Strictly Come Dancing has made its grand return for the 20th anniversary edition, debuting with the usual flair despite recent controversies surrounding the program.
Presented by Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, the inaugural episode introduced this year’s famous participants, which include former England footballer Paul Merson, television host Nick Knowles, JLS member JB Gill, vocalist Toyah Willcox, and Olympic hockey champion Sam Quek, alongside their respective dance partners.
This event also celebrated the comeback of professional dancer Amy Dowden, who underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy following her breast cancer diagnosis in May 2023. Clad in vibrant pink, the 34-year-old Welsh performer took the spotlight during a group routine featuring a medley that included Dua Lipa’s Training Season and Jungle’s Busy Earnin’.
The poignant routine culminated in a heartfelt embrace between the star, who is now “no evidence of disease,” and her fellow dancers.
Amy Dowden returns after cancer treatment. Pic: BBC/Kieron McCarron
Strictly is back against a backdrop of significant scrutiny over the alleged treatment of celebrity participants in previous editions, which has prompted the introduction of chaperones present “at all times” during practice sessions.
The BBC initiated an inquiry following claims about Giovanni Pernice made by actress Amanda Abbington, who participated in 2023, though the results of this investigation are still pending.
Pernice, who departed from the program, has categorically denied the allegations. His exit coincided with the departure of fellow dancer Graziano Di Prima, after concerns were raised regarding his conduct towards reality star Zara McDermott. Di Prima later expressed that he “deeply” regretted the incidents that led to his exit, clarifying that he “wasn’t intending to kick” McDermott.
TV presenter Nick Knowles with Luba Mushtuk. Pic: BBC/ Ray Burmiston
Ex-England footballer Paul Merson teamed up with Karen Hauer. Pic: BBC/ Ray Burmiston
Earlier on Saturday, co-creator of Strictly, Karen Smith cautioned that ongoing criticism “could ultimately lead to the demise” of the beloved series.
During an interview with BBC News, the former executive producer expressed it was “devastating” considering how the production staff, celebrities, and dancers felt, but emphasized: “It would be a pity if the show were to be nitpicked to the point of extinction.”
“Because journalists, if you keep scrutinizing and continually criticizing, you might end up ruining the show that you dedicate so much time discussing throughout the year. So, proceed with caution.”
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However, this year’s series’ premiere did not confront the controversy, which was instead filled with spectacle and elegance, displaying a spectrum of pastel and sherbet hues — alongside a nostalgic opening dance medley that featured tracks from Vengaboys, Whigfield, 2 Unlimited, and Gina G.
This season’s participants include Chris McCausland, marking the first time a blind contestant has taken part, alongside opera performer Wynne Evans, reality television figure Pete Wicks, Gladiator and Olympian Montell Douglas, EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick, Olympian Tom Dean, and NHS GP and resident doctor on Morning Live, Dr Punam Krishan.
Singer Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones. Pic: BBC/Ray Burmiston
Participation also includes Love Island personality Tasha Ghouri — the second deaf competitor after former EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis triumphed in the series alongside Pernice in 2021 — X Factor champion Shayne Ward, and Miranda star Sarah Hadland.
Dowden, partnered with JLS member Gill, expressed: “I’m thrilled; it feels just like my inaugural year all over again. My aim is for JB to truly enjoy himself and fall for dancing.”
Gill praised Dowden, stating: “She’s exceptional and has experience working with popstars, so I’m confident I’m in capable hands.”
Willcox, who has been partnered with dancer Neil Jones, remarked that she was “in ecstasy” to be dancing alongside him, vowing to be the first senior citizen to “abseil through this studio”.
McCausland, partnered with Dianne Buswell, humorously commented: “We’ll undoubtedly make some missteps and laugh about them. Then we will come here to demonstrate all of the blunders we’ve learned from.”
Dean cautioned the audience that he possesses “delicate feet” as he is unaccustomed to being on solid ground. “We avoid any land activities, such as running or jumping, so I’ve never truly contended against gravity in my athletic career,” he mentioned.
