Yahoo News Strictly 2023 launch show - as it happened: All the big moments from the first episode
Fifteen new celebrities will be taking to the dancefloor hoping to win this year's glitterball trophy
The 21st series of Strictly Come Dancing has begun with an emotional show of tributes to absent stars and the fifteen new celebrities finding out their dance partners.
Hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly sent a message of support to professional dancer Amy Dowden who is absent this year as she undergoes treatment for cancer.
And the presenters and judges paid tribute to former Strictly head judge Len Goodman, who died aged 78 in April this year.
Strictly judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas demonstrated their own dancing skills in a sizzling performance.
Read more: Strictly Come Dancing contestants 2023: Who is taking to the dancefloor?
And the the celebrities' professional dance partners were revealed.
Sherlock star Amanda Abbington found out she will be dancing with Giovanni Pernice, while Love Island star Zara McDermott got Graziano Di Prima.
Paralympic swimmer Jody Cundy has been partnered with last year's winner Jowita Przystal and news reader Krishnan Guru-Murthy has been matched up with new pro dancer Lauren Oakley, her first time in the competition.
Sex Education actor Layton Williams will be in a same-sex dance partnership with Nikita Kuzmin and EastEnders actor Bobby Brazier will be dancing with Dianne Buswell.
Veteran news reader Angela Rippon's dance partner is Kai Widdrington, actor Nigel Harman was paired with Katya Jones and Corrie star Ellie Leach has been partnered with Vito Coppola.
Tennis player Annabel Croft has been given Johannes Radebe as her pro partner, Waterloo Road actor Adam Thomas was matched with Luba Mushtuk and comedian Eddie Kadi will take to the floor with Karen Hauer.
Read more: Every Strictly winner so far
Gameshow host Les Dennis has been paired with Nancy Xu, radio presenter Nikita Kanda was given Gorka Marquez and The One Show's Angela Scanlon has Carlos Gu as her pro partner..
Our live coverage has ended, but you can catch up with the biggest moments from our updates below.
