Strictly Come Dancing returned last night after a summer of scandal involving allegations of bullying and distress caused by two of its most popular dancers, Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima.
But there was no mention of the internal investigation as the likes of Pete Wicks, Tasha Ghouri and Nick Knowles were paired with their partners in a glossy series premiere.
Many viewers at home praised the chemistry between Pete and Jowita Przystał– with some even salaciously joking that they will be hit with the Strictly ‘curse’ this year.
Fans were also excited to see Chris McCausland preparing to take to the floor with Dianne Buswell.
However, there was one couple in particular that audience members predicted would walk away in winning place.
Taking to social media, many claimed Amy Dowden and JLS singer JB Gill will come out victorious.
It marked her dramatic comeback to the Strictly dance floor for the first time in a year after a battle with cancer took her out of the competition.
Viewers were left in tears as she fronted a big dance number with all the other pros.
And, hot off winning the NTA for Talent Show of the Year, Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke once again took their seats on the judging panel.
Audiences at home were quick to notice Craig’s facial hair, with many rushing online to praise the bold transformation.
2023 winners Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola even returned to the ballroom with their fiery paso doble to 2WEI’s cover of Faithless’s Insomnia.
In one hilarious moment, EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick was accused of ‘cheating’ by opera singer Wynne Evans.
It’s all because he won the Christmas Special last year.
When host Claudia Winkleman turned to Jamie to talk to him at one point, Wynne called out “cheat!”
Pete said he was, as “you’re only here once” before adding with perfect timing: “Unless you’re Jamie.”
Despite the controversies, the hit BBC show continues to enjoy strong public support in its 20th year on the box.
However, by the end of the programme, Strictly fans realised three of their favourites had been left without a celeb.
Michelle Tsiakkas was given her first ever celebrity – having been paired with EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick – returning pro Aljaž Škorjanec was also given a partner in the form of Love Island‘s Tasha Ghouri.
That meant Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley and Kai Widdrington were not given a celebrity to train.
Stay tuned to our Strictly Come Dancing blog for all the latest updates…