BBC Strictly Come Dancing viewers say 'tell me' as they spot first 'kiss' of series
Strictly Come Dancing viewers were left begging for answers as they thought they spotted the first 'kiss' of the series. The first live show of the BBC One dance contest's 2024 series took place on Saturday night (September 21).
Following the pre-recorded launch show last weekend, week one of the competition kicked off with a routine from the 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 then over to Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman to welcome viewers and the Strictly stars to the ballroom while the judges - Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke - took their all-important seats behind the judges' desk.
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It was DIY SOS star Nick Knowles and his dance partner Luba Mushtuk who opened the competition. Nick, who is celebrating his 62nd birthday, donned an orange hi-vis jacket while he jived with Mushtuk, 34, to We Built This City by Starship.
Judge Anton Du Beke said it was "uplighting" and added that he felt “elated” after watching their performance which scored 18 points from the judges. After their performances, Nick was gifted a cake from professional dancer Carlos Gu who appeared in a hi-vis and builder’s hat.
Later, JLS singer JB Gill and his dance partner Amy Dowden, who missed out on having a celebrity dance partner last year amid her treatment for breast cancer, got a standing ovation after the pair waltzed to When I Need You by singer Leo Sayer before being awarded 31 points.
But the ballroom was soon set on fire as Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystał performed a hot Paso Doble to Breathe by The Prodigy, with the reality star and podcast host clad in leather trousers and matching waistcoat.
Head judge Shirley said: "Paso Pete, I’m lost for words... Too repetitive and only had one move, footwork not there." And Anton seemingly agreed saying: "It made me nervous, your timing got me on edge, make the music your friend but quite liked the drama".
Craig didn't hold back as he criticised Pete's "loose arms" which he described as being "like a leisurely stroll through the Port Talbot steelworks." But he said he did like the "determination and storytelling".
But all eyes were on Pete and Jowita as their closeness to one at various moments throughout the hot and ready routine - and a clever camera angle - got Strictly viewers flocking to social media.
@katesantangeli_ said: "Plz tell me I’m not the only one who saw Pete kiss his dance partner during their routine just now #Strictly." @TVAddic56130385 asked: "Was that a KISS between Pete and Jowita? #Strictly." @MillieSansoye wrote: "I thought Pete was gonna snog Jowita at the end #Strictly." @fansvfavourites added: "Obsessed with pete just walking around for two minutes and kissing jowita a few times #Strictly."