Strictly Come Dancing 2017, week one: Alexandra Burke, Debbie McGee and Joe McFadden impress on the dancefloor
Celebrity contestants danced with their professional partners during the live show
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.All the sequins. All the glitz. Strictly Come Dancing is back!
It was an emotional night as celebrities including Aston Merrygold, Joe McFadden, Susan Calman, Alexandra Burke and Ruth Langsford took to the dancefloor in week one.
The judges were on top form, with new head judge Shirtey Ballas getting settled in nicely - handling an accidental groping from Bruno Tonioli with style but stumbling a bit with names as she called Chizzy Akudolu "Lizzie".
The live blog is now closed
Judges Darcey Bussell, Craig Revel-Horwood, and Bruno Tonioli all returned as judges this year. Shirley Ballas, who replaces Len Goodman as Head Judge, following his departure at the end of the 2016 series. But the stars could breathe a sigh of relief: no one goes home in week one. The judge's scores will be carried over to next week, when the audience will get to decide who leaves and who stays.
Dancing on the show: Gemma Atkinson, Casualty, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks star, was paired with Slovenian Alijaz Skorjanec for the Cha-cha. TV, radio and stage performer Debbie McGee — whose late husband Paul Daniels previously appeared on the show — was put with Giovanni Pernice for a steamy Pasa Doble and one of the higest scores of the night.
Holby City’s Chizzy Akudolu was placed with Pasha Kovalev, while This Morning presenter Ruth Langsford and Anton Du Beke were paired together as Ruth's proud husband and co-presenter Eamonn Holmes looked on.
Former JLS member Aston Merrygold teamed up with Janette Manrara, and Reverend Richard Cole was put with newcomer Dianna Buswell.
Eastenders star Davood Ghadami's parner is Nadiya Dychkova, and chef Simon Rimmer was paired with Karen Clifton.
TV presenter Charlotte Hawkins was paired with Brendan Cole for the foxtrot, Mollie King with AJ Pritchard, the wonderful Susan Calman with Kevin Clifton, and Alexandra Burke with Gorka Marquez, who danced a gorgeous waltz to "You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman" by Aretha Franklin.
Rounding off the final three pairings are Joe McFadden with Katya Joes, Paralympian Jonnie Peacock with Oti Mabuse, and Brian Conley with Amy Dowden.
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
So far the strongest-looking contenders are Joe McFadden, Alexandra Burke, Debbie McGee and Davood Ghadami. In trouble - or not, depending on how generous the audience feels - are Rev. Richard Cole, Brian Conley, Simon Rimmer and Gemma Atkinson.
Follow Independent Culture for the latest news, features and video
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments