparkle but the dance moves... not so much. (Sorry!)
Ross's scores are in...
20:14 , Rachel McGrathHere’s what the judges said:
Shirley: “We had so many things for me that were off. [she then listed every single one] I’m just being honest. He needs to grow. I’m not going to lie to you. I love your attitude, go back, study hard. Keep working on the same thing over and over again.”
Anton: “The biggest problem is you don’t commit your weight onto the foot enough so you end up not doing the correct foot. There was a lot that went wrong but next week, come back with the same attitude and slightly more steps.”
Craig: “Don’t come back with the same dance darling, that’s all I can say.”
Motsi: “I think you brought the va va voom. Listen, this is somebody who has never danced, ever, ever. We’ve all started somewhere. There’s stairs to climb and we will climb them with you.”
The scores are... 2, 3, 2 and 3. You don’t need a calculator to add those, do you? He has a total of 10.
George Clarke takes to the floor - with new Strictly pro
20:17 , Rachel McGrathSocial media star George Clarke has hundreds of thousands of followers across various platforms but if TikTok and YouTube aren't your thing, then he's probably a totally new face to you. And he's dancing with someone who is also a new face for Strictly fans.
His partner Alexis is one of the two new pros in the ballroom this year. Hailing from Utah, she comes with seriously impressive credentials, having performed on America's Got Talent and on the US version of Dancing with the Stars.
And during her time on So You Think You Can Dance?, Alexis was even crowned America's Favourite Dancer.
George and Alexis are starting with an American smooth to "Stargazing" by Myles Smith.
George impresses with 'splendid' American smooth
20:22 , Rachel McGrathThe judges’ comments and scores are in...
Anton: “That was rather splendid... welcome to the show! I rather enjoyed that. Your movement is very natural, your lifting was brilliant. A good job.”
Craig: “For someone who has never danced, you have amazing potential, you really do.”
Motsi: “You have such an innocent and humble way of peforming. You did a great job. Those lifts, everybody went crazy, that means you have good skills. Keep this authenticity, I enjoyed that so much.”
Shirley: “I was impressed you did a weave and didn’t clunk your heels down at all. You have the possibility of having an outstanding frame. This is going to be a dynamic partnership. Well done.”
George’s scores are: 6s across the board for a total of 24.
Vicky Pattison sets the nerves aside
20:25 , Rachel McGrathVicky and Kai are now taking to the dancefloor with their cha cha to Ella Eyre's cover of "Best of My Love".
From what we saw during last week's launch show I think Vicky could do well - though she is, by her own admission, the most nervous of this year’s stars.
Vicky Pattison stunned by judges' positive comments
20:31 , Rachel McGrathVicky’s comments and scores are in - and she’s almost in tears of joy at having just got through the whole thing.
Here’s what the judges said...
Craig: “It lacked a little bit of hip action and connection. But you have nothing to be nervous about.”
Motsi: “I agree with Craig, you have nothing to worry about and I love the way you move. You need to work on a little bit of leg action but I felt there was a connection with you. That was very difficult choreography! Keep it up.”
Shirley: “Nerves can be a good thing and I think you used them to your advantage. Your personality was great. All in all, a good performance.”
Anton: “Repetition is going to be your friend. Just keep doing it again and again. You’ve got a lot of potential.”
Her scores are: 5, 6, 6 and 6 - a brilliant first total of 23.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink vows to break the footballer's curse
20:34 , Rachel McGrathIt's not a series of Strictly without a 50-something former footballer taking part, is it? Jimmy has already said he's hoping to do better than Paul Merson, who appeared on the show last year.
No offence to Paul (who made up for a lack of skills with A* effort) but that feels like an achievable goal.
Jimmy has also vowed to break the footballers’ curse entirely by lasting in the competition.
Jimmy and Lauren are getting started with a quickstep to "Chelsea Dagger" and you know what, it’s not too bad!
Jimmy goes second on the leaderboard
20:39 , Rachel McGrathHere’s what the panel had to say...
Shirley: “I feel like everybody is turning in great performances and this was another one. This is the kind of quality and control you want. Some beautiful footwork, a great frame. You’re setting the bar for sure.”
Anton: “I absoutely agree. You moved wonderfully. You had interesting, difficult timing there. The bit you went a bit wrong on was the easiest bit. Other than that, I thought that was an excellent performance.”
Craig: “You were picking your feet up a little too much throughout. But it was light, it was bright, it was confident.”
Motsi: “I appreciated very much that I could see you were working hard on your technique. What a great start.”
Jimmy’s scores are: 6, 7, 7 and 7 - for a total of 27, which puts him second on the leaderboard!
Who is Julian Caillon?
20:42 , Rachel McGrathBalvinder Sopal's partner Julian Caillon is one of two new professionals who has joined Strictly this year and both of the newbies have partners.
He's been dancing since he was just 10 years old and he's no stranger to TV or the Strictly format, having competed in three series of Australia's Dancing with the Stars.
He's also toured the world with the dance company Burn The Floor - which has been a training ground for Strictly stars for years.
Balvinder's samba delivers
20:43 , Rachel McGrathThis is the second of tonight sambas and like Chris before her, Balvinder will surely be glad nobody goes home this week.
Their routine is set to KC & The Sunshine Band's “(Shake Shake Shake) Shake Your Booty" and as sambas go, it’s not too bad.
I get the feeling this is a dance she could properly impress with further in the competition. But still... best to get it out of the way now.
Balvinder's samba scores are in
20:48 , Rachel McGrathHere’s what the judges said...
Anton: “I loved the vibe, I loved the disco vibe. It had a great feel. From the waist up, excellent. Under the water line, we have one or two issues. There wasn’t as much going on as I’d like.”
Craig: “It was a little flat-footed all the way through, there was no bounce at all. But you threw everything at that dance. Well done.”
Motsi: “I think you’re a natural mover. It looks as though it comes easy to you. It’s week one, it’s a samba, you gave it your best. Keep going.”
Shirley: “Personality off the chart. Try every day to position in ballet, try that as an exercise. If we can get your feet as good as your top, we’ll have a winner for sure.”
Balvinder has scored... 4, 4, 4 and a 5! That gives her 17. Not bad for a week one samba.
La Voix brings the glitz with a Chappell Roan routine
20:51 , Rachel McGrathAn American smooth to Chappell Roan? I'm here for it. La Voix is making history as the first drag queen taking part in the main Strictly series and I am living for their partnership with Aljaz, which feels like such a brilliant match.
The Strictly VTs have a marmite effect (I, personally, love them) but however you feel, it was great to see Chris - as La Voix is known off-stage - explaining how he takes on a different persona in drag.
La Voix's technical hitch explained as judges deliver critiques
20:58 , Rachel McGrathAh Tess has explained the delay before this performance! La Voix had been due to descend from the skies on the pink horse but a technical hitch put paid to that.
Here’s what the judges said...
Motsi: “You have a lot of potential, I thought you had a beautiful posture. I loved that it was clean during your transitions. I loved your gag at the end, it worked. The queen was queening.”
Shirley: “You are what we call a true diva. It’s amazing to watch.”
Anton: “Lovely. This is exactly thr sort of number I would put together for you, it’s just genius really.”
Craig: “I felt like you needed to follow Aljaz’s lead just a little mored but you took that to a whole new level of camp. I loved it.”
La Voix fires back! “Coming from you... you’re a high level of camp, I loved it.”
And the scores are... 6, 6, 6 and another 6 - a total of 24.
Bosh! Here comes Thomas Skinner...
21:00 , Rachel McGrathThe self-styled cheeky chappy from Essex has been at the centre of plenty of conversation in recent weeks, thanks to (in this order) an improptu BBQ with JD Vance, being announced for Strictly, storming out of the press day and admitting to cheating on his wife three years ago. All while drumming up unconditional support *and* heavy criticism online, as well as every other response in between.
Pairing him with the lovely Amy - a true diamond by anyone's standards - was a smart move.
Tom's big challenge is going to be shutting out the noise and seeing if he can prove naysayers wrong on the dancefloor. It's perhaps unfortunate that he's starting with a paso doble, which is tough style to master at any stage of the competition.
Here's what the judges thought of Tom's paso double
21:06 , Rachel McGrathI’m not sure there were many paso moves in there... his walking was sublime though.
The verdicts are...
Anton: “Right. Yes... You can get away with marching because it’s a marching dance... there was a lot of marching. I need a bit more next week.”
Craig: “It was square, flat and stompy. It wasn’t for me at all.”
Motsi: “I think you had direction, I think your spine was engaged in the movement, I saw lovely beginning moments. We needed more shaping. Just more of a third dimensional movement and we’ll get there.”
Shirley: “Amy, you’re a great teacher. Paso doble is built on marching but it’s also an oval shape and you’re an oval shape. I was quite impressed. You didn’t make any footwork mistakes. I was surprised and pleased. Well done.”
Tom’s scores are... 2, 4, 5 and another 5 - a total of 16.
Amber Davies debuts just days after joining the show
21:09 , Rachel McGrathEven though she has West End experience, Amber Davies undoubtedly has the toughest job of the night, having had about 24 hours to learn her Viennese waltz.
The Love Islander was drafted in at the last minute this week to replace Dani Dyer, taking her place with the lovely Nikita.
Amber storms up the leaderboard
21:16 , Rachel McGrathWell, that was beautiful! It is undeniable that Amber’s West End training has helped but that is surely cancelled out this week by the lack of time to prepare.
Here’s what the judges said:
Shirley: “I’m quite emotional. This was outstanding. It had that elegance, sophistication and beuauty. That was unbelievable.”
Anton: “You’ve only been doing it 10 minutes! It was lovely. The feel was gorgeous. I’m looking forward to what you’re going to perform... enormous potential. Lots to love.”
Craig: “Darling, you are naturally blessed with the neck of a flamingo. Long, elegant lines which you can’t buy.”
Motsi: “More than anything I loved the connection and the atmosphere you both created. This is a dynamite package and I can’t wit to see what you guys are bringing.”
The scores are in: 7, 7, 7 and a 6 gives Amber a total of 27!
England star Karen Carney closes the show
21:18 , Rachel McGrathClosing week one, it's ex-England star Karen Carney and her pro partner Carlos Gu.
I've got high hopes for this pair, who are kicking their Strictly journey off with a jive to Blondie's "One Way or Another".
I know it’s all about Karen but can we take a minute for Carlos’s outfit? His hotpants would give Kylie a run for her money.
Karen Carney scores a last-minute winner
21:24 , Rachel McGrathOk, Karen and Carlos are definitely one of my faves when it comes to energy. They’re having a lot of fun in training and it shows, in the best way.
Here’s what the judges said...
Motsi: “Wow, wow, wow. I have never seen anything like that. The compactness in your centre. And this man is turning you in, out, left, right. Amazing, great show tonight. Wow!”
Shirley: “In all the years of my being on the show, I have never seen a female dancer be able to do one move, and you did like that. It was just sensational, best dance of the night for me.”
Anton: “That is the way to end the show with the best dance of the night.”
Craig: “I would have liked to have seen some softer edges. I felt it was spikey. [But] I was not expecting any of that my darling.”
And her scores are: 7, 8, 8 and 8 - with a total of 31, Karen is top of the leaderboard!
Strictly announces a change to the dance-off
21:27 , Rachel McGrathOoo this is interesting!
Tess and Claudia are announcing a change to the results show. Traditionally, as head judge Shirley Ballas has the final say if the judges can’t agree on who should leave after the dance-off.
But this year, that responsibility will move along the panel - with a different judge having the casting vote this week.
It’s a smart move and takes the pressure off Shirley - who has been frank about the abuse she often faces on social media. It’ll certainly be interesting to see how this plays out as the serie goes in...
That's a wrap!
21:33 , Rachel McGrathWeek one is done and dusted!
There’ll be no results show tomorrow. Instead, the scores from tonight will be added to next week’s, which is great for everyone - but especially those at the bottom of the leaderboard.
I’ll be back next Saturday to guide you through week two. See you then!
