Strictly Come Dancing fans were left distracted just minutes into the BBC show as they questioned a star’s bold new look
Strictly Come Dancing opened with a medley performance from Steps.(Image: BBC)
BBC Strictly Come Dancing made a triumphant return to our telly screens tonight (Saturday, November 22), but viewers were left somewhat distracted by a star’s daring new look.
The BBC’s hit show has reached its ninth week, with the remaining stars performing live from the Tower Ballroom in Blackpool.
Each year, the programme relocates to the seaside town, bringing along hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, the judges, the celebrities and their professional partners, to broadcast the beloved show live.
Only six couples participated in this week’s show after Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK star La Voix had to withdraw due to an injury, reports Wales Online.
Strictly returned to Blackpool tonight with an opening number from Steps(Image: BBC)READ MORE: Strictly fans ‘heartbroken’ as star quits and Tess Daly makes huge announcementREAD MORE: BBC Saturday Kitchen guest’s emotional surprise leaves host in tears
However, it was one particular moment that got everyone buzzing. Just before the stars took to the dance floor, the show kicked off with a medley performance from Steps that fans hailed as the “best opening ever”.
The band, accompanied by the Strictly professional dancers, performed a routine to their hit Summer of Love before launching into a medley of songs.
Viewers at home were quick to notice band member Ian “H” Watkins’ bold new look, insisting that he bore a striking resemblance to twin brothers and X Factor stars Jedward.
One viewer posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Has H come dressed as jedward? #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing.”
Ian “H” Watkins bold new look distracted Strictly viewers(Image: BBC)
Another remarked: “#Strictly I thought one of Jedward had snuck into Steps but it was actually just H.” A third viewer remarked: “H starring as Jedward… #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing.”
A fourth commented: “How long as one of Jedward been in steps.” Another questioned: “Jedward joined STEPs! When did that happen? #Strictly.”
However, numerous viewers were delighted to see the group perform, with one saying: “Can’t beat a bit of Steps! Great start to the show! #Strictly.”
Tess and Claudia
Another posted: “Best opening of #Strictly EVER! ! .” One enthused: “Okay Steps! ! That was so good! ! #Strictly.”
Meanwhile one added: “Great opening to #strictly tonight #Blackpool #steps.” Throughout the evening, social media personality George Clarke and partner Alexis Warr performed a salsa to Rock This Party (Everybody Dance Now) by Bob Sinclair.
Elsewhere, soap actor Lewis Cope and professional dancer Katya Jones took on the Charleston to I Bet You Look Good On The dance floor by the Arctic Monkeys.
Former reality television contestant Amber Davies and partner Nikita Kuzmin executed a quickstep to Reach by S Club 7, whilst ex-England footballer Karen Carney and partner Carlos Gu delivered a paso doble to O Fortuna from the cantata Carmina Burana, composed by the German composer Carl Orff.
Strictly Come Dancing is on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
