‘Strictly Come Dancing’ kicked off its fifteenth series in style, with a range of celebrities being coupled up with a professional dancer to compete on the show as the weeks go on. The launch show also featured performances from Shania Twain and Rita Ora. The professional dancers on the show also dedicated a poignant tribute to former presenter Sir Bruce Forsyth, who unfortunately passed away a few weeks ago.
Here at CelebMix, we’ve got the lowdown on who’s coupled up with who on the show – we can’t wait to see the performances as the weeks go on!
1. Gemma Atkinson and professional dancer Alijaz Skorjanec
Radio presenter and ‘Emmerdale’ actress Gemma Atkinson has been paired up with professional dancer Alijaz Skorjanec. When asked what she ideally would like from a dance partner, Gemma said that she wants a partner who she ‘could get the job done with’ and ‘someone who won’t drop me.’ We are looking forward to seeing their dances on the show!
2. Debbie McGee and professional dancer Giovanni Pernice
Magic performer and presenter Debbie McGee has been partnered up with Giovanni Pernice. Her husband, Paul Daniels, appeared on the show in 2010, and Debbie will be dancing in memory of him, as he, unfortunately, passed away. She has previous dancing experience as she did ballet many years ago. She says ‘it will be interesting to see what comes back.’
Ready to work some #Strictly magic on the dance floor, it’s @thedebbiemcgee and @pernicegiovann1! ? pic.twitter.com/jeTNIp4qvy
— BBC Strictly ? (@bbcstrictly) September 9, 2017
3. Chizzy Akudolu and professional dancer Pasha Kovalev
Chizzy Akudolu – best known for playing Mo Effanga in hospital-based drama ‘Holby City’ – has been coupled up with professional dancer Pasha Kovalev. Prior to her time on the show, Chizzy seems excited at her ‘chance to have even more sequins!’ No doubt her performances will be a lot of fun each week, and we can’t wait to see what she brings to the show.
Getting Chizzy with it, it’s @chizzyakudolu and @PashaKovalev! ? #Strictly pic.twitter.com/mnIa04ZJgH
— BBC Strictly ? (@bbcstrictly) September 9, 2017
4. Ruth Langsford and professional dancer Anton du Beke
‘This Morning’ host Ruth Langsford has been paired with professional dancer Anton du Beke. Ruth revealed that she would be appearing on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ live while presenting ‘This Morning.’ The pair seemed ecstatic to be coupled up with each other – a match made in ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ heaven!
Hopefully @TheAntonDuBeke won’t rub @EamonnHolmes up the wrong way…? He’s dancing with @RuthieeL! #Strictly pic.twitter.com/Z9XDMETfax
— BBC Strictly ? (@bbcstrictly) September 9, 2017
5. Aston Merrygold and professional dancer Janet Manrara
Former JLS star Aston Merrygold has been partnered up with professional dancer Janet Manrara. His JLS dancing experience will no doubt be very different from what he will be doing on the ‘Strictly’ dancefloor each week! Aston said he ‘felt relieved’ after being partnered up with Janet, and they even demonstrated a lift, briefly showing viewers what can be expected from their performances each week.
Could @JManrara drive @AstonMerrygold all the way to the #Strictly final? ? pic.twitter.com/roZqKfEijw
— BBC Strictly ? (@bbcstrictly) September 9, 2017
6. Reverend Richard Coles and professional dancer Dianne Buswell
Reverend Richard Coles – Church of England priest, writer and broadcaster – has been paired up with new professional dancer Dianne Buswell. He is the first ever Vicar to appear on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’. He doesn’t sound too confident in his dancing abilities just yet, describing his dancing as ‘more of a spasm than movement at the moment.’
YESSSSS!!! #Strictly2017 pic.twitter.com/uLb3CTFDtz
— Richard Coles (@RevRichardColes) September 9, 2017
7. Davood Ghadami and professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova
Best known for playing Kush Kazemi in ‘Eastenders’, Davood Ghadami will be swapping his role in Albert Square for time on the ‘Strictly’ dancefloor! Speaking about his time on the show, Davood says that ‘having the opportunity to take part in this year’s Strictly is such an honour. It’s going to be exciting, challenging and terrifying all at once and I am so looking forward to stepping out of my comfort zone and learning to dance.’ He has been paired up with new professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova.
Square dancing with @EastEnders @DavoodGhadami is new #Strictly Pro @NadiyaBychkova! ? pic.twitter.com/KVKZp6iM2m
— BBC Strictly ? (@bbcstrictly) September 9, 2017
8. Simon Rimmer and professional dancer Karen Clifton
‘Sunday Brunch’ co-presenter Simon Rimmer has been paired up with professional dancer Karen Clifton. When speaking about joining the show, he said that he was ‘so excited, terrified and proud to be invited to part of Strictly 2017. Nobody will try harder, have more fun or get more out of it than me. I can’t wait.’
Watch out @karen_hauer we hear @Simonrim makes a mean Salsa ? #boomtish #Strictly pic.twitter.com/Y9qFulJvb3
— BBC Strictly ? (@bbcstrictly) September 9, 2017
9. Charlotte Hawkins and professional dancer Brendan Cole
‘Good Morning Britain’ newsreader Charlotte Hawkins has been coupled up with professional dancer Brendan Cole. Speaking about being a contestant on the show this year, Charlotte said: ‘I am so thrilled to be one of the contestants on Strictly this year. I’ve always been a big fan of the show. It is a dream come true to be taking part and I’ll be following in the footsteps of my Good Morning Britain colleagues.’
Breaking @bbcstrictly news – my dance partner is @BrendanCole!! Team name #Charcole? ? pic.twitter.com/vYTWEh5Ygd
— Charlotte Hawkins (@CharlotteHawkns) September 9, 2017
10. Mollie King and professional dancer AJ Pritchard
Former Saturdays star Mollie King has been paired up with professional dancer AJ Pritchard. She was the first celebrity to be revealed for this year’s series. Mollie follows in the footsteps of band member Frankie Bridge, who appeared on the show a few years ago. Prior to finding out who she would be coupled up with, Mollie said that she was ‘so, so nervous, my tummy is doing somersaults.’
https://twitter.com/MollieKing/status/906826605032505344
11. Susan Calman and professional dancer Kevin Clifton
Swapping stand-up comedy for sequins on the show, Susan Calman has been paired up with professional dancer Kevin Clifton. Following her finding out who her partner was, Susan began to cry and said that ‘she had dreamt about being on the show for years and dreamt of dancing with Kevin.’ She also said that she felt like she ‘had won the lottery.’
My dance boyfriend is @keviclifton. Couldn't be happier. Strictly is a dream come true. pic.twitter.com/CFd1EruxMt
— Susan Calman (@SusanCalman) September 9, 2017
12. Alexandra Burke and professional dancer Gorka Marquez
Former ‘X Factor’ winner and actress Alexandra Burke has been partnered up with professional dancer Gorka Marquez. She said that being a contestant on the show ‘is a dream come true.’ Her partner Gorka said that he was ‘very happy’ with the pairing. Alexandra says she likes ‘anything fast and a little bit slow’ – we can’t wait to see their performances!
This #Strictly pairing is a surefire hit! ?Show some love for @alexandramusic and @gorkamarquez1 ? pic.twitter.com/T6LjluUEUf
— BBC Strictly ? (@bbcstrictly) September 9, 2017
13. Joe McFadden and professional dancer Katya Jones
‘Holby City’ actor Joe McFadden has been paired up with professional dancer Katya Jones. Speaking about joining the show, he said that ‘Strictly is one of the biggest, most entertaining shows on TV and being asked to be part of it is a once in a lifetime opportunity that I’m thrilled and terrified about in equal measures!’
Here’s one appointment we don’t mind waiting for… @mrjoemcfadden and @Mrs_katjones! #Strictly pic.twitter.com/puoj4aaSHq
— BBC Strictly ? (@bbcstrictly) September 9, 2017
14. Jonnie Peacock and professional dancer Oti Mabuse
When speaking about being a contestant on the show, he said that ‘the opportunity to be the first contestant with a disability to take part in Strictly’s main show was too good to turn down. I know this will be a challenge and a new experience. I can’t wait to see what I can achieve and how far I can push myself.’ The Paralympian has been paired up with Oti Mabuse.
Will they sprint all the way to the final? It’s new #Strictly pairing @JonniePeacock and @otimabuse ???????? pic.twitter.com/Vb2oD1XO8A
— BBC Strictly ? (@bbcstrictly) September 9, 2017
15. Brian Conley and professional dancer Amy Dowden
Comedian, TV presenter and actor Brian Conley has been paired up with new professional dancer Amy Dowden. Speaking about the show, he says: ‘I’m delighted and honoured to be asked to strut my stuff on this year’s Strictly. My family all love the show and can’t wait to see me do my Dad dancing on national television. I know it’s going to be a lot of hard work but I’m up for the challenge, so bring on the spray tan and sequins!’
Funny man @RealBrianConley is putting the ha ha into the Cha Cha with new #Strictly Pro @dowden_amy ? pic.twitter.com/2VHSfZqB1C
— BBC Strictly ? (@bbcstrictly) September 9, 2017
The contestants and professional dancers danced to ‘Footloose’ – it was phenomenal! Check out the performance below:
What do you think of this year’s couples on the show this year? Are you looking forward to the rest of the series? Make sure you tweet us and let us know: @CelebMix.
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