Credits roll
“Keeeeeep dancing,” trill Tess and Claud for the first time this year. As the glitter confetti gets swept up by whistling Elstree caretakers with brooms, please stay with us for analysis, reaction and a round-up of your comments.
Plot twist with the results show
A format tweak is announced. Head judge Shirley Ballas won’t get the casting vote every week but the judges will take it in turns. Since she USUALLY only has to use it once or twice per series, not a major deal but still… OMG PLOT TWIST!!!11!!
Mop brows and breathe.
Judges’ scores: 7, 8, 8, 8 for a total of 31 points. Straight to the top of the table. Kaz is really hungry. Proud mum in the crowd. Let’s all sing Sweet Caroline and/or Freed From Desire.
Judges’ comments: Motsi says “wow, compact and close to your centre, pump, you gave it all, amazing”. Shirley says “feet like a top pro, high-energy, sensational, best dance of the night for me”. Anton agrees “best dance of the night”. Craig concludes “wanted some softer, less spiky edges but I cannot believe it, ridiculous my darling”. Sevens and eights?
Karen and Carlos’ jive
Last match of the night now. England’s third-most-capped women’s footballer and pro partner Carlos Gu, back with a partner after being benched last year, close the show with a bright, fast and jumpy jive. Football theme, loads of intent and razzle dazzle. Lacking a little precision but I’m thrilled by this. Looks a bit flappy-limbed in places and she lost timing but flicks and kicks on point, bags of energy and side-by-side sections superb. Wow. A last-minute winner.
Song: One Way Or Another by Blondie. The 1978 song, inspired by Dennie Harry’s experiences with a stalker, wasn’t released as a single in the UK - but One Direction’s 2003 cover version for Comic Relief topped the charts.
Judges’ scores: 7, 7, 7, 6 for a total of 28 points. Joint second. Nikita gives a nice nod to Dani and wants to finish their quickstep someday. He was unemployed for two days, repeatedly cleaned his house and applied for a Tesco Clubcard. Other supermarkets are available.
Judges’ comments: Shirley says “I’m quite emotional, outstanding, my mind boggles, sophisticated and ease of movement, miraculous”. Anton says “gorgeous feel, frame and heels need work but enormous potential”. Craig says “footwork too balletic but that can be fixed, naturally blessed with the neck of a flamingo, elegantly long lines and exquisite arms”. Motsi concludes “loved the connection and atmosphere, moved within the music, very special, a dynamite package”. Sevens, are we saying?
Amber and Nikita’s waltz
Reserve contestant Amber Davies was only called up on Thursday, so she’s had a mere two days to practise this number. However, her stage school training and West End musical experience should stand her in good stead. Romantic mood. Smooth, slow, sweet and elegant. Decent ballroom hold. Rise and fall, a lovely leg lift. On two days’ training, this is impressive. Imagine if she had a full week.
Song: When We Were Young by Adele song. Their song choice wasn’t announced in advance, indicating what a last-minute scramble this was. The shimmery 2015 soul ballad has become a favourite encore or final song at Adele gigs.
Judges’ scores: 2, 4, 5, 5 for a total of 16 points. Third from bottom so far. He’d done his research. Sadly, it was on the tango.
Judges’ comments: Anton says “right, yes, a lot of marching but we need more next week”. Craig says “square, flat and stompy, more tin soldier than matador”. Motsi says “you had direction but needed more shaping and body dynamism”. Shirley concludes “great oval shape, no footwork mistakes, could add more twist, pleasantly surprised, well done”. Fours and fives?
Thomas and Amy’s paso doble
Puce-faced scandal magnet Thomas Skinner looked like a lumpen hoofer in last week’s group dance. Let’s see if long-suffering Welsh pro Amy Dowden has managed to work any miracles. The paso is a challenging first dance and this badly lacks drama, attitude and Spanish line. Dodgy knee walks, too much strolling around and a pout that recalls Donald Trump’s. Amy working her socks off but the Essex geezer isn’t doing the bullfight business. Will El Bosh get the elbow?
Song: Battle Without Honor or Humanity by Hotei. This rock guitar instrumental was written for a Japanese yakuza film and introduced to Western audiences when it appeared on the soundtrack to Kill Bill Vol 1.
Judges’ scores: 6, 6, 6, 6 for a total of 24 points. Joint third as it stands. Richard, her proud dad, is in the studio. Lovely scenes.
Judges’ comments: Motsi says “needs to be more dynamic but the queen was queening”. Shirley says “a true diva, just listen to Aljaz more with your body”. Anton says “lovely number, good luck, Aljazmy love”. Craig concludes “a whole new leve of camp, I loved it”. Fives and sixes for the two divas?
Updated
La Voix and Aljaž’s American smooth
The drag queen looked pretty promising in last week’s group dance, despite her jokey reaction to being paired with Aljaž Škorjanec: “He’s the one I didn’t want!” Slow start on a carousel horse which should have descended, then into a trad ballroom number with a dash of Hollywood glamour. Solo sections and lifts but is it smooth enough? The judges will be looking for good posture, clean footwork and musicality. Comedy touches and characterisation are superb. Rousing reception in the studio. Fabulous. “Love the ruff, I’ve got a bath mat that matches,” he tells Tess.
Song: Pink Pony Club by Chappell Roan. The 2020 power-pop banger tells the story of a woman leaving Tennessee, moving to LA and taking a job as a go-go dancer in a gay club against her mother’s wishes. A liberating gay anthem which became Roan’s first hit - and the video featured drag queens, as a further La Voix link.
Judges’ scores: 4, 4, 4, 5 for a total of 17 points. Harsh?
Judges’ comments: Anton says “loved the 70s disco vibe, excellent from the waist up but issues under the water line”. Craig says “feet stuck to the floor, no bounce at all and messy but you threw everything at it”. Motsi says “you’re natural mover, just build the foundations downstairs”. Shirley concludes “personality off the charts, great arms but work on those feet”. I thought she was going to get her little ghost shoes out for a glorious moment.
Balvinder and Julian’s samba
Not just our first look at EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal but also her partner, new Australian pro Julian Caillon. The rhythmical Rio carnival dance isn’t an easy one to get first up. Pink fur coat removed to reveal a gold tasselled dress and giant mirrorball. Confident if a little flat-footed and off the timing. Fluid hips and shimmies but lacking bounce action and musicality in patches. Plenty of fun and a strong finish. Doof-doofs all round.
Song: (Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty by KC & The Sunshine Band. The 1976 disco classic’s B-side was the even better Boogie Shoes, which appeared on the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack and later became a hit in its own right.
Judges’ scores: 6, 7, 7, 7 for a total of 27 points. Second place as it stands. What a lovely guy, too.
Judges’ comments: Shirley says “great quality and control, frame and footwork, recovered from mistake well, setting the bar”. Anton says “moved with wonderful flow, went a bit wrong but excellent performance”. Craig says “picked feet up and lost frame but light, bright and confident”. Motsi concludes “worked hard on technique, sell it and enjoy it more but what a start”. Sixes, do we reckon?
Jimmy and Lauren’s quickstep
Former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink signed up to please his Strictly-mad daughters but can he do them proud? This is the dance that did for Dani Dyer’s ankle, so let’s hope Jimmy’s not stretchered off too. His vast kitchen in the VT is a scene stealer. Fast, bright, energetic and elegant. He lacks a little lightness on his feet but hopping, skipping and gliding across the floor well. Charleston flicks and kicks. Bottom sticking out and face frozen in concentration but a nice footbally gimmick and much better than I feared.
Song: Chelsea Dagger by The Fratellis. See what they did with the song choice for the ex-Chelsea striker? The Scottish indie band’s 2006 hit has become something of a sports anthem, although it was named after frontman Jon Fratelli’s wife – a burlesque dancer whose name is apparently a play on Britney Spears.
Judges’ scores: 5, 6, 6, 6 for a total of 23 points. “I love sitting down but lying down’s me favourite, I tried to be a turbo sloth,” says Vicky. She’s in third place at this stage and is endearingly thrilled.
Judges’ comments: Craig says “lacked hip action and connection but you have nothing to be nervous about”. Motsi says “loved the way you move, work on your legs”. Shirley says “footwork and flexibility good, personality and rotation worked”. Anton concludes “a lot to like, your arms were spectacular, wham, get your legs to the same level”. Fives and sixes?
Vicky and Kai’s cha cha cha
The likeable Geordie lass’ main challenge is overcoming her nerves and gentlemanly pro Kai Widdrington should be able to help her do so. She compares herself to “an ironing board with arms” but is trying to be “a positive pigeon”. This is one of four cha-chas tonight, so we can compare and contrast. It can be quite exposing, especially with the straight leg action. She looks scared but is giving it some disco welly and doing decently. Supple and speedy, just needs to let herself go. Grows into the routine well. Hesitant bits towards the end but good job, canny lass.
Song: Best of My Love by Ella Eyre. The Brit R&B singer’s cover version of The Emotions’ Grammy-winning 1977 disco-gospel classic – which was composed by two members of Earth, Wind & Fire.
Claudia, 53, hands over to her grandson George to explain the QR code business. Still not sure.
Judges’ scores: 6, 6, 6, 6 for a total of 24 points. Second place as it stands.
Judges’ comments: Anton says “rather splendid, get those shoulders down but natural movement, brilliant lifting, what a first dance Alex, sorry, Alexis”. Oopsy. Craig says “amazing potential”. Motsi says “innocent, authentic and humble, good lifts and partnering skills, great job”. Shirley concludes “lovely footwork, frame has potential, nice musicality, a dynamic partnership”. Sixes en route?
George and Alexis’ American smooth
An American smooth for our new American pro and her surprisingly posh YouTuber partner. Yah? George Clarke didn’t look to shabby in last week’s group dance and Utah-born Alexis will have been drilling him hard, keen to make an impact on this side of the Atlantic. Lots of wow factor, almost contempo-waft at times. Lacks Hollywood glamour but lots of nice partnering, lifts and spins. Covering the floor well and pretty darned impressive for week one.
Song: Stargazing by Myles Smith. Last year’s soulful folk-pop hit was inspired by Smith watching a sunset in Malibu with his friends. As you do.
Judges’ scores: 2 (boo!), 3, 2, 3 for a total of 10 points. Harsh but fair? Bottom as it stands.
Judges’ comments: Shirley says “great basic but balance off, feet turned in, hesitant but you show promise”. Anton says “uplifting energy but commit to having your weight on the correct foot, lots went wrong”. Craig says “very awkward and pigeon-toed”. Motsi concludes “let’s climb those stairs together”. Threes and fours?
Ross and Jowita’s cha cha cha
ITV’s LA correspondent Ross King goes from Hollywood to Borehamwood. He might be bookies’ favourite for the first elimination but Ross is throwing himself into it, with plenty of encouragement from Polish pocket rocket Jowita Przystal. Hollywood sign and a slightly random slide. Not fast or flirty enough, lacks synchronisation and the solo sections are exposing his weaknesses. He’s standing still too much while she does all the dancing but a game effort. Dons a faux-fur pimp coat for the rap breakdown. Love those silver sparkly slacks and all.
Song: California Gurls by Katy Perry. Her 2010 disco-pop hit, with rap verses by Snoop Dogg, was conceived as a West Coast reply to Empire State Of Mind by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys.
Judges’ scores: 7, 7, 7, 7 for a total of 28 points. Top of the pops so far.
Judges’ comments: Craig, lost for words, says “you’re very good”. Motsi says “courageous, attacked the dance, energy like dynamite, clean it up but hello, what a high level”. Shirley says “plenty to like, true athleticism but overloaded with choreography, footwork got lost but footwork was A-star”. Anton concludes “excellent, control your energy, contain it but wow, what a start”. Sevens? Even an eight?
Lewis and Katya’s jive
Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope, a late super-sub, has hoofing pedigree and looked great in the group dance last week, leading bookies to make him the glitterball favourite. A jive isn’t easy first up but I suspect he’ll handle it well. Impressive opening section on the judges’ table. Precise and sharp with bags of energy and plenty of personality. Pro Katya Jones is palpably loving having such a promising partner. Holy moly, this is good. Body ripples, tricks, kicks, flicks and great partnering. A run of spins to finish. Have we just witnessed a potential winner?
Song: Get Ready by The Temptations. The Smokey Robinson-penned 1966 Motown hit was covered by Ella Fitzgerald three years later and became the jazz queen’s last US chart hit.
Judges’ scores: 4, 4, 4, 5. A total of 17 points for “The Cheeky Team”. Spicy chicken cha-cha-cha.
Judges’ comments: Motsi says “what a vibe, you went for it with commitment, make the floor your best friend”. Shirley says “you shone like a bright star, courageous, didn’t miss a beat, kiss the floor with your feet but great body rhythm” and gives her a fabulous fan. Anton says “joyful, work on the feet but timing exquisite and step-perfect”. Craig concludes “a little flat-footed, need straighter legs but natural rhythm and very good detail”. Happy birthday to Vito. Fives?
Ellie and Vito’s cha cha cha
The pairing of history-making model and Malory Towers actor Ellie Goldstein with three-time finalist Vito Coppola looks like a fun, fizzy combo. Can Ellie channel that high energy and nail the Cuban technique? He’s cleverly adapted his training technique because Ellie’s a visual learner. Catwalk opening, then into partner work. Bags of attitude and character. Fast and cheeky with plenty of disco wiggles. Great fun and grin-inducing.
Song: Yes, And? by Ariana Grande. Last year’s lead single from the Eternal Sunshine album, is about self-confidence and overcoming negativity. Musically, the pop-house banger has been compared to Madonna’s Vogue and Beyoncé’s Break My Soul.
Judges’ scores: 4, 6, 6, 6 for a total of 22 points. Top of the Lassiters leaderboard at this stage. “A week ago, I couldn’t dance,” say Stefan. “And that’s true,” says Dianne with feeling. “But he’s a true blue Aussie, a little battler.” Then she’s thrown a baby shower with Ginger Neil dressed as a stork. Don’t have nightmares.
Updated
Judges’ comments: Anton says “impressive seamless movement, brilliant effort”. Craig says “littered with mistakes, needed more drive, swing and sway but you have musical theatre flair”. Motsi says “controlled shifts of weight, calm, collected, we have a ballroom king on the way”. Shirley concludes “good frame, nice footwork but the best performance so far”. Fives ahoy?
Stefan and Dianne’s foxtrot
It doesn’t get any more Australian than this: Stefan “Paul Robinson” Dennis, dancing to the Neighbours theme with Aussie pro Dianne Buswell. Strewth, they might as well be sipping tinnies of Toohey’s and wearing cork hats. The first foxtrot of the series is slow and elegant, gliding gracefully over across the floor. How is his topline, ballroom hold and heel-toe footwork? That’s what the judges will be scrutinising, the flamin’ galahs. Rack off, you dags. Cute credit fonts on-screen. Slow, stately and a little bit wobbly but cute choreography. Mistakes midway through and timing issues. Not quite the perfect blend.
Song: Neighbours Theme by Barry Crocker. Composed by Tony Hatch, who also penned the Crossroads and Emmerdale themes, it was once voted the world’s most recognised TV theme tune. Indeed, it led to the soap changing its name from the working title of Ramsay Street. Trufact.
Judges’ scores: 4, 5, 5, 5 for a total of 19 points. Realistic scoring, which is refreshing to see.
Judges’ comments: Harry gets weepy about having a bad injury this time last year, bless him. Craig says “timing was out and need more freedom in hips, all strut and disco, haphazard footwork, push-ups are not in the cha cha cha”. Motsi says “felt the nerves, clean it up but you gave us spice and flavour”. Shirley says “never seen a cha cha cha like that but you’ve got natural bop and recovered well from mistakes, grand job”. Anton says the word “thing” a lot and does some pish-ups. And then stands on Harry’s back. That’s judging for you. Fours and fives incoming?
Harry and Karen’s cha cha cha
His pectorals can dance but can their owner? Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, aka Nitro from Gladiators, goes on the first whistle, paired with Strictly’s longest-serving pro Karen Hauer. Gym theme, biceps a-bulging. Hips, swagger and confident. Better in side-by-side than partnering and he’s singing along. Cheeky and flirty with plenty of hip-wiggling. Decent synchronisation and steps. Does press-ups with Karen standing on his back. We don’t see that often. Ouch in those heels.
Song: Push It by Salt-N-Pepa. The 1987 hip-hop smash quotes lines from both The Kinks and James Brown. It helped the New York duo become the first ever female rap act to go gold or platinum in the US.
Judges’ scores: 4, 6, 5, 6 for a total of 21 points. Don’t sit on the loo. EVER. Could get painful and/or messy.
Judges’ comments: Shirley says “great start, beautiful movement, I loved the passion and intensity but don’t hang on his arm with your left hand”. Anton says “Johannes is clever but not quite enough in hold, lots to like, atmosphere, new feel to old-fashioned dance, super duper”. Craig says “shoulders raised, lumpy, fly flat, loved the drama and intent”. Motsi concludes “moved like a sleek fox, technique lacking but you were into it emotionally”. Sixes, are we saying?
Alex and Jojo’s Viennese waltz
Dogs are the new nans, as Alex’s pooch appears in the training VT. Actor Alex Kingston and much-loved pro Johannes Radebe – a classy and loveable pairing if ever there was one – take to the floor for the first Viennese waltz of the year. Dramatic, almost Bond-like. Excellent characterisation from such a fine actor. Spinning around romantically. Floating and twirling, The judges will have be looking out for fleckerls and classic contra checks. Swishy skirt-ography, plenty of pizzazz, major drama. Strong finish. She’s loving it. So am I.
Song: Cry Me a River by Michael Bublé. See what they did there? One of Alex’s best-known roles was River Song in Doctor Who. Mickey Bubbles’ version of the 1950s jazz ballad charted in 2009 but not as high as Denise Welch’s rendition, weirdly.
Ginger Neil gets his moment
Benched pro Neil Jones gets to read out the voting Ts and Cs, like a competition winner. Aww, look at his little face.
Judges’ scores: 3, 4, 3, 4 for a total of 14 points. He needs to “be more duck”. “A week one score,” says Claudia sweetly.
Judges’ comments: Motsi says “intention like a captain, recognisable steps but work on the fundamentals”. Shirley says “you’ve got the frame of a ballroom dancer but there were timing issues, no heel leads, weight too far back and flat-footed but you show promise”. Anton says “good effort and focus, you’ve got the samba out of the wat, hooray”. Craig concludes “lacked fluidity, bounce and hip action, quite disconnected m sort your arms out, heavy and stiff”. Fours and fives, do we think?
First “They’re on their feet!” of the year from Tess.
Chris and Nadiya’s samba
On a big day for England’s rugby union teams, can former men’s captain Chris Robshaw loosen up his hips and travel from Twickenham to Brazil? High pressure to open the series. Rugby ball-graphy to start. Partner Nadiya Bychkova is doing her best, dancing around him gamely, but he lacks rhythm, bounce and fluidity. Better in partner work than solo. Not quite a dance-dis-ah-ster but definite dad-at-a-disco vibes.
Song: Unbelievable by EMF. Not what you’d call a traditional samba tune but certainly an early 90s indie-dance banger.
Our Strictly stars™
Alan “Deadly” Dedicoat, voice of the balls (no sniggering at the back), announces our couples for the first time this year. They emerge blinking at the top of the staircase for a mildly terrified wave. Fancy dress includes masses of fringing and see-through shirts for the boys. Karen and Carlos in a football kit. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink in Chelsea blue. It’s like Match Of The Day around here.
A shout out to Dani Dyer in her surgical ankle boot. Get well soon.
Motsi looking amazing. GREAT HAIR.
Judges are in the house
Here comes the quartet of Judgey McJudgefaces, aka Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas. Spins, side-to-side steps, sparkle and…. a synchronised sit-down.
Frockwatch
Here come our presenting pair, so time for our finery face-off. Tess Daly is dressed as an asymmetric Quality Street. Claudia Winkleman in monochrome with a silk shirt and cigarette trouser. Claud clearly wins.
A good opener with a whiff of Butlin’s/a cruise ship.
Now we’ve moved into the Noughties, with Motsi Mabuse dancing a rumba to Alone by Heart. Tune. Not enough wind machines and dry ice for my liking, though.
And now we’ve moved into the 80s with “the Queen Of Latin herself”, head judge Shirley Ballas. This is quite fun, albeit a tad self-indulgent.
Group number from the pros and judges
We open with the Strictly troupe showing the stage-frightened celebrities how it’s done. It’s a 70s Come Dancing theme with Craig and Anton in period fancy dress.
New-look titles
Our first look at this year’s title sequence. Rictus grins and novelty dance moves all round. You’ll be slightly sick of these by Christmas, especially Thomas Skinner’s finger guns.
And we’re off!
Roll pre-titles VT, with the celebs making their way to the ballroom.
Refill your libations and take your sparkly sofa seats. We’re about to go live to Elstree Studios for the first time this year…
News and weather just winding up on BBC1 now. The forecast is fake tan and twinkly toes, with a chance of two left feet in places.
Just five minutes to wait now…
Male celebs tipped for early exit
Poor old Ross King is bookies’ favourite for the first elimination. Just behind is Chris Robshaw, followed by Thomas Skinner. In fact, the five top tips for the wooden spoon are all male celebs.
Not long now until showtime…
I hope you’ve stocked up on snacks and fluids. Running time tonight is an epic 150 minutes - even longer than last year’s inaugural live show.
A real test of our Saturday night stamina. It’s 10 minutes until choreographic kick-off…
On your dance cards
Tonight’s 15 routines include four cha-cha-chas, two jives, two sambas and two American smooths. Overall we’ll see nine different dance styles, with more Latin than ballroom.
It’s a mere 15 minutes until the glittery curtain comes up…
Let’s play Strictly bingo!
Eyes down for the first time this year. Here’s your traditional spotter’s guide to on-screen happenings each week. Tick them off when you spy them! Take a drink for each! End up in bed fully clothed by 9.30pm! Here are tonight’s 10 predictions:
A couple high-fives or does double finger guns on the new-look opening titles
Overly literal song choice to hammer home what the celeb is famous for
New Aussie pro Julian Caillon makes Claudia come over all funny
Shirley Ballas thanks the first couple to perform for “opening our show and our season”
Ginger Neil hogs the camera up on the Clauditorium
Anton Du Beke pronounces the Rio carnival dance as the “saaarm-bar”
Celeb mentions Epsom salts/ice baths/blisters/sweat patches
Craig’s first critique of the year gets booed, so he tells the studio audience to pipe down
Everyone sings along to the Neighbours theme song, despite not quite knowing the words
Alex Kingston speaks German to judge Motsi Mabuse. Thomas Skinner definitely doesn’t
No elimination this weekend
Just a reminder of the form for tonight. The couples will be critiqued and marked by the judging panel for the first time but there’s no public vote yet. Instead the judges’ scores will be carried over to next week, when us viewers can vote for our favourites for the first time, it’s all combined and the bottom two will be consigned to the dreaded dance-off.
So our courageous couples get two chances to impress before anyone is packed off home. Any predictions on who it might be? *cough* Thomas Skinner or Ross King *splutter*
Dani out, Amber in
There was high drama before the contest had even begun this week. On Wednesday, Dani Dyer announced her withdrawal after breaking her ankle during rehearsals. She had a fall and initially thought she’d just rolled her foot but it began to swell before an MRI scan confirmed she had fractured her ankle.
In a statement, Dani said: “Apparently doing the quickstep on a fracture is not advisable and the doctors have said I’m not allowed to dance, so l’ve had to pull out of the show. To say I’m heartbroken is the biggest understatement. I am so going to miss dancing with Nikita but will of course be watching closely and cheering all the couples on.”
By Thursday, her replacement was announced - and it was another former Love Island winner. Welsh wonder Amber Davies won the ITV2 dating contest in 2017 alongside her ex Kem Cetinay. Since then, she’s pursued a professional acting career, with lead roles in several West End musicals.
There are already grumbles that she’s got too much dance experience and she instantly became the joint female favourite alongside Vicki Pattison. She’s only had two days’ training with partner Nikita Kuzmin but we’ll get our first sight of her in a waltz tonight. That brings you up to speed on the sick bay latest.
Strictly 2025 goes live!
Ballroom butterflies in your stomach? First night nerves? Toes tingling with anticipation and adrenaline coursing through your jazz hands? Don’t blame you. Yes, Strictly Come Dancing 2025 gets properly underway tonight as our couples hit the floor for their first full routines.
Evening all and welcome to the first live show of this year’s contest. I’m Michael, your virtual dance partner for series 23 (I know, right?) of the BBC ballroom behemoth. I hope you’ll watch along with me as this year’s sequin-spangled action kicks off in earnest.
After last week’s pre-recorded launch show, our 15 newly formed pro-celebrity pairings now ake to the Elstree Studios ballroom for their first proper numbers together. Well, 14 of them do. There was another dropout this week, with a late replacement parachuted in just 48 hours ago. More on that shortly. Our celebs been toiling away in the training rooms, breaking in their dance shoes and nursing their sore feet. Now we get to see the results and rate their potential.
It’s showtime at 6.55pm on BBC One. I’ll be liveblogging from 6.25pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, analysis, reaction and sideways looks to camera. So slip into your legwarmers, slather on some fake tan and see you on the sofa.
I’d love to hear from you too. You can tweet me @michaelhogan, contact me on Bluesky or Threads @michaelhogan100, email me michael.hogan.freelance@guardian.co.uk and the comments section below is back open for cha-cha-chat. I’ll shoulder-shimmy down every now and again to gauge your reaction to the show, so please do share your thoughts.
The scoring paddles have been buffed. The glitterball is about to spin again. Nearly time to, yep, staaaaaart dancing!
