The celebrities and their professional partners have barely shuffled their feet around the ballroom but Strictly Come Dancing fans think Shirley Ballas already has a favourite. The show's head judge was back on the expert panel as the hit dance contest returned to screens.
The launch show aired on Friday night (September 23) ahead of the first live show on Saturday night and saw the 15 celebrity contestants discover which of the professional partners they will be training and performing with during their time on the BBC One show.
The show opened with a ballroom performance from the professional dancers and the four new dancers – Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas, Coppola and Gu – were introduced with a cinematic group number.
And while Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman were back at the helm of the programme, Shirley, Craig Revel-Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke all returned to the judging panel.
It was revealed during the first show of the 20th series that there will be two same-sex couples this year, among them reigning champion Giovanni Pernice, who will compete to retain his title partnered with BBC Radio 2’s Richie Anderson in the 2022 series. Comedian and actor Jayde Adams and professional Karen Hauer are also paired up.
Other couples this year include Paralympic swimming gold medallist Ellie Simmonds and Nikita Kumzin, Coronation Street actress and presenter Kym Marsh and Graziano Di Prima, and TV presenter Helen Skelton and Gorka Marquez.
But Kiss FM DJ Tyler West caught viewers' attention as he was partnered with Dianne Buswell. He admitted that he thinks his Strictly fan mother was so pleased with his pairing that she was actually in the audience to see her rather than him.
However, it was when host Tess revealed that "there’s one judge you are particularly fond of," to Tyler, he remarked: "You alright Shirl?" while looking over to the judging panel. He added: "Honestly, I am in awe. I have so much respect for all of you," while Shirley simply giggled.
And Strictly viewers were soon commenting on the exchange. @cathalhaughey02 tweeted: "That’s Shirley’s favourite chosen already #Strictly." @megamouth_88 said: "Tyler getting ahead with Shirley... she's probably got her 10 paddle ready. #Strictly." @Survivinthe20s posted: "Tyler knows how to get his 10's early, make Shirley gush.......that's his 10s banked for the whole season. #strictly."
@magic_at_mungos wrote: "Tyler getting in with Shirley early on. Which is smart. And he gets Diane! Hopefully he’s a ringer for her. #scd #strictly." @choctopus added: "So Tyler is flirting his way to his first ten from Shirley #Strictly."
Later in the show, head judge Shirley imparted some advice to the new contestants, saying: "First of all I want to say to each and every celebrity, this is the fun part. The hard work is about to start. Work ethic is key, paying attention to your teacher, and when you’ve done the long day, do some more and the more practice you do, the better you will become. And I’m really looking forward to each and every one of you, you’re amazing."
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