Strictly lifted the mood of the nation, with fans declaring it “saved 2020” as the launch drew the best ratings since 2017.
As fans tuned in to see the stars paired with the pros, comic Bill Bailey and Oti Mabuse looked an early dream team, and viewing figures hit nine million.
Amid the fear and gloom over the coronavirus crisis, the BBC dance contest scored high for feel good factor.
Artist Grayson Perry, 60, said: “Loving Strictly – a good natured gust of normality. Such an abundance of goodwill. Cheesy but so human.”
DJ Sara Cox, 45, declared she was backing Strictly’s first same-sex dancers, boxing legend Nicola Adams, 37, and Russian dancer Katya Jones, 31.
Cox said: “These two giving me all the feels. They are going to be brilliant. I’m team Nicola & Katya all the way.”
A fan agreed, writing on social media: “Nicola Adams and Katya ones making history together. What a power partnership this is going to be!”
Viewing figures for Saturday’s pre-recorded show averaged 8.6 million, and Bill, 55, made a cracking impression, teamed with last year’s winner, Oti, 30.
Louise Griffin wrote: “I can’t decide if I’m more excited for Nicola and Katya or the fact that Bill Bailey actually appears to have moves”.
Fan Olivia Hope went further, declaring: “Oh Lordy. Oti and Bill. 2020 has been saved.”
Next Saturday, the show will be live, with the first contestant voted off the following week.
