BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans say 'this is so cringe' as they make same complaint minutes into new series

Fans of Strictly Come Dancing were left saying "this is so cringe" as they shared the same complaint just minutes into the new series.

The popular BBC series returned to screens on Saturday night with a bang for its stellar 20th-anniversary series, featuring a dazzling array of celebrities competing for the prized glitterball trophy. Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman were all smiles as they hosted the pre-recorded launch show on BBC One, welcoming the nation back to the much-loved dance floor.

The revered panel of judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke - reclaimed their seats, once again poised to critique the performances of the 15 brand new celebrity and professional dancer pairings. But before Tess and Claudia gave viewers their first glimpse at the 2024 hopefuls, a section of the audience found themselves squirming uncomfortably at the opening sequence.

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The scene, which featured the pro dancers and hosts dancing atop a party bus, was met with mixed reactions online. Taking to X, one fan penned: "All this is so cringe."

Another added: "#Strictly The dreadful acting is making me cringe big time!" A third person said: "Nah sorry the intro is naff!" while a fourth social media user said: "Well this intro is crap."

However, some were loving that fact the show is back: "Oh this intro sketch is so camp I'm a bit obsessed." Someone else agreed: "Love the opening so glad Strictly is back."

On Saturday evening, viewers found out which celebrities had been put together including Welsh dancer Amy Dowden, who had been absent from the BBC One show last year due to a cancer diagnosis, but has been given the all clear and returned. There are no same-sex pairs for the first time in several years.

A BBC spokesman said: “Each series of Strictly is unique and there is no hard and fast rule on the show regarding same sex pairings. Strictly pairings have never been about ticking boxes.”

The show is returning amid controversy about the alleged teaching methods of some former dancers, which had no mention during the BBC One show. The first episode of this year also paid tribute to both former professional Robin Windsor and ex-contestant and Hairy Bikers star Dave Myers, who both died in February.

Windsor was 44 and Myers was 66. It was revealed on Saturday’s 2024 launch show, that Dowden was partnered with JLS star JB Gill as co- host Claudia Winkleman told her she was “so happy” to see her there following tests showing she had “no sign of the disease”.

Dowden said: “I’m delighted, it just feels like my first year all over again. I just want JB to have the best time and fall in love with dancing.”

Winkleman reminded Gill that he wanted Dowden as his professional partner, and he replied saying: “She’s brilliant, plus she’s got experience with popstars, so I know I’ll be in good hands.”

Strictly returns next Saturday, where the first celebrity is set to be eliminated.

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