The Strictly Come Dancing couples have returned to the ballroom floor for the first live show of the series.
The BBC One dance programme kicked off on Saturday night with a dazzling number performed by the Strictly professionals to an orchestral version of Joy by RAYE.
Presenting trio Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe joined the dance at the end of the routine before introducing the series judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke.
Widdicombe announced “the competition officially begins” before Radebe warned that because the show is live “anything can happen” on the ballroom floor.
Willis added: “Now they have waited long enough, tonight is a big night for the class of 2026,” before introducing the couples.
Last weekend’s launch episode revealed the series’ pairings including Love Island winner Dani Dyer reuniting with Nikita Kuzmin, with whom she was partnered last year before she was forced to pull out because of injury.
Widdicombe joked: “Can we check, Dani Dyer, are you still in one piece?”
The live show kicked off with Big Brother presenter Will Best and professional dancer Dianne Buswell who made her return to the series after giving birth to her first child with partner Joe Sugg.
The couple performed a samba to Rock DJ by Robbie Williams and received 18 points from the judges.
Skeleton racer Tabby Stoecker and newcomer Mark Karmalita were up next and performed a Jive to Katseye’s Animal, scoring 22 points.
The judging trio split up presenting responsibilities with Willis and Widdicombe by the judges’ table while Radebe welcomed the dancers on the balcony ahead of the score reveal.
The first show will not include a public vote or elimination.
Strictly Come Dancing continues on BBC One.
