‘Strictly Come Dancing’ launched in style on Sunday night, with this year’s celebrities finding out which professional dancers they’d be partnered with for the duration of their time on the series.
Viewers also had the opportunity to say goodbye to Sir Bruce Forsyth, who stood down as the show’s presenter back in April.
Sir Bruce Forsyth dances his way out of 'Strictly'
The entertainment veteran appeared for one last time on the show before officially handing over presenting duties to Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, taking part in a flash-mob performance which featured his trademark pose.
Addressing the audience for his final time as co-presenter of the dancing show, Brucie also joked: “I will really miss being here… but I’ve got every Saturday night planned from now till Christmas. I’ll watch ‘Strictly’ every week, then I will wine and dine my darling, beautiful wife. And after that… bingo!”
Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly arrive in style
This year’s celebrities also took their first steps onto the ‘Strictly’ dance floor and found out which professionals they’d be dancing with.
Three brand new professionals have joined this year’s series, Tristan MacManus, Joanne Clifton and Trent Whiddon, and they’ve been partnered with Jennifer Gibney, Scott Mills and Pixie Lott, respectively.
‘This Morning’ presenter Alison Hammond, who recently joked she would need a dancing partner with a “strong back” to lift her up, has been paired with Aljaž Skorjanec, while Kristina Rihanoff will be dancing with singer Simon Webbe.
Meanwhile, Judy Murray will be heading onto the dance floor each week with Anton du Beke, though last week she admitted she was “absolutely devastated” that former pro Artem Chigvintsev would not be taking part in this year’s series.
See below for the full list of celebrities and their dancing partners…
‘STRICTLY COME DANCING’ 2014 CONTESTANTS AND PROFESSIONALS
- Alison Hammond and Aljaž Skorjanec
- Caroline Flack and Pasha Kovalev
- Frankie Bridge and Kevin Clifton
- Gregg Wallace and Aliona Vilani
- Jake Wood and Janette Manrara
- Jennifer Gibney and Tristan MacManus
- Mark Wright and Karen Hauer
- Pixie Lott and Trent Whiddon
- Scott Mills and Joanne Clifton
- Simon Webbe and Kristina Rihanoff
- Steve Backshall and Ola Jordan
- Sunetra Sarker and Brendan Cole
- Thom Evans and Iveta Lukosiute
- Tim Wonnacott and Natalie Lowe