Strictly Come Dancing 2014 launch: Scott Mills, Judy Murray, Thom Evans and co paired with dance partners

Andy Murray's mum will be guided around the ballroom by Anton du Beke

The Strictly Come Dancing 2014 contestants and their professional dance partners open the twelfth run of the celebrity ballroom contest (BBC)

Sequins are sparkling, tail feathers are shaking and the competition looks set to hot up once again as Strictly Come Dancing returns to our living rooms.

The twelfth run of the hit ITV celebrity dancing contest launched on Sunday evening on BBC One, with Sir Bruce Forsyth handing over his longstanding presenter’s reins to Claudia Winkleman following an energetic tap dance flash mob.

Next, the 15 contestants were paired off with professional dancers who will be mentoring them through the ballroom show in the hope of lifting the Glitter Ball Trophy.

Famous faces for 2014 include Pixie Lott, Frankie Bridge, Judy Murray, Scott Mills, Gregg Wallace, Mark Wright, Steve Backshall, Simon Webbe and Thom Evans.

Last year’s winner Abbey Clancy and her dancing partner Aljaz Skorjanec reunited for the last time to perform their Waltz to “Kissing You”, while Smokey Robinson, Imelda May and Australian boy band 5 Seconds of Summer provided musical entertainment.

Fans will now have to wait three weeks while the celebrities hone their first dance routines ready for the live shows.

Judges Len Goodman, Craig Revel-Horwood, Darcey Bussell and Bruno Tonioli will give their expert verdicts on Friday 26 and Saturday 27 September.

Tess Daly returns as a full-time host alongside Winkleman, while viewers can tune in to It Takes Two with Zoe Ball for backstage gossip during week days.