After eight months away from the glitter and shimmer of Strictly Come Dancing, the series returned on Saturday 3rd September with a bang. Literally.
The series began with a fantastic space-themed entrance of the dancers, judges and hosts. As always, this enchanted the audience back into the world of Strictly and captured the imagination of all.
Soon after we were introduced to the 15 celebrities and a whopping six new professional dancers, who successively became paired with each other.
Singer and TV presenter Louise Redknapp admitted she wanted a ‘kind partner’ to help her through the competition, also stating that it was the ‘perfect time’ for her to compete now her children are older.
News presenter Naga Munchetty described how the millions of people watching at home did not terrify her, but the one hundred in the live audience did! She also confessed she has a lot to live up to after BBC Breakfast’s previous successful contestants on the show.
Singer Anastacia became spellbound by Strictly after performing on the show last year and was quick to confirm her place, but disclosed she wishes she has more experience!
TV presenter Laura Whitmore accepted she will be out of her depth in Strictly, so hoped for a partner who could provide her with discipline and ‘tell me to shut up!’.
DJ and TV presented Melvin Odoom expressed how proud his parents were for him, and explained how he hoped his good timing and rhythm would give him an advantage within the competition.
Olympic long jumper Greg Rutherford spoke of his hopes to make up for his disappointment following the Rio Olympics, but also jokingly described how he was taking notes from his young son who loves to dance.
TV courtroom Judge Robert Rinder told viewers how it would be unusual for him to be judged for a change, and spoke his concern as he deemed himself as ‘always right’.
Hollyoaks star Danny Mac said he was excited to be on Strictly, but later admitted he doesn’t know what any of the dances are! Hopefully his partner will be willing and ready to perfect his knowledge as well as moves on the dance floor!
Olympic gymnast Claudia Fragapane stands at just 4′ 11 but excitedly deemed herself as ‘small but mighty’. Looking for a strict partner, we’re sure Claudia will be able to stun the judges after performing at the Rio Olympics this year.
International model Daisy Lowe revealed her natural rhythm after walking many catwalks will bode her well, yet she was concerned due to her clumsiness!
Actress Lesley Joseph was overcome with excitement when joining Strictly, mostly looking forward to the glitz and glamour of the costumes, hair and makeup. But what was she looking forward to the most? A spray tan!
EastEnders star Tameka Empson revealed the dance she is looking forward to the most is the Cha-Cha-Cha, as well as commenting she couldn’t wait to perform the show dance in the final, ‘yes I said it, yeah!’ she remarked.
TV presenter Ore Oduba confessed he was petrified with even the though of dancing, also stating he was a major cry baby so needed a partner with ‘a big shoulder [he] could cry on’.
Ex-member of parliament Ed Balls stated his dancing ability is ‘below-novice’ so much so, his family are worried about him competing! He went on to state hopefully he will leave the show a better dancer.
Actor and singer Will Young is most looking forward to playing different characters, possibly as this will give a sense of normality for him in the competition after being used to playing various roles. He also confessed he ‘loves Len’ and wants to be his friend!
Pairings
Louise Redknapp and Kevin Clifton
Naga Munchetty and Pasha Kovalev
Anastacia and Brendan Cole
Laura Whitmore and Giovanni Pernice
Melvin Odoom and Janette Manrara
Greg Rutherford and Natalie Lowe
Judge Rinder and Oksana Platero
Danny Mac and Oti Mabuse
Claudia Fragapane and AJ Pritchard
Daisy Lowe and Aljaž Škorjanec
Lesley Joseph and Anton du Beke
Tameka Empson and Gorka Marquez
Ore Oduba and Joanne Clifton
Ed Balls and Katya Jones
Will Young and Karen Clifton
What followed was a group performance to Shake A Tail Feather by the Blues Brothers, an impressive effort from all the contestants especially after having 2 days to prepare.
Strictly returns on BBC One in three weeks time for the live shows, and this series is set to be one of the best.
In the meantime, comment down below or tweet us @CelebMix with your favourite pairing from this year!