BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans 'shaking' at 'kiss' as they get missing 'same-sex pairing'

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman with Strictly Come Dancing's 2024 couples
-Credit: (Image: BBC)


Strictly Come Dancing fans said they were 'shaking' as they got the 'same-sex pairing' they were missing in this year's couples. The BBC One dance contest got underway on Saturday night (September 21).

Following the pre-recorded launch show last weekend, week one of the popular show kicked off with a routine from the group of talented professional dancers, who dressed in colourful outfits and danced an array of flamenco, cha cha, paso doble and salsa moves to a medley of songs.

It was DIY SOS star Nick Knowles, who was celebrating his 62nd birthday, and his dance partner, Luba Mushtuk, who officially opened the show with a jive to We Built This City by Starship and finished in 12th position at the end of the night.

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Meanwhile, Amy Dowden topped the judges’ leaderboard as she made her return to the series. The Welsh dancer, who missed out on having a celebrity partner because of her breast cancer treatment last year, was awarded 31 points from the judges for her waltz to When I Need You by singer Leo Sayer with JLS member JB Gill.

Amy, who disclosed her cancer diagnosis in May 2023, which was followed by chemotherapy and a mastectomy, said: "I am so happy I could burst." Head judge Shirley Ballas told the dancer: "Amy, you’re home where you belong and I have to say that choreography was absolutely outstanding."

But it was Shirley who ended up surprising viewers when she kissed Motsi Mabuse on the first live show of the 2024 series. The 63-year-old was giving her thoughts on Olympic swimmer Tom Dean and his professional partner Nadiya Bychkova on their tango when the unexpected moment occurred.

Shirley and Motsi sent Strictly fans wild -Credit:BBC
Shirley and Motsi sent Strictly fans wild -Credit:BBC

Shirley asked Motsi, 43, to stand up behind the judges’ table to demonstrate a tango hold to Tom, telling the Olympic champion: "It’s all in the posture." Then in the middle of the demonstration, Shirley appeared to peck Motsi on the mouth, causing the latter to widen her eyes in surprise.

And the moment quickly left Strictly fans flocking to social media. @slinehan1 said: "Motsi and Shirley kissing live on #Strictly to give us the same-sex representation we're missing this series lmao." @haal9ndswife commented: "Omg Motsi and Shirley. I’m shaking at all this gayness #Strictly." @LoveSoapsntv added: "SHE KISSED HER #Strictly."