Strictly Come Dancing returned to our screens on Saturday (14 September) night with a big, sparkling launch show that proved the show intends to dazzle its way through its 20th anniversary series after months of scandal surrounding the programme’s professional dancers.
The BBC’s Saturday night tentpole kicked off this weekend in a pre-recorded special. It not only gave viewers a first glimpse at who might be good as the celebrity contestants performed, Bambi-esque, for the first time, but also celebrated the comeback of beloved pro Amy Dowden after her cancer journey.
Things began with an uber-camp opening number, featuring a green screen-heavy VT in which the pro dancers got stuck on the Vengabus and had to be saved by mechanics Tess Daly, Claudia Winkleman, and the Strictly orchestra’s long-time conductor Dave Arch. In the studio, the day-glo dressed dancers then launched into a fast-paced routine to a medley of Nineties and Noughties bangers from everyone from Gina G to Steps.
After that, viewers were introduced to the 15 contestants taking part this year and watched as they met their partners for the first time (you can find the full list of couples here). The stars, who range from Love Islanders to Olympians, all seemed equal parts scared and nervous, with the exception of former England footballer Paul Merson, who just looked pretty bewildered and unimpressed by the whole thing. How he’s going to fare when Strictly goes full Strictly, I’m not quite sure.
That aside, these are the five biggest talking points from Strictly’s launch show:
Amy Dowden’s triumphant comeback
Usually, the Strictly launch show is all about the celebrities. But this year carried special weight for the pros too, as it marked the return to the dance floor of fan favourite Amy Dowden. The Welsh pro joined the show in 2017 and reached the final in 2019, but was forced to pull out of last year’s series after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2023. She underwent a mastectomy, chemotherapy and fertility treatment, and was told she had “no evidence of disease” earlier this year.
Naturally, Dowden’s return was never going to be a half-baked affair. Instead, she was welcomed back with a triumphant celebratory dance number featuring her fellow pros, who held Dowden aloft at the end of the number like her very own Glitterball Trophy. And given her celebrity partner, it looks like Dowden could have a shot at the real thing too. Her celebrity partner was revealed to be JLS star JB Gill (best known, at least to those of us who are very online, for that one clip of him saying the words “Merry Christmas”), and Dowden couldn’t contain her excitement. “I’ve got a feeling my comeback is going to be pretty strong now,” she said. With the public so firmly on her side, it’s likely we’ll be seeing her go far this year.
Chris McCausland, unsurprisingly, is a right laugh
Much of the chatter around comedian Chris McCausland competing on the show this year has focused on the fact that he’s Strictly’s first ever blind contestant. But from the launch show alone, McCausland asserted himself as this year’s comic relief. He was on hand to crack wise all episode and was self-deprecating about his likelihood of doing well on the show; he even warned Aussie partner Dianne Buswell that she’d at least have a nice November off, as he obviously would not be making it further than Halloween week.
The CBeebies star also got in the first of what I expect will be many NHS-themed gags made about TV doctor Punam Krishnan this series. As the Morning Live presenter explained that she would be on hand to offer her castmates medical advice and treatment, McCausland rapidly interjected: “None of us can believe we have managed to get in the same room as a GP.” Cue raptuous applause from the contestants and Tess looking flustered. Let’s hope he lasts long enough for more jokes like these.
Strictly remembers two greats
The launch show ended with a suitably sparkly group number, which was followed by a poignant tribute to two greats who the show – and the world – lost earlier this year: former contestant Dave Myers and professional dancer Robin Windsor. TV chef Myers, best known for his work as one half of The Hairy Bikers, appeared on the show with pro dancer Karen Hauer in 2013. In February, he died of cancer at the age of 66. That same month also marked the death of former British pro Windsor, who competed on the show for four series from 2010 to 2013. He was 44.
Jamie Borthwick’s dance experience
Poor Jamie Borthwick. When the EastEnders star was asked to compete on the Strictly Christmas special last year, he probably didn’t realise that A) he was going to win with Nancy Xu, and B) that win would then be used against him when he took part in the show the very next year. Frankly, it is a little strange that Strictly would cast Borthwick while his festive triumph is still so fresh in fans’ minds, but the other cast members made it very clear they would not be letting Borthwick go easy. Wynne “Go Compare Man” Evans, wrestling McCausland for the title of unofficial comedy commentator, was the first to take a pop at the actor, calling out: “Cheat!” when Borthwick’s experience was mentioned. Later, The Only Way is Essex’s tattooed bad boy Pete Wicks explained that he’d be taking the Strictly process seriously as he’d only be there once. “Unless you’re Jamie,” he cheekily added.
Keeping suspiciously quiet about the whole thing was JLS star Gill, who managed to slip under the radar despite the fact that he, too, won Strictly’s Christmas special in 2012. Still, given the reactions on X (formerly Twitter) pointing this bit of trivia out, we suspect this one won’t be going unforgotten going forward.
Craig Revel Horwood’s beard
No, but seriously: who is that man?
Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday 21 September at 7pm on BBC One.
Key points
20:00 , Isobel Lewis
Our next four contestants getting their partners are Montell Douglas, Pete Wicks, JB Gill and Sam Quek.
Wynne Evans, the Welsh singer hoping to get his opera talents into Strictly dance routines
Friday 13 September 2024 18:08 , Inga Parkel
From GoCompare to Cha-cha-cha…
Meet all the 2024 contestants here
Friday 13 September 2024 17:29 , Ellie Harrison
From Nick Knowles to Tasha Ghouri… here’s who will be competing this year
Strictly Come Dancing reveals full list of celebrity contestants
Strictly’s first blind contestant Chris McCausland says he and pro partner are ‘winging it’
Friday 13 September 2024 19:30 , Inga Parkel
Strictly Come Dancing’s Chris McCausland has revealed how the BBC production team have been supporting him as the show’s first blind contestant.
Read More:
Comedian, who lost his sight aged 22, said he is ‘figuring it out’ as he goes along
What dancing experience do the contestants have?
Friday 13 September 2024 21:30 , Inga Parkel
Strictly Come Dancing is almost back on our screens and fans are once again putting on their detective hats to find out which celebrities have an “advantage” due to past dance training.
This year’s lineup includes a professionally trained commercial dancer, a JLS member and a musician with West End performance experience. Find out who they are, and what they’ve said about their training, below.
Read more:
Featuring a professionally-trained commercial dancer and theatre school graduate
This year’s Strictly Come Dancing line-up might just be secretly brilliant
Friday 13 September 2024 23:30 , Inga Parkel
Strictly Come Dancing is traditionally the sparkliest show on television – but it’s never been more necessary for its line-up to shine brighter than a sequin factory in the midsummer sun.
Read more:
After weeks of scandal, there was a lot riding on the 2024 ‘Strictly’ line-up, but the initial reaction from fans has been lacklustre. However, it’s too early to write off this year’s contestants, argues Rachel McGrath – and they might just surprise us
All about the contestants, starting with Jamie Borthwick, The Strictly 2024 contestant who won last year’s Christmas special
01:30 , Inga Parkel
Soap star finds himself in a somewhat advantageous position over his fellow contestants
Olympian Tom Dean’s journey from gold medals to glitterballs
03:30 , Inga Parkel
The swimmer won gold in the men’s freestyle relay at this year’s Paris Games
Shayne Ward’s journey from X Factor audition to Coronation Street and now Strictly
05:30 , Inga Parkel
‘No promises on my dancing ability,’ warned the actor and singer
Meet Sarah Hadland, the comedian and Miranda star taking to the dance floor
07:30 , Inga Parkel
The actor is best known for her role as Stevie in the BBC sitcom ‘Miranda’
Strictly Come Dancing to return under a cloud of controversy
08:20 , Roisin O’Connor
Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s Strictly Come Dancing liveblog!
We’ll be bringing you the latest news, commentary and updates as the BBC’s embattled dancing competition returns to our screens, with a brand new cast of celebrities and their professional dance partners.
If you have no idea who’s competing this year, Ellie Muir’s interview feature with the 2024 cast is probably a good place to start:
The stars of this year’s Strictly discuss the shows post-scandal era
‘This year’s Strictly Come Dancing line-up might just be secretly brilliant’
08:40 , Roisin O’Connor
After weeks of scandal, there was a lot riding on the 2024 ‘Strictly’ line-up, but the initial reaction from fans has been lacklustre. However, it’s too early to write off this year’s contestants, argues Rachel McGrath – and they might just surprise us
This year’s Strictly Come Dancing line-up might just be secretly brilliant
Strictly’s Nick Knowles shares gruelling training update ahead of first live show
08:46 , Roisin O’Connor
What time is the Strictly Come Dancing 2024 launch show on tonight?
08:49 , Roisin O’Connor
Strictly Come Dancing returns to our screens tonight, albeit under a cloud of controversy.
This year marks the hit BBC show’s 20th anniversary, meaning showrunners are likely to be pulling out all the stops.
Hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, and with Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse on the judging panel, the 2024 series returns with a launch show on Saturday 14 September at 7.20pm on BBC.
In tonight’s episode, fans will get to meet all of the celebrity contestants and find out which professional dancers they’ll be paired up with.
VIDEO: Watch the Strictly Come Dancing 2024 trailer
09:00 , Roisin O’Connor
The Strictly stars with previous dance experience, from Tasha Ghouri to JB Gill
09:20 , Roisin O’Connor
Featuring a professionally-trained commercial dancer and theatre school graduate…
All of the Strictly stars with dance experience, from Tasha Ghouri to JB Gill
Meet all the celebrity contestants on Strictly Come Dancing 2024, from Paul Merson to Toyah Wilcox
09:41 , Roisin O’Connor
A comedian, a JLS star and DIY SOS presenter are among those who have been announced
Strictly Come Dancing reveals full list of celebrity contestants
Giovanni Pernice’s former Strictly partner issues statement on BBC investigation
10:00 , Roisin O’Connor
Nick Knowles: The TV titan’s journey from DIY SOS to Strictly, and jamming with Biffy Clyro in-between
10:21 , Roisin O’Connor
Award-winning veteran British TV presenter Nick Knowles is competing in this year’s edition of Strictly Come Dancing, adding to his long list of credits on the small screen.
Knowles, 61, told the BBC: “I’m so, so excited to be doing Strictly this year. People may be more used to me getting stuck in on a building site or travelling the world, but dancing live on TV will be a whole new adventure.”
He added: “I’ve spent my whole life learning new skills and I’ve never been afraid of a challenge – there’s life in the old dog yet to take on one more big one – being taught how to dance! I’ll give it my everything… and try not to embarrass my kids of course!”
Get to know Nick:
Nick Knowles: The TV titan’s journey from DIY SOS to Strictly
Sam Quek: The Olympic hockey player turned Question of Sport star taking on Strictly
10:41 , Roisin O’Connor
Sam Quek was the final celebrity revealed to be joining this year’s Strictly Come Dancing celebrity line-up.
Quek was announced to participate on the 2024 run of the BBC dancing competition in August on an episode of The One Show. “I am so relieved it is out there now it has been hard to keep a secret!” she said. “The rumours were spreading and I had to lie!”
Quek is an Olympic hockey champion, having won a gold medal with team Great Britain at the 2016 Rio Olympics. The athlete has won 125 international caps for the England and GB women’s hockey teams, winning her first against Argentina in 2007 aged just 19 while still studying sports and exercise science at Leeds Metropolitan University.
Get to know Sam ahead of this season’s contest:
Sam Quek: The Olympic hockey player turned Question of Sport star taking on Strictly
VIDEO: Strictly’s Nick Knowles shares gruelling training update ahead of first live show
11:01 , Roisin O’Connor
Paul Merson, the former footballer looking for success on Strictly after rollercoaster career
11:21 , Roisin O’Connor
The ex-footballer enjoyed a successful career on the field and then as a pundit, while also battling numerous personal demons
Paul Merson, the ex-footballer competing on Strictly after rollercoaster career
Meet Strictly Come Dancing’s Montell Douglas, the Gladiators star and multi-sport Olympian
11:41 , Roisin O’Connor
This sprinter-turned-bobsledder will be swapping her ‘Gladiators’ suit for a glittery ballroom gown
Meet Strictly Come Dancing’s Montell Douglas, AKA Fire from Gladiators
VIDEO: Giovanni Pernice announces new TV show appearance as Strictly investigation continues
12:00 , Roisin O’Connor
Strictly Come Dancing: Meet JB Gill, the JLS star taking to the floor
12:21 , Roisin O’Connor
The ‘One Shot’ singer will be swapping his microphone for ballroom shoes
Meet the JLS boyband member JB Gill taking on Strictly Come Dancing
Chris McCausland: Strictly’s first blind celebrity hoping to lift Glitterball trophy
12:41 , Roisin O’Connor
Comedian is making history with appearance on this year’s series
Strictly’s first blind celebrity hoping to lift 2024 trophy
VIDEO: Strictly’s Pete Wicks admits he’s ‘petrified’ ahead of show As He Reveals Advice From Zara Mcdermott
13:00 , Roisin O’Connor
Dr Punam Krishan: The TV medic hoping to prescribe some entertainment this autumn
13:21 , Roisin O’Connor
TV medic said her inclusion on the BBC series ‘still doesn’t feel real’
The Strictly star swapping the surgery for the dancefloor
Strictly’s Toyah Willcox: Everything you need to know about the punk-rock singer
13:41 , Roisin O’Connor
The ‘I Want to Be Free’ singer will be putting her experience from years of touring and West End performing to the test
Everything you need to know about Toyah Willcox as she enters Strictly Come Dancing
VIDEO: Anton Du Beke weighs in on Strictly Come Dancing bullying row
14:00 , Roisin O’Connor
Wynne Evans, the Welsh singer hoping to get his opera talents into Strictly dance routines
14:21 , Roisin O’Connor
From GoCompare to Cha-cha-cha…
Wynne Evans, the singer hoping to get opera into his Strictly dance routines
Pete Wicks: The Strictly 2024 contestant who rose to fame on Towie
14:40 , Roisin O’Connor
Star is known for his love for dogs and his friendship with ‘Made in Chelsea’ star Sam Thompson
Pete Wicks: The Strictly 2024 contestant who rose to fame on Towie
VIDEO: Tasha Ghouri joins Strictly Come Dancing 2024
15:01 , Roisin O’Connor
Tasha Ghouri’s journey from being Love Island’s first ever deaf contestant to Strictly Come Dancing
15:21 , Roisin O’Connor
Ghouri fell in love with dance when she felt the ‘bass and vibrations’ through the huge speakers in her home
Tasha Ghouri, from being Love Island’s first deaf contestant to Strictly
Strictly Come Dancing: Meet Sarah Hadland, the comedian and Miranda star taking to the dance floor
15:41 , Roisin O’Connor
The actor is best known for her role as Stevie in the BBC sitcom ‘Miranda’
Meet Sarah Hadland, the comedian and Miranda star taking to the Strictly dance floor
VIDEO: Shayne Ward joins Strictly Come Dancing 2024
16:01 , Roisin O’Connor
Shayne Ward’s journey from X Factor audition to Coronation Street and now Strictly
16:21 , Roisin O’Connor
‘No promises on my dancing ability,’ warned the actor and singer
Shayne Ward’s journey from X Factor audition to Coronation Street and now Strictly
Strictly Come Dancing: Olympian Tom Dean’s journey from gold medals to glitterballs
16:41 , Roisin O’Connor
Tom Dean’s journey from Olympic gold medals to Strictly Come Dancing
Watch the trailer for Strictly Come Dancing 2024
17:01 , Roisin O’Connor
Jamie Borthwick: The Strictly 2024 contestant who won last year’s Christmas special
17:21 , Roisin O’Connor
Soap star finds himself in a somewhat advantageous position over his fellow contestants
The EastEnders star whose Strictly casting might irk purists
Strictly Come Dancing enters a new era of chaperones and welfare measures – this year’s stars discuss all
17:41 , Roisin O’Connor
The BBC’s beloved dancing show is getting a shiny new rebrand as it recovers from a set of damning allegations. But what will a new ‘Strictly’, at 20 years old, look like? Ellie Muir speaks to this year’s cast, from Nick Knowles to Sarah Hadland, to find out
The stars of this year’s Strictly discuss the shows post-scandal era
VIDEO: Strictly: Tasha Ghouri’s boyfriend Andrew Le Page reacts to pairing
18:01 , Roisin O’Connor
‘This year’s Strictly Come Dancing line-up might just be secretly brilliant’
18:21 , Roisin O’Connor
After weeks of scandal, there was a lot riding on the 2024 ‘Strictly’ line-up, but the initial reaction from fans has been lacklustre. However, it’s too early to write off this year’s contestants, argues Rachel McGrath – and they might just surprise us
This year’s Strictly Come Dancing line-up might just be secretly brilliant
Strictly’s back!
19:12 , Isobel Lewis
Hi all! I’ll be covering this eve’s Strictly launch show, as we get back into the groove and find out which pro partners are celebrities are going to be dancing with. It’ll also give viewers a first look at the calibre of dance talent on display, so pay attention to that footwork!
19:20 , Isobel Lewis
And we’re go! Anyone else excited?
19:23 , Isobel Lewis
Out the gate and the show’s off with a bang, with a Strictly meets the Vengabus parody! God, I’ve really missed this show.
Strictly Come Dancing returns as show celebrates 20 years amid controversy
19:26 , Isobel Lewis
Naturally, this is a pretty OTT way of kicking off the series, even by Strictly’s sparkling standards. But don’t forget, the show is celebrating 20 years on our screens this year – so it was always bound to be a big one!
19:29 , Isobel Lewis
You might have spotted fans going wild for Amy Dowden in that routine. The Welsh dancer is returning to the show this series, after Amy was sadly forced to pull out of the 2023 series after she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
You can read the latest update on her recovery below:
Amy Dowden details new cancer scare ahead of Strictly Come Dancing return
19:30 , Ellie Harrison
Well, Craig Revel Horwood’s beard is certainly… something. Very Jason Manford.
19:32 , Isobel Lewis
Nice bit of Strictly trivia in there for the fact fans: Craig has given out just 10 one-point paddles in his 20 years on the show, and six of them were to former contestant turned judge Anton du Beke.
19:33 , Isobel Lewis
And our contestants are all here! Don’t they scrub up well?
19:42 , Isobel Lewis
The first four contestants to find out their partners are Chris McCausland, Shayne Ward, Jamie Borthwick and Wynne Evans.
Tess Daly points out that Jamie has previously competed on the show’s Christmas special, and Wynne coughs and calls him a “cheat”. Nice to see a bit of light-hearted ribbing already, then!
‘Amazing’ Amy Dowden returns to Strictly dance floor with dedicated routine
19:45 , Isobel Lewis
But first, it’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for: Amy Dowden’s return to the dancefloor! She’s leading her fellow pros in an emotional, passionate routine mashing up a load of songs, including Dua Lipa’s ‘Training Season’ and Jungle’s ‘Keep Moving’.
Amazing stuff all round, and the dancers are embracing Amy and lifting her in the air.
First Strictly couples are revealed
19:49 , Isobel Lewis
OK, we have our first four couples. They are:
Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell
Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas
Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu
Wynne Evans and Katya Jones
19:52 , Isobel Lewis
Appreciate Chris’s optimism, telling Dianne she won’t be getting to the final again this year and joking that his Aussie partner is looking forward to having November off. “I’m not sure how it’s going to work, but we’re going to work it out together,” she says.
ICYMI, Chris is Strictly’s first ever blind contestant. Speaking to The Independent ahead of the new series, he admitted that he and his partner were going to be “winging it”.
Strictly’s first blind star Chris McCausland says he and pro partner are ‘winging it’
20:05 , Isobel Lewis
Up in the Claud-itorium, the contestants are all clearly very nervous, but having a whale of a time. JLS’s JB Gill mum has given him some words of encouragement; Pete Wicks’, on the other hand, laughed in his face.
Strictly couples announced
20:07 , Isobel Lewis
And we’ve got our next four couples – including Amy Dowden’s new partner! They are:
JB Gill and Amy Dowden MBE
Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe
Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystał
Sam Quek MBE and Nikita Kuzmin
Amy Dowden celebrates as Strictly partner is revealed
20:10 , Isobel Lewis
Amy seems pretty made up with the smooth-talking, “Merry Christmas”-saying JB being her partner.
“I’ve got a feeling my comeback is going to be pretty strong now,” she said. “I can just see from those three steps we did: talent.”
20:17 , Isobel Lewis
Back on the floor for one last performance, it’s reigning champs and possessors of the Glitterball Trophy, Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola!
And they’re doing their best dance: their Paso Doble to “Insomnia” by Faithless. Still slaps, doesn’t it.
Strictly Come Dancing enters a new era of chaperones and welfare measures – this year’s stars discuss all
20:19 , Isobel Lewis
The stars of this year’s Strictly discuss the shows post-scandal era
20:24 , Ellie Harrison
The next four contestants about to find their couples are Toyah Willcox, Dr Punam Krishan, Tasha Ghouri, and Sarah Hadland.
Tasha Ghouri addresses previous dance experience
20:28 , Isobel Lewis
Interestingly, Tasha is referencing the previous dance experience that has seen people criticise her casting on the show. “I started dancing because of my deafness,” she explains, adding that she’s never done any ballroom styles.
Below, you can find out how much dance experience all of the contestants on Strictly 2024 have:
All of the Strictly stars with dance experience, from Tasha Ghouri to JB Gill
20:30 , Isobel Lewis
Dr Punam Krishan explains that she’s going to keep working at her practice during the show (impressive), and Chris McCausland quips: “None of us can believe we have managed to get in the same room as a GP.”
Ba-dum-tss!
Strictly couples are revealed
20:31 , Isobel Lewis
And we have our next four couples! They are:
Punam Krishan and Gorka Márquez
Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec
Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones
Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola
20:34 , Ellie Harrison
Amy isn’t the only pro dancer returning in 2024. Aljaž Škorjanec is also back on the floor this series, and Tasha is clearly thrilled to be with him.
Sarah Hadland says she ‘sniffed partner’s shoe’ to ‘manifest’ Strictly pairing
20:39 , Isobel Lewis
Yes, you heard that right. Miranda star Sarah Hadland has admitted that she tried to “manifest” dancing with Vito by taking his shoe, sniffing it, and saying, “Bring me Vito.”
If it works, it works, I guess?
20:42 , Isobel Lewis
God, this is going quickly, isn’t it? It’s our last three celebs: Paul Merson, Nick Knowles, and Tom Dean MBE.
20:47 , Ellie Harrison
Sage words from Paul Merson: “I’ve danced three times, and they’re all at my weddings.”
He jokes that 2023 contestant Tony Adams told him “not to do” the show, but insists he’s going to have fun – even if his face might not say it…
Final Strictly couples are announced
20:49 , Ellie Harrison
And we have our final couples! They are:
Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk
Paul Merson and Karen Hauer
Tom Dean MBE and Nadiya Bychkova
20:51 , Isobel Lewis
Paul looks honestly baffled by the whole thing. Sounds like his week one American Smooth to “Vindaloo” is going to be, erm, quite the watch.
Strictly Come Dancing 2024 couples – full list of celebrities and their partners
20:55 , Isobel Lewis
Strictly Come Dancing 2024 couples – full list of celebrities and their partners
20:58 , Isobel Lewis
And our celebrities are hitting the dance floor for the first time!
Honestly, there’s so many couples it’s hard to keep track of who’s who, but The X Factor winner Shayne Ward, Love Island’s Tasha Ghouri and Gladiators star Montell Douglas are the ones looking immediately promising to me!
Strictly pays tribute to Dave Myers and Robin Windsor
21:01 , Isobel Lewis
That’s the end of the show! The opening episode bows out with a sparkling final number, followed by two poignant tributes to former contestant Dave Myers and pro dancer Robin Windsor.
Watch: Strictly’s Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola give relationship update as they make live show return
21:24 , Isobel Lewis