Thank you and a glittery goodnight
Feels good to have Strictly properly back, doesn’t it? A sparkly sign that autumn is upon us. And a first live show which was joyously full of hoofing promise and pleasant hostly surprises.
This liveblog will return for the first elimination weekend, newly announced to be Movie Week, which starts at the same time of 6.15pm next Saturday. I hope you’ll rejoin me then. In the meantime, I’m @michaelhogan on Twitter and @michaelhogan100 elsewhere, so please do knee-slide past and say hello.
Thanks for watching along with me, not to mention for all your wise, witty contributions. Enjoy the rest of your weekend, glitterball gang. And as always, keeeeeep dancing! Nighty night.
Not on your Nellis
It might not surprise you to learn that after that opening live show, bookmakers have slashed John Nellis’ odds to win from 10-1 to 9-4 favourite.
Lacey Turner is second best in the betting at 7-2, with Dani Dyer and Delta Goodrem joint third, while Lawrence Robb is fifth.
Meanwhile, poor Shaun Wright Phillips is odds-on for the first elimination.
New-look show starting to hit its stride
A long old show but an excellent one, I thought. Packed full of pleasant surprises – John Nellis, Lacey Turner and Graeme Hall especially – while the presenters settled in nicely. Much improved on last week, especially Josh Widdicombe, while Johannes Radebe made the balcony his own.
Finally on Delta Goodrem, whistledownthewind says: “What a dance to end on! Delta is a class act and I’ll be very surprised to not see her in the final weeks.”
ladyglencora says: “Kai the Hair looking like the cat that got the cream. Delta the one to beat, I suspect.”
ReclinedPotato adds: “Thank god for inflammable hair gel. Kelta made a great first impression with that one!”
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On John Nellis, Emilyscatnaps says: “John has a lovely smiley face. I’m hoping he’s going to be similar to Hamza (i.e. I’d never heard of him before Strictly but he was an utter delight).”
ReclinedPotato says: “Katya is such a brilliant pro to have and absolutely gets the best out of her partners. That football bloke has lucked out there.”
diamondcat says: “Well, that was lovely. Katya floating around like a fairy princess, squired by a genial, gentle giant (who was amazingly light on his feet).”
Somersetlass adds: “Oh, that was GORGEOUS. I mean, Katya is stunning but John’s partnering skills showed her off beautifully. The whole thing was properly romantic and seemed effortless.”
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On Dani Dyer, EmmyHarb says: “Oh god, I was really worried when Nikita ran up the stairs carrying Dani!”
Somersetlass says: “I rather loved that samba. Real party spirit, flirty and full of energy, and some terrific content, albeit with a few slips. I think Dani and Nikita have the makings of a great partnership. I see the costume department’s already run out of buttons.”
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Ladyglencora says: “Kudos to Lauren, that was a great cha cha from Graeme. Dog’s b@##@cks rather than dog’s dinner.”
diamondcat says: “I’m actually surprisingly impressed by Graeme. His footwork was very accurate. I honestly hadn’t expected him to be so good. More fool me.”
IvanTiger says: “Jaime Winstone and Carlos Gu. Magic! Chemistry, flowing bodies, super posture and great routine. Loved it. More, please.”
MikeMoonlight adds: “I’m looking forward to Movie Week when Jaime Winstone performs a tribute to one of her dad’s classic films involving snooker balls in a sock being swung against the judges.”
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emilyscatnaps says of Cach Mercer: “That’s an awful lot of wriggling right there. Len will not only be turning over, he’ll be positively apoplectic in his grave. I want a lovely ballroom frame for a quickstep, though! I’m with Craig.”
SparklingDormouse says: “Cach can move, as expected because he’s a dancer. But he did the accents and shapes really well. Bit too much freestyle but nice to see something a bit different.”
miranda07 says: “Hoping Cach stays in for a long time because he will absolutely smash the Charleston and jive.”
ladyglencora adds: “Dave Coaches for Melanie, I fear. An early exit back to Barry.”
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IvanTiger says: “Mack off Emmerdale is pretty good. Nice paso shaping and he’s very masculine. If he can keep breathing, he’ll be great.”
ReclinedPotato says: “BethaNancy my favourites so far. It seemed kind of effortless. Look forward to many more dances from this talented couple.”
YodaknowsAll says: “Bethany’s dance seemed to be effortlessly cool. Really good frame and footwork.”
paperview says: “In all the dancers’ vlogs on YouTube, Nancy comes across as a treasure. She’s really fast and dry in her sense of humour but she’s always thinking about the other dancers. Lovely lass.”
Heartticker says: “Vito in hot pink. Lacey in a swirly, twisty dress. Great music, good choreography. Loved that. Please let me dance with Vito once in my life.”
ladyglencora adds: “Lacey and Vito. Chune! That’s the first routine I’ve actually enjoyed. A few balance issues but great legs and real intention from someone who was so nervous. All this and a Vito word salad. We’re back!”
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IvanTiger says: “Sarah Storey looks fab but not a natural and timing’s off, alas.”
Vicc adds: “I enjoyed that quickstep from Sarah. I’m hoping she does well. Especially as she’s pretty much the only celebrity that I know anything about.”
On Will Best’s outfit, LazyMillennial says: “This has to be the earliest ever sighting of Ross Geller’s leather pants, right?”
whistledownthewind says: “Will was enthusiastic but I was struck by the feeling that if Norman Wisdom had done a samba, it would be like this.”
EnglishAthene says: “Tabby was better than her pro!”
paperview says: “I think Tabby has just announced she wants to win this competition. Bloody fantastic first dance.”
Lidoswimmer adds: “Very passable for week one from Tabby. She must have abs of steel from sliding around on a tray at silly speeds. High expectations from this pair technically as Tabby progresses.”
On the judges, Kingswood_Bird says: “Just said to partner ‘At least Shirley hasn’t got her haunted Victorian dance shoes out’ and then the bloody book appears.”
EdiSteve adds: “The judges’ mentions of TikTok are, like, total cringe.”
On the presenting line-up, Chuffy says: “I know it’s early but I’m not sure I can envisage an occasion when JoJo WON’T win the frock-off.”
EmmyHarb says: “I like Jojo on the balcony as he has the dance knowledge. Just needs to work on his handovers back to Emma and Joshie.”
Lidoswimmer says: “I don’t dislike Josh but he does feel a bit like a spare part so far. Wonder if he’d be better in the Clauditorium with JoJo down on the dancefloor with Emma?”
catalyst36 says: “Josh would be better on the balcony. Jo Jo could debate the judges a bit on the floor.”
Mart (borrowing his partner’s account) says: “Put Josh upstairs and call it the Widdicommisary. Widdicommonroom? Widdicompound? Widdicomplex?”
BenCaldwell88 says: “I see a lot of ‘Josh should be upstairs’ but I think they’ve got it right. Josh is good at taking the sting out of the judge’s comments in the moment, and the super soothing Johannes takes them down from the adrenaline of the performance.”
emilyscatnaps adds: “I am going to say something controversial. I don’t actually mind the presenter throuple and I think they’re doing a pretty good job for their first show proper. I quite like a bit of balance, and I think they’re all doing well. “SEV-ERNNNN!!”
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Readers’ verdicts are in
Time for a rapid-fire round-up of your wise words. EmmyHarb says “Ooh, may we hope that sensible scoring is also part of the new-look Strictly?”
DancingMom says “I am loving tonight and I love JoJo. He is creating his own space, with his own humour and style. It’s a new day on Strictly. Gotta keep dancing!”
paperview adds “It’s really, really, really great that Strictly has given up the idea of a ‘joke’ celeb and instead have a cast of contestants who could all go on the dreaded ‘journey’ to win.”
From pasos to Pretenders
TV viewers can now stay flip to BBC2 for Chrissie Hynde & The Pretenders Night. Later there’s new crime drama Marble Hall Murders (9.35pm on BBC One) or Amelia Dimoldenberg hosts SNL UK (10pm on Sky One).
Film-wise, tonight’s picks are Carlito’s Way (9pm on Legend Xtra), Legally Blonde (10.45pm on BBC1), The Menu (11.25pm on Film4) or Withnail & I (12.20am on Channel 4). We are not drunks. We are multimillionaires.
This year’s first Golden Glitterballs
They’re back, back, back by public demand. No, really. At the end of each live show, we dish out our imaginary but highly coveted liveblog gongs to the night’s highlights and low points. Let me know if you agree with my choices. Drum roll… Dramatic pause… *fumbles with metallic envelope*
Best dance: They saved the best for last. John’s foxtrot and Delta’s samba made for a climactic double whammy.
Worst dance: Shaun’s stilted cha-cha-cha for me. Love him, didn’t love his dance.
Best music choice: I Feel Love was a strong vocal. The more traditional tunes outdid the contemporary poppy stuff.
Worst music choice: Bruno Mars didn’t help Cach’s non-traditional quickstep.
Best outfit: Take your pick from the metallic medal winners: Katya Jones in silver or Delta Goodrem in gold.
Worst outfit: Will Best and Dianne Buswell’s cheap leathers off Camden Market.
Best VT: Melanie taking Aljaž to Barry Island, followed by Tabby pushing poor Mark down the skeleton track.
Worst VT: Dani Dyer and co awkwardly sipping Diet Coke in a pub garden.
Best judges’ comment: Anton teasing Shirley with “Paintbrush, canvas, book on head.”
Best Widdicombe witticism: Upon opening those Cach and Maddie wedding invitations: “Does anyone else’s say ‘Evening only’?”
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First leaderboard of 2026
So John Nellis sits atop the year’s inaugural leaderboard, with Delta Goodrem in second spot. Tied way down at the bottom are the trio of Sarah Storey, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Melanie Walters.
But no need to stress just yet, you three. Scores will be carried over to next Saturday’s Movie Week, combined with their second dance and the viewer vote, then the bottom two will dance-off for survival. I also fear for Chris Appleton as it stands.
Credits roll
“Keeeeeep dancing,” say our hosting throuple. Phew. Loads of Latin! Rather less ballroom! Dance ducks broken! As the studio audience shuffles towards the fire exits, please stay with us for analysis, reaction and a round-up of your comments.
Filmic surprise to finish
Ellie Taylor, the new host of spin-off show It Takes Two, appears on the balcony to drop the exclusive news that Movie Week is next Saturday – a week earlier than usual, meaning all 15 couples will get to play dress-up for the first time ever.
“Emma and Joshy, get in here,” says Johannes for a sweet sign-off from the hostly trio.
Judges’ scores: 7, 8, 7, 7 for a total of 29 points. Second place behind John. A breathless and brilliant end to the show.
Judges’ comments: Motsi says “I got goosebumps, oh my gosh, this is the queen”. Shirley says “energy, personality, great samba content but look at your footwork and frame in hold”. Anton says “the hair, the frock, best samba of the night”. Craig concludes “wow, darling, you are one to watch, end of”.
Delta and Kai’s samba
Last dance of the night now. We got there, gang! Australian singer and actor Delta Goodrem has relocated to the UK for the autumn, so will be hoping for a decent Strictly stint. She’s paired with homegrown pro Kai Widdrington, complete with his new hair. Flames and red lights for an intense intro. The samba is tricker than many assume and not sure Delta’s entirely nailing the technique but she’s got Brazilian bounce, great leg action and loose hips. Loads of movement around the floor with real swagger and Latin fire. Woof.
Song: Baianá by Barbatuques. The Brazilian group’s 2005 body percussion song is a traditional samba favourite which has been much sampled and remixed.
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Judges’ scores: 7, 8 (first of the year), 8, 8 for a total of 31 points. Top of the table.
Judges’ comments: Anton says “I’m a bit stunned, extraordinary, reminded me of Darren Gough who went on to win, just saying.” Craig says “lacked swing and sway but classy, elegant and graceful”. Motsi says “a difficult dance for your first one and best of the night for me”. Shirley concludes “very sophisticated, spiffing, storytelling and ease of movement, unexpected but best of the night gor me too”. Sevens on their way?
John and Katya’s foxtrot
For the night’s penultimate dance, football content creator John Nellis and Russian pro Katya Jones slow things right down for the night’s only foxtrot. Graceful Hollywood glamour. I’m pleasantly surprised by this. Posture and hold could improve but clean footwork, strong partnering skills and gliding elegantly. Romantic and really rather lovely.
Song: Ordinary by Alex Warren. The American singer’s soppy breakthrough hit was one of last year’s biggest tunes, spending 13 non-consecutive weeks on top of the UK singles chart. It soundtracked a wafty number by the Strictly pros last series.
Judges’ scores: 6, 5, 5, 6 for a total of 22 points. Endearingly, Dani is “over the moon just to be dancing here”. Joint fourth with two dances remaining.
Judges’ comments: Motsi says “hello sir” to Danny Snr in the audience but tells Dani to “handled the speed and content but work on your feet”. Shirley says “aced the personality, brought the party, pocket rocket, be more solid downstairs but moved your tush”. Anton says “flung your limbs about but otherwise great”. Craig concludes “turned-in feet bothered me but great hip rolls and isolation”.
Dani and Nikita’s samba
Time for the reunited couple, after their false start last year when Dani Dyer was an injury dropout. She’s delighted to be back with Ukrainian pro Nikita Kuzmin and they’re celebrating with a rhythmical Rio carnival dance. Wobbly opening but then into a banging, hip-shaking tropical number. Supple, fast spins, strong synchronisation and musicality. Has she got the requisite bounce and samba rolls? Throwing away the arms and losing timing in place but upbeat, clubby and cracking entertainment.
Song: Lush Life by Zara Larsson. The Swedish singer’s 2015 electropop banger was widely compared to Rihanna with its dancehall-tinged island groove.
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Judges’ scores: 5, 5, 5, 6 for a total of 21 points. Mid-table. “I’m a rule-breaker by nature,” admits Jaime. “Grateful not to get twos across the board.”
Judges’ comments: Anton says “a great number, moved well, work on your topline but the rest looked a million dollars”. Craig says “quite like the disco/tango fusion but your posture and frame really let you down, it didn’t entirely win me over”. Motsi says “beautiful movement, natural and true but like Cach, learn the rules before you break them, you are fire”. Shirley concludes “great performance, power and musicality, fix the frame, elongate, you’re gifted but show more quality”.
Jaime and Carlos’ tango
Self-styled raver Jaime Winstone was thrilled to be paired with reigning pro champion Carlos Gu, saying their “energies matched”. Can the hyperactive, high-volume couple channel it into a controlled, passionate tango? White furs for a Studio 54-style disco tango. Stalking promenades, flat across at the floor, with sharp swivels. Bit of gapping in hold, which could be more compact. Lacking clean finish points and staccato clip but cracking choreography from Carlos, charismatically handled by Jaime.
Song: I Feel Love by Donna Summer. The hugely influential 1977 disco classic has somehow only been used for Strictly group routines before, never a couple’s dance. Legend has it that Brian Eno ran into their Berlin recording studio and told David Bowie that he’d “heard the sound of the future”.
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Judges’ scores: 6, 6, 6, 6 for a total of 24 points. Number of the beast and then some. Third place. “Good boy,” says Lauren.
Judges’ comments: Shirley says “full of content, you’re an amazing student, entertained us and even made Craig smile”. Anton says “old-school style, a proper cha cha, really super”. Craig says “made me laugh and I can’t work out why, great attention to detail, absolutely loved it”. Motsi concludes “love your vibe” and leads the crowd in a chorus of the Baha Men. Woofs continue on the balcony.
Graeme and Lauren’s cha cha cha
Canine expert Graeme Hall said pre-series “Sooner or later, I have to dance to a dog song, right?” Well, they’re getting it out of the way early. He’s done a bit of ballroom before, so could be a dark horse. Homegrown pro Lauren Oakley secretly has high hopes. Swaggeringly confident in the solo sections. Lots of Cuban fun with hip action, basic steps and synchronised movements. Flirt factor is low but the fun factor is high. Loses timing briefly but wiggles his booty and wags his tail. “Who let the dogs out, darling?” as Craig Revel Horwood drawled last week.
Song: Hound Dog (Smokey Joe’s Café version). Elvis Presley’s version of the 1950s blue classic sold 10m copies globally and was his bestselling single. Smokey Joe’s Café is the longest-running musical revue in Broadway history, clocking ip 2,036 performances between 1995 and 2000.
Judges’ scores: 3, 6, 5, 6 for a total of 20 points. Mid-table. Jojo tells Cach he’s gorgeous to soften the blow.
Judges’ comments: Craig says “too much freestyle for me, not enough quickstep and posture not great”. Motsi says “music lives in your body and your musicality was genius, learn the ballroom rules so you can break them, do the fiunademtnals but bring who you are to the dancefloor”. Shirley says “extremely light on your feet, natural feel but I agree with Craig, it was streetdance not quickstep but you’re gifted”. Anton concludes “terrific, this was TikTok era, sort your posture and hold but you’re a talent”.
Cach and Maddie’s quickstep
Oh hello, he’s here. Love Islander and influencer Cach Mercer is an experienced dancer, albeit self-taught and not versed in Latin and ballroom, so he has high expectations. Paired with new home-grown pro Maddie Ingoldsby, he certainly looks the part for this wedding-themed number. Too much messin’ abaht to start, then into hold for a ripping routine. Energetic yet elegant, light on their feet and full of frothy fun. Disco moves, leaps and dips. Charleston sections strong, leading well, strong finish. Wow.
Song: I Just Might by Bruno Mars. The retro disco-funk hit from this January was compared to both Leo Sayer’s You Make Me Feel Like Dancing and Junior Senior’s Move Your Feet.
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Judges’ scores: 2 (what’s occurring?), 4, 4, 5 for a total of 15 points. Joint bottom with the two sportspeople.
Judges’ comments: Shirley says “bright personality, good rotary action but let’s fix that posture, you have potential”. Anton says “exquisite timing, sensational open work, make the leg action work more strongly”. Craig says “stompy and flat-footed, more scrambled eggs than omelette but lovely storytelling”. Motsi concludes “clear and compact, brought the fun, adored what you both did”.
Melanie and Aljaž’s cha cha cha
Actor Melanie Walters, aka Gwen from Gavin & Stacey, might be the oldest celebrity in the field by five years but she looked pretty promising in the launch show, with great posture and plenty of personality. She’s in good hands with three-time finalist and all-round sweetheart Aljaž Škorjanec. Breakfast theme for the omelette connection, presumably. A fast and flirty Cuban number. Melanie looks great and confident but the footwork is hesitant in places. Lacks pace but full of fun.
Song: Don’t Go Breaking My Heart by Elton John and Kiki Dee. The 1976 duet, a Motown pastiche, has soundtracked three previous Strictly cha-chas: Lynda Bellingham and Darren Bennett in 2009, Kellie Bright and Kevin Clifton in 2015, and HRVY and Janette Manrara in 2020.
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A decent week one standard, I think. And refreshing to see realistic scoring. The couples have somewhere to go.
Judges’ scores: 3, 4, 4, 5 for a total of 16 points. Third from bottom.
Judges’ comments: Motsi says “serious focus and into character, tight in places, breathe and stay low”. Shirley says “potential to be a fantastic ballroom dancer, let Amy teach you, good in close hold, transitions need work but well done”. Anton says “I disagree, open work was commanding but hesitant in hold, relax and radiate confidence”. Craig concludes “like watching a Ken doll, lacked drive, artistry and heel leads but you sold it”.
Chris and Amy’s tango
Celebrity hairdresser Chris Appleton promised Welsh favourite Amy Dowden that her hair will get bigger every week they stay in the contest, so assume her befringed coiffure tonight is just the beginning. Snippy scissors to start, then into close hold. Slow stalking, moody faces and changes of pace. Static and flat footed in the transitions. Missing a little sexy sizzle perhaps but pecs out, strong and stylish.
Song: No Roots by Alice Merton. Is that a hairdressing pun in the song title? I’ve got a horrible feeling it might be. The German-British-Canadian singer’s 2016 debut single, written about her nomadic background, previously soundtracked a 2018 tango by newsreader Kate Silverton and Aljaž Škorjanec.
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Judges’ scores: 7 (blimey), 6, 7, 7 for a total of 27 points. Top at the midway mark.
Judges’ comments: Shirley says “where focus goes, energy flows, had body action and it was magnificent”. Anton says “my favourite dance of the night so far”. Craig says “I wanted more defined hip action, lost tour bearings in the spins but beautiful straight legs and timing, clean and strong”. Motsi concludes “weight more forward but the surprise of the night”. More sixes incoming?
Lacey and Vito’s cha cha cha
EastEnders favourite Lacey Turner is hotly tipped but look terribly nervous last week. Hopefully she’ll have conquered her stage-fright with the help of high-performing Italian pro Vito Coppola. Gimmicky cleaning theme in leopard pirnt tabards, whipped off to reveal hot pink costumes. A cheeky cha-cha with copious hip wiggles and Cuban breaks. Lots of exposing solo content, which is a test for Lacey, but a cute flirty feel. Is she nailing the tricky straight leg action? Lacked a little fluidity but good footwork and she conquered her fears pretty well.
Song: How Will I Know by Whitney Houston. This 1985 hit was originally intended for Janet Jackson but she passed on it. Dr Ranj Sigh and Janette Manrara also danced a week one cha-cha to it eight years ago.
Judges’ scores: 6, 7, 6, 7 for a total of 26 points. Top of the leaderboard ar this stage.
Judges’ comments: Anton says “super-duper, immaculate line as the leader but when you swapped roles, you lacked curve as the follower”. Craig says “picky, picky, picky, that was the first bit of good dancing we’ve seen all night”. Motsi says “loved it, may favourite number so far, better solo than in hold, add details”. Shirley concludes “didn’t expect to see that frame and footwork in week one, you’re going to be something else”. More sixes, even a seven?
Bethany and Nancy’s quickstep
Time for this year’s same-sex couple: House of the Dragon actor Bethany Antonia and her pro partner Nancy Xu. Bethany said last week that watching Nicola Adams dance with Katya Jones in the 2020 series was a big part of her coming out story. The power of Strictly right there. It feels apt that they’re starting with an upbeat, glamorously romantic quickstep. On-theme thrones to start. Not very quickstep-ish opening but then into hold. Fast and energetic as they fly across the floor. Bethany could be more up on the balls of her feet and looks rushed in places but bags of frothy fun.
Song: Stop This Flame by Celeste. Not Daphne’s erstwhile bandmate, sadly, but the Brighton-based Brit soul singer. Her stomping, piano-driven 2020 single samples Nina Simone’s Sinner Man.
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Judges scores: 2 (boo!), 4, 4, 5 for a total of 15 points. Joint bottom with Dame Sarah Storey as it stands.
Judges’ comments: Motsi says “don’t be shy, this is dancing, fake it until you make it and feel the joy”. Shirley says “superb changes of direction, you have promise, keep the footwork but work on your personality”. Anton says “absolutely charming”. Craig concludes “it’s going to be a few more weeks until you reach pro level”.
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Shaun and Alexis’ cha cha cha
Footballer-turned-pundit Shaun Wright-Phillips cheekily said that he wants to be pro standard by the end of the series. Well, let’s see how much of a joke that was. Paired with US pro Alexis Warr – sporting a fierce new haircut in her second series – he unleashes a gas station-themed, disco-style cha-cha with plenty of fun. It can be an exposing dance, with its solo sections and tricky straight leg action and Shaun looks slow and hesitant at times. Cuban motion lacking and he’s following, not leading, but he grows into the routine and ends better than it started.
Song: Lil Boo Thang by Paul Russell. The 2023 viral hip-pop hit samples 1977 disco classic Best Of My Love by The Emotions.
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Judges’ scores: 4, 5, 5, 6 for a total of 20 points. Lawrence was “Juan” tonight, apparently. Luckily, he didn’t score Juan, he scored 20.
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Judges’ comments: Motsi says “I loved the intensity and passion, your body was engaged, now learn to control it, lots of potential”. Shirley says “opening line was impressive but keep your feet still and arms moving, work on the flow”. Anton says “a modern interpretation of a strong dance, marvellous”. Craig concludes “all very square, danced by numbers, lumpy, stompy and lacked Spanish line but strong storytelling”.
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Lawrence and Jowita’s paso doble
After a quick visit to The Woolpack, this evening’s sole paso comes courtesy of Emmerdale actor Lawrence Robb and Polish pro Jowita Przystal. Sheer shirt and moody lighting. Intense and committed, full of imperious attitude. Telling the story of the bullfight well. Swagger and aggressive stamps but a little flat-footed and walky-aroundy in hold. Needs more resistance and Spanish curve but strong, dramatic and confident for week one. Olé!
Song: Aperture by Harry Styles. Released in January, this slow-building synth-pop throbber was the lead single from Style’s not-very-snappily titled album Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally.
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Judges’ scores: 3 (boo!), 4, 4, 4 for a total of 15 points. Bottom as it stands but early days.
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Shirley even picked on Joshy’s posture there, the big meany.
Judges’ comments: Anton says “loved the styling, very uplifting but made a mistake and your posture needs more curve in the body”. Craig says “out of step but frame bothered me, shoulders raised, footwork turned in but loved your performance”. Motsi says “found your inner showgirl but could feel your nerves, trust your partner and engage your body”. Shirley concludes “repetition is the mother of skill, go round the house with a book on your head (demo time!), keep practising”.
Sarah and Julian’s quickstep
Sarah Storey, the decorated Paralympic and first ever Dame to compete in the ballroom, makes her dance debut with Australian pro Julian Caillon. She’s been worried about her facial expressions, since she normally has a competitive race-face on, but there’s little sign of it here. Red outfits and a hotel bell-hop theme. Left Julian’s mic on so it started with a deafening “Woah!” but then into a smooth, elegant and energetic number. Hopping and skipping across the floor. Charleston flicks and kicks. A few footwork fluffs, some gapping and bumpy moments but jazzy razzle-dazzle ahoy.
Song: C’est Magnifique by Kay Starr. The jazz singer’s 1960 version of Cole Porter’s song for his musical Can-Can. Fact for you wedding fans: Starr married an impressive six times in her 94 years. Attagirl.
Jojo seems to be on balcony duty and he’s doing it well.
Judges’ scores: 4 (what?), 6, 5, 7 for a total of 22 points. Mark is sweetly emotional about making his Strictly debut.
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Judges’ comments: Shirley says “loved your posture, 90% happy, just need more artistry with the arms”. Anton says “terrific, it was welcome back Karen Carney stuff, exceptional flicks and kicks”. Craig says “a hiccup at the end, too upright but sharp, precise kicks and flicks”. Motsi concludes “like a Las Vegas showgirl, loaded with content, you have fire, I can’t wait to see more from you”. First sixes of the series incoming?
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Tabby and Mark’s jive
Winter Olympic gold medallist Tabby Stoecker propels herself head-first at 80mph down an ice track for her day job, so doing the first jive of the series should hold little fear. She’s partnered with new Canadian pro Mark Karmalita. Body ripples and cartwheels to start. Bright, fast and bouncy with plenty of tassel-ography. Great flicks and kicks, twists and twirls. Lacking a little retraction and compactness at times but sychronised, sharply energetic, loads of attack. Fabby, Tabby!
Song: Animal by KATSEYE. The six-piece Californian girl group were formed on a US reality show. This is their summer 2026 single, co-written by a certain Ed Sheeran. Wonder what happened to him? Never see him in the news.
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Judges’ scores: 4 (boo), 5, 4 (boo again), 5 for a total of 18 points. A passable first score of the series.
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Judges’ comments: Craig says “I could’ve done without all that grinding, sloppy arms and forced hips but love your energy and you’ll go a long way”. Motsi says “business upstairs, party downstairs, let’s connect them, keep the enthusiasm”. Shirley says “great potential, timing and entertainment value but stroke the floor with your feet”. Anton concludes “other than that top, marvellous”.
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Will and Dianne’s samba
Big Brother presenter Will Best and Australian pro Dianne Buswell looked like a promising pairing last week and they’re opening the series. Big job. Will confessed that he tends to do the white man’s overbite when dancing, so look out for that. Quite horrific, unforgiving black leather outfits and Will has nipples out. Bit early for that business. Sharp, slinky hip action and disco moves in a Brazilian bonanza of a samba. Craig might comment on his open mouth and sticky-out bottom, especially after that interlude on the judges’ desk, darling. Lacking bounce action and fluidity but rhythmical, raunchy and really rather fun. Knee slide and devil horns to finish.
Song: Rock DJ by Robbie Williams. Another literal song choice for the co-host of the Hits Radio breakfast show. Robbie’s 2000 hit samples both Barry White and A Tribe Called Quest. He joked at the time: “I was trying to write Karma Police but ended up writing Karma Chameleon.”
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Josh checks that Dani “Sicknote” Dyer is still in one piece. Her father Danny glowers protectively from the front row.
Jojo has FOMO. Bless that man. He must be protected at all costs.
Our Strictly stars™
Alan “Deadly” Dedicoat, voice of the balls (the lottery ones, grow up), announces our couples for the first time this year. They totter out at the top of the staircase for a terrified wave. Leather trousers! White furs! More tassels than a 1970s curtain and lampshade showroom.
Both male judges are in sparkly tuxedos. Craig generously lets Emma Willis borrow his “fab-u-lous” catchphrase.
Judges are in the house
Behold our quartet of Judgey McJudgefaces: Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and head judge Shirley Ballas in an understated hold mermaid frock. Twirls, turkey teeth and a synchronised sit-down.
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Jojo shimmies into the studio fabulously.
Frockwatch
Here comes our three-headed hosting hydra, so time for their first ever live finery face-off. Emma Willis is in a Marilyn Monroe-esque white gown. Josh Widdicombe is sporting a burgundy suit with toning shirt and tie. Johannes Radebe looking typically fab-u-lous in a drapey hot pink jumpsuit. Jojo wins.
Dave Arch’s band is backed by a gospel choir. The hosts and judges join the fun. This is splendid. Sheer Strictly magic.
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Group spectacular from the pros
We open with the professional troupe showing the nervous celebs how it’s done. It’s a dazzling ballroom number, set to an orchestral version of Joy by RAYE. Male pros in tailcoats and spats. Female pros in silver tasselled frocks. Epic, elegant and Hollywood as hell.
The journey begins
Well, Strictly is all about the J-word and we kick off with a whizzy VT showing their literal journeys from training room to studio.
And we’re off!
Our first look at the new-look title sequence. This year’s colour scheme is purple and pink. Cheesy grins and comedy dance moves all round.
Charge glasses and take your front row sofa seats. We’re about to go live to Elstree Studios for the first time this year…
Male celebs tipped for early exit
Coming into the contest, Shaun Wright-Phillips is bookies’ favourite for the first elimination. Just behind is Chris Appleton. But since we’ve not seen any of the couples dance properly yet, we can probably take those odds with a generous pinch of Maldon sea salt.
It’s just five minutes until the glittery ribbon is snipped…
The Celebrity Inner Circle just winding up on BBC1 now, this week featuring three Strictly alumni: La Voix, Dr Ranj Singh and Rav Wilding. He can intercept my scam anytime, etc.
I hope you’ve carb-loaded and pre-napped. Running time tonight is an epic 150 minutes. A real test of our Saturday evening stamina.
Fluids and food are key, comrades. Ten minutes to choreographic kick-off…
On your dance cards
Tonight’s 15 routines include four cha cha chas, three sambas, three quicksteps and two tangos. Which means that a dozen of our 15 couples will be dancing one those four styles.
As usual with the first live show, there’s way more Latin than ballroom by a 10-5 ratio. A mere 15 minutes until spangly showtime…
Let’s play ballroom bingo!
Eyes down for this year’s first live bingo game. Here’s your spotter’s guide to tonight’s on-screen happenings. Tick them off when you see them! Take a drink for each! Hide the recycling out of shame! Tonight’s 10 predictions:
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A couple do the running man or Gangnam Style on the new-look opening titles
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Johannes calls his co-presenter “Joshy” rather adorably
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Overly literal song choice to hammer home what the celeb is famous for
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Shirley Ballas thanks the first couple to perform for “opening our show”
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Exhausted, sweating celeb can barely catch their breath during their post-dance interview
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You’re not sure if it’s a new professional or an old one with a new haircut
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Eternal bridesmaid Ginger Neil hogs the camera up on the balcony
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Anton du Beke pronounces the Rio carnival dance as the “saaarm-ba”
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Celeb mentions Epsom salts/ice baths/blisters/toenails/aches in muscles they didn’t know they had
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Craig’s first critique of the year gets booed and he tells the studio audience to button it
No results show or elimination this weekend
A quick reminder of the form for tonight. The couples will be critiqued and marked by the judging panel but there’s no public vote yet. Instead their scores will be carried over to next Saturday when us viewers can vote for our favourites for the first time.
Their two scores will then be combined with the public vote and the bottom two will be consigned to this year’s first dreaded dance-off. It means our plucky pairs get two chances to impress before anyone is packed off home.
Any predictions on who it might be? Feels like it’s all to dance for at his stage. Start some light stretching, it’s 20 minutes to curtain-up….
Dave Arch, you are spoiling us
As often happens on the first live show, we’re bring “treated” to some clangingly literal song choices. Canine expert Graeme Hall will cha-cha to Hound Dog. Celebrity hairdresser Chris Appleton does a tango to No Roots. Radio presenter Will Best will dance a samba to Rock DJ.
See what they did there? Not much, to be honest.
Mixed reception for last week’s launch show
The big talking point last Saturday, of course, was Strictly’s all-new presenting line-up. With the Tess ’n’ Claud double act replaced by the trio of Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe, was it a case of three’s a crowd?
Being prerecorded, the curtain-raiser was effectively a soft launch. Safe pair-of-hands Willis was a class act and Radebe proved a benevolent, poised presence but Widdicombe bore the brunt of the backlash. At times he looked terrified, while his loud guffaws too close to the microphone annoyed some viewers. This is surely fixable. Indeed, I’m surprised it wasn’t faded down in the edit.
Throw in an underpowered celebrity line-up plus a few format tweaks, and perhaps inevitably there was plenty to grumble about.
Yet there were promising signs too. The trio had good chemistry and grew in confidence as the show progressed. Claudia Winkleman, ever supportive, said Emma was “knockout.” Ratings were solid, peaking at 6.8m live viewers – slightly up on last year’s launch show.
Let’s hope they all settle in over the next few weeks. Widdicombe will hopefully come into his own when he gets the chance to gently rib the contestants and joust with the judges. Will the new regime work better tonight? Just half an hour until we find out…
Strictly 2026 goes live at last!
Heart racing. Palms clammy. Stomach fluttering. And that’s just the three presenters. It’s opening night nerves all round as the live hosting and hoofing begins. Yes, Strictly Come Dancing 2026 gets fully underway as our new couples hit the floor for their first full routines.
Evening all and welcome to the inaugural live show of the year. I’m Michael, your cyber dance partner for series 24 (anyone else feeling very old?) of the BBC’s ballroom blockbuster. I hope you’ll watch along with me as this year’s twinkle-toed action kicks off in earnest.
Last week’s pre-recorded launch show saw them matched up, speed dating-style. Now our 15 freshly formed pro-celebrity pairs take to the Elstree Studios ballroom for their first proper numbers together. The celebs have been perspiring into their legwarmers, breaking in their dance shoes and nursing their sore tootsies. Now we’ll see the fruits of their labours. The judges also get to raise their scoring paddles for the first time, No pressure, pairings.
It’s showtime at 6.15pm on BBC One. I’ll be liveblogging from 5.45pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, analysis, reaction and quickstepping quips. So stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone, prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone and I’ll see you on the sofa.
As always, I’d love to hear from you too. You can tweet me @michaelhogan, contact me on Bluesky or Threads @michaelhogan100, email me [email protected] and the comments section below is open for cha-cha-chat. I’ll promenade down there every now and again to gauge your reaction, so please do share your thoughts.
The glitterball is about to spin. So are 15 celebrities’ and three presenters’ heads. We’re live, we’re direct and it’s nearly time to staaaaaart dancing!
