Strictly Come Dancing: week one – live | Strictly Come Dancing

Back on the dancefloor an incredible 47 years after that high-kicking routine with Eric ’n’ Ern, it’s Strictly’s oldest ever contestant. La Rippon has already lost 4lb in training and been having ice baths to help her sore muscles recover. She’s also had a busy schedule, recording her BBC consumer show Rip-Off Britain in the mornings and practising her routine in the afternoons. Tireless and ageless. She begins in a frou frou gown, then throws it off and launches into a sprightly but slightly wobbly cha cha. Kai’s giving her instructions throughout. Fine leg-lift to finish. Kai falls to the floor swooning. Bravo. “Just wow, what a moment,” says Tess.

Song: Get the Party Started by Shirley Bassey. A sweeping cover of the P!nk anthem by Dame Burly Chassis. Chizzy Akudolu and Graziano cha-cha’d to this on the 2019 Christmas special but to me it’ll always recall Rhydian Roberts belting it out in a floor-length white fur coat on The X Factor. It’s a yes from me, Rhydian.

Judges comments: Motsi says “wowser, rippin’ up the dancefloor, that was a statement but needed more cha cha content”. Shirley says “I’m getting emotional, pure class, simple in content but executed with 150%” (her favourite number toniught). Anton says “you beauty, go on girl, wham-bam, come on”. A sequence of noises, thanks Tony. Craig concludes “jaw-dropping”.

Comedian Eddie Kadi has talked up his snaky hips but needs to keep them in the locker for this smooth, skipping quickstep with pro partner Karen “Hotlips” Hauer. An old-skool sitcom-style opening and some sofa-orgaphy, then they skip around the dancefloor. A little hesitant and loads of gapping but he works the camera well and looks better our of hold.

Song: Two Hearts by Phil Collins. From the Buster soundtrack, it was co-written by Motown legend Lamond Dozier, winning a Grammy and a Golden Globe. This is getting a but like the captions on TOTP, isn’t it?

Judges comments: Craig says “hunched shoulders, wobbly topline but amazing personality”. Motsi says “musicality and joy”. Shirley says “you gave it 150%, well done”. Anton concludes “great performance level but droopy elbows”. Fours and fives, do we think?

Judges scores: 4 (boo!), 6 (yay!), 6, 6 for a total of 22 points. He’ll take that.

The Irish presenter is hotly tipped. Here’s our first chance to see if that’s justified, although a tango isn’t easy for your debut dance. Angela looking direy in red. Sharp head swivels and lots of intent. Some flamenco skirt-swishing. This is impressive. Perhaps lacking a little shape and staccato but otherwise very accomplished for week one.

Song: Prisoner by Miley Cyrus feat Dua Lipa. The dark disco-pop stomper includes a melodic nod to Physical by the late, great Olivia Newton-John.

Judges comments: Anton says “loved the drama, intent and commitment but work on your posture and backward steps”. Craig says “loose arms (boo!) but you have lots of potential”. Motsi says “focus, attack, too much tension in your body but we love dthat”. Shirley concludes “fabulous staccato, sharp head and left arm but solo sections and frame need work”. Sixes a-coming?

Judges scores: 6, 6, 5, 6 for a total of 23 points. Top of the leaderbaord so far. Out of two but still.

Dame Winkle is once again presiding over her balcony of ballroom bantz. Adam says “the energy is off the roof”, which isn’t a phrase or saying.

Emmerdale actor Adam Thomas has the honour/poisoned chalice of opening the series. He hasn’t only been struggling with his rheumatoid arthritis in training but has been spotted wearing a wrist support, so let’s hope he’s not in too much pain. Literal opening set at an actual waffle house, some Bill Bailey tribute hankie-ography and then into a pretty respectable cha cha. He’s confident and enjoying himself. Lots of basic content, even if his timing and leg action are a little lacking in places. Walking around and waffle-nibbling to finish.

Song: Waffle House by The Jonas Brothers, named after the restaurant where Kevin, Joe and Nick used to eat post-show. Shame it’s not called Wimpy or Greggs.

Judges comments: Shirley says “loved the chemistry but tighten up your footwork”. Anton says “great rhythm, top half magnificent, bottom half less so”. Craig says “sloppy, lacked precision, got out of time but hips are there” (boo!). Motsi concludes “smiled showed no nerves but the dancefloor is your friend, keep your feet on the floor”. Fives, do we reckon?

Judges scores: 4, 5, 5, 5 for a total of 19 points. Solid. Ish.

Alan “Deadly” Dedicoat, voice of the lottery balls, announces our couples for the first time this year. Lots of classy outfits. Annabel Croft nods to her tennis career in all-white Angela Ribbon is a vision in silver. Les Dennis looks like a snooker player.

We go for the judgular with Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas. Shirley’s in Pepto Bismal pink. Motsi’s got her legs out. The boys are both in tuxes. Spins and cheesy grins all round.

Here come our presenting pair, so time to compare their finery. Tess Daly is in PVC trousers and white shirt and a tie that looks like braces but isn’t. Claudia Winkleman is is in all black trousers and shirt with white detail. Fringe trimmed, too. Claudia wins by a mile.

We open with the professional troupe showing the terrified new celebrities how it’s done. A dramatic, moody routine begins at a suitably epic coastal location before switching to the Elstree Studios ballroom.