BBC Strictly Come Dancing makes major change to first show as fans say 'not sure'
Strictly Come Dancing kicked off its first live show of the series with a significant format change that didn't go unnoticed by fans. As the BBC dance contest celebrated its 20th anniversary, the show's stars and their professional partners took to the ballroom for the first time to perform their debut dances.
However, just minutes into the episode, viewers took to social media after spotting a major departure from tradition. As the celebrities and dancres walked down the double staircase, they weren't accompanied by the iconic theme tune performed live by Dave Arch and his band.
The show instead used the same music as the first group number by the professional dancers. It wasn't the only change on the opening show.
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The show also introduced the stars by name only, dropping the traditional format of announcing their profession. In previous years, voiceover star Alan Dedicoat would welcome the stars by mentioning how they were known, followed by their name, as seen in last week's launch show.
Fans quickly took to X, formerly Twitter, to comment on the changes, with one saying: "Not sure about this change in introducing the celebs and professionals. #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing #SCD." Another fan added: "Missing the old orchestra intro music."
One viewer commented: "Don't know how I feel about them not having the strictly theme playing as the contestants walk down the stairs, it's not the same." Another was uncertain, saying: "Can't decide if I liked that change of music over the couples walking downstairs or not. Is it permanent or just for the date? Felt very Dancing With The Stars but I didn't hate it."
While yet another added their voice to the mix with: "Why aren't they playing the classic music please may I ask? And couples already dressed in daft gimmicks! ! ! ".