Strictly Come Dancing returned for its 2025 launch show on Saturday night, pairing celebrities with professional dancers. Among the stars are Dani Dyer, Vicky Pattison, and Stefan Dennis, who will compete for the Glitterball Trophy.
Fans expressed concern for Amy Dowden after she was paired with Thomas Skinner, known for his controversial past. However, Dowden remained upbeat, praising Skinner's work ethic and sense of humour in a social media post.
Skinner responded with a promise: 'I promise I won't let you down. I might not be the best dancer, but I promise I'll be the hardest worker.' He thanked Dowden for her kindness and said he had enjoyed their training sessions.
The show also faced a fix row after it emerged that Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope has been dancing since age 10 and performed in Billy Elliot. Fans accused producers of giving him an unfair advantage.
Judges Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke will sit together at a single desk this year, a return to the pre-pandemic format that viewers welcomed.
The first live show airs next Saturday at 6:55pm on BBC One.
