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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Sofia Petkar

Strictly stars pose for first group photo as rehearsals kick off in London

The stars of Strictly Come Dancing 2019 posed for their first group photo as they got together for rehearsals in London today.

The new series is due to hit screens in September and the celebrities will spend the next few weeks working hard in preparation for their dance floor debuts.

The behind-the-scenes snap was shared by contestant Michelle Visage, who captioned the post: "DAY 1 of @bbcstrictly rehearsals and we smashed it!...

"Kinda... CAN'T WAIT FOR MORE! love you ALL! #strictly..."

Michelle took centre stage in the group snap as she was surrounded by the 14 other celebs that make up this year’s line-up.

BBC presenter Mike Bushell arrives for rehearsals in a casual T-shirt and jacket combo (Dean-Jules / SplashNews.com)
Anneka Rice has come out self-imposed celebrity exile to take part on the show (Dean-Jules / SplashNews.com)

The celebs have not yet been assigned their professional partners so today’s session will most likely help them find their rhythm before hitting the dance floor.

Earlier in the day the members of 15-strong group were seen arriving at the dance studio looking a little nervous.

Among those caught on camera were Alex Scott, Anneka Rice, James Cracknell, Will Bayley and Mike Bushell.

Olympic rower James Cracknell looked handsome in a white shirt and jeans combo (Dean-Jules / SplashNews.com)
Paralympian Will Bayley looked anxious as he arrived at the studio for practice (Dean-Jules / SplashNews.com)

Alex and Anneka were both seen wearing sunglasses and sportswear as they arrived at the studio in London.

James was seen sporting a white shirt and jeans, while Mike opted for a dark t-shirt and casual jacket.

Strictly Come Dancing is expected to return to BBC One in September, with hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman heading back for another year.

Former footballer Alex Scott threw on a pair of shades and kept her look athletic and casual (Dean-Jules / SplashNews.com)
Alex was seen chatting to a female friend as she arrived for the first day of rehearsals (Dean-Jules / SplashNews.com)

New judge Motsi Mabuse will be making her debut alongside regular panelists Bruno Tonioli, Shirley Ballas and Craig Revel Horwood.

Spin-off show It Takes Two will also be back, with Rylan Clark-Neal co-hosting with Zoe Ball.

Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webtv@trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033

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