STRICTLY stars will have their eyes on the Glitter Ball prize as the new series launches tonight.
But host Tess Daly reckons she will already be able to spot the winner.
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It will make the 15 contestants extra nervous as they take to the floor for the first time.
Tess, 55, who co-hosts alongside Claudia Winkleman, said: “The class of ’24 look like a properly exciting gang.
“As a collective I genuinely cannot wait to see what they’ve got in store for us.
“Sometimes I feel like perhaps I can spot the winner as early as the launch show as it’s clear to see they have the full package.
“However, more often than not, I’m surprised along with everybody else.
“I do think it takes a certain special something and not talent alone to capture the viewers imagination and go on to win the series.
“Not only have you got to have learned the necessary dance skills to showcase your talent, but you also need to have won our hearts.”
In contrast Claudia, 52, maintains she does not have a clue and is too busy getting ready for the start of the show every autumn.
She said: “I genuinely have no idea who’s going to win.
“Tess says the name and I find out with everyone else. It’s a magic moment.
“I start getting excited in July. The fake tanning starts in earnest on September 1 and there’s no let up until Christmas.”
But Claudia admits she still gets nervous when she hears the theme tune play and she knows she has to strut on and start work with co-star Tess.
She said: “I’m absolutely terrified and I squeeze Tess on the arm and I love her because she lets me.”
This year the duo are going to be allowed a little fun, and are taking part in the opening pro’s routine — without actually dancing.
The pre-recorded show begins with the pros travelling together in a multicolour bus, being driven to Elstree Studios by returning dancer Aljaz Skorjanec.
It contains a nod to the show’s beloved former host Bruce Forsyth, with the number plate on the front of the bus which reads “BRUCIE”.
But then the disco-on-wheels breaks down in the middle of nowhere and the gang have to get help from a garage run by Strictly’s musical conductor, Dave Arch.
‘GLITTERING ATTIRE’
Aptly named “Dave’s Repairs”, it has the slogan: “Under the arches — pop in for a tune up.”
His two trusty assistants in the garage are Tess — who answers the phone to the pros’ SOS made from a red phone box — and Claudia, who ties her hair up and slides under the cars on a creeper with her boss by her side.
Both will temporarily ditch their usual glamorous dresses for red overalls complete with their own name badges.
But they will quickly switch back to their normal glittering attire for the rest of the show.
The judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas will all return to this year’s series, with Craig now almost unrecognisable with a beard.
During the show the celebrities — including comic Chris McCausland, tenor Wynne Evans and presenter Nick Knowles — are paired up with their female pro partners.
JLS star JB Gill, EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick, footballer Paul Merson, Towie star Pete Wicks, swimmer Tom Dean and X Factor winner Shayne Ward are also in the line-up.
Meanwhile, female contestants singer Toyah Willcox, Gladiator’s star Montell Douglas, Love Islander Tasha Ghouri, hockey player Sam Quek, telly doctor Punam Krishan and Miranda actor Sarah Hadland are paired up with their male pros.
They will all be brought together for their first performance on the dance floor with a group number to Dance Yourself Dizzy by disco group Liquid Gold.
The competitive dances will not start until next Saturday in the first live show.
Though the judges vote on the performances, there is not a public vote so nobody will leave the contest until after the September 28 episode.
- Strictly Come Dancing kicks off tonight on BBC One at 7.20pm.
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Who’s confirmed for Strictly 2024?
WITH Strictly’s 20th anniversary special airing in September, The Sun takes a look at which celebs have been confirmed for the new series: