Strictly FIRST LOOK: Shirley Ballas, 63, stuns in a black gown as she joins fellow judges Craig Revel-Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke for launch show’s group dance number
Shirley Ballas was impressively seen showing off her moves as she got her dancing shoes back out for the upcoming Strictly Come Dancing launch show.
The BBC dance contest is set to return to screens on Saturday night and will see the celebrities paired up with their professional dance partners for the 2023 series.
The professionals and judges always impress fans with a very extravagant opening dance number for the launch show, and it looks like they won’t disappoint this year.
Judges Shirley, 63, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel-Horwood are set to go above and beyond in the jam-packed routine as they dust off their dancing shoes.
New pictures have given a first look glimpse at Saturday’s launch and show the judges joining the Strictly pros for a dramatic routine complete with vintage props including a red curtained archway.
They’re back! Shirley Ballas was impressively seen showing off her moves she got her dancing shoes back out for the upcoming Strictly Come Dancing launch show
The group all stood beside each other on four completely different sets as each judge took centre stage for their very own dance routine as they gave it their all.
For her impressive sequence, Shirley was seen lounging on a red and gold sofa while she also looked very glamorous in an incredible black gown.
The head judge stunned in a sheer dress with a corset-style bodice and a floating tiered skirt, which she styled with sparkling silver heels.
She then walked across the dance floor with Giovanni Pernice and Carlos Gu on each arm as she was surrounded by the pros, who were dressed in black-and-white ensembles and waved fans as part of the sequence.
Speaking about her return to the dance floor, Shirley said: ‘The audience is in for a real treat, my dance shoes are back out and it feels amazing!
‘I’ve been put through my paces, but to be dancing with my fellow Judges and the professional dancers is a feeling like no other.’
For the group number, Motsi, 42, also cut a glamorous figure in a black mini dress with a feathered skirt as she put on a dramatic display while busting out her moves.
Anton, 57, showed off his signature ballroom moves as he paraded across the dance floor with Lauren Oakley.
Amazing: The BBC dance contest is set to return to screens on Saturday night and will see the judges, including Craig Revel-Horwood, once again front an amazing opening dance number
Opening number: The group stood beside each other on four completely different sets as each judge took centre stage for their very own dance routine as they showed off their talents
He cut a suave figure in smart black trousers and a lace shirt, which he styled with a black top hat as he got involved with the jam-packed group number.
Lastly, Craig, 58, was seen sporting a French-style outfit – made up of black trousers, a striped shirt and a red neckerchief – as he busted a move.
He was joined by professionals Dianne Buswell, Johannes Radebe and Karen Hauer, among others, as they all sported similar striped ensembles for the routine.
Craig also teased he even tried out some brand new dance moves as this year’s opening number seems set to even challenge the experienced judges.
He revealed: ‘I’m doing an assisted backward walk over darling, which I’ve never done before, its when you drop into two boys arms, flip over and land hopefully on your feet, so that’ll be good fun!’
Speaking about this year’s group number, Anton said: ‘It’s an amazingly brilliant number, I’m really delighted that we’re doing something and my fellow Judges are on great form as well.
‘Everyone is in great shape and everyone is dancing well and it’s just a really fantastic number, it genuinely is. It felt a bit like being back in a pro number! I am on a podium it’s exciting!’
While Motsi added: ‘You think you’ve retired and you’re never going to dance again and you’ve done it all, but then Strictly calls and then the shoes are back on!
Stunning: For the group number, Motsi, 42, also cut a glamorous figure in a black mini dress with a feathered skirt as she put on a dramatic display
Wow! The professionals and judges always impress fans with a very extravagant opening dance number for the launch show, and it looks like they won’t disappoint this year
‘I think that the audience loves to see the Judges dancing and it’s going to be a big celebration.’
The celebrity line-up this year includes the likes of Amanda Abbington, Coronation Street star Ellie Leach, actor Layton Williams and journalist Angela Rippon.
Openly gay actor Layton recently confirmed he will be partnered with a male professional for the BBC show. The official pairings will be revealed on Saturday’s launch show.
It was revealed last month the musical theatre star had asked the show’s bosses for a male partner, however the Everybody’s Talking About Jamie star confirmed the new earlier this month.
Taking to Twitter he wrote: ‘I’m 100% gonna be paired up with a man’ alongside some dancing emojis (sic).
However, while he knows it’s a man, the actor confirmed he has no clue which male professional he’ll be sharing the dance floor with.
He added: ‘Ps – I don’t know who my partner is lol and even if I did it’s giving [lips sealed emoji].
‘We genuinely don’t know until that very moment in screen. Wild right?! x’
Pairings: It comes after celebrity Layton Williams recently confirmed he will be partnered with a male professional on the upcoming series of the BBC show
The show first introduced same-sex partners in 2020 when boxing champion Nicola Adams was paired with Kayta Jones.
However, sadly the duo didn’t get a chance to shine for long as they had to withdraw due to Covid-19.
In 2021 Great British Bake Off winner John Whaite and Johannes Radebe narrowly lost out on the glitterball trophy, but according to The Mirror, show producers are ‘desperate’ for a same-sex couple to win the show.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC1 on Saturday, September 17.
STRICTLY COME DANCING 2023: WHO ARE THE CONTESTANTS?
Angela Rippon
Age: 78
Profession: Journalist
Angela says: ‘Having been a fan of Strictly since day one, and as a former presenter of Come Dancing, this will be quite an adventure for me. A scary one, considering I’m about to be 79. But I’m looking forward to the challenge, and perhaps being able to learn to dance the Argentine Tango.’
Amanda Abbington
Age: 49
Profession: Actress
Amanda says: ‘I’m thrilled to have been asked to do Strictly. I’m actually really shy and self-conscious so this will be a great opportunity for me to overcome those things.’
Layton Williams
Age: 28
Profession: Actor
Layton says: ‘Absolutely buzzing to confirm that I will be taking part in THE most iconic dance competition in the UK! It’s time to bring it to the Ballroom. So excited to learn new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins… ALL the sequins!’
Krishnan Guru-Murthy
Age: 53
Profession: Journalist
Krishnan says: ‘I’m surprised, delighted and slightly confused to find myself taking part in Strictly on the basis of ‘You only live once!’ I can’t wait to start learning to dance, but I am slightly worried about my general decrepitude.’
Eddie Kadi
Age: 40
Profession: Comedian and radio presenter
Eddie says: ‘WOW. Anyone who knows me, understands that music and dance is so important and central to who I am. I’m so unbelievably proud and honoured that Strictly and the BBC have asked me to join the 2023 Team. I promise you, I’m going to give it everything I’ve got. This is going to be a VIBE.
Angela Scanlon
Age: 39
Profession: TV presenter
Angela says: ‘I’m not particularly fit, I’ve no idea how my pelvic floor is going to react to this dancing. I’ve never done any dances apart from drunken jiving at a wedding!’
Zara McDermott
Age: 26
Profession: Documentary maker and former Love Island star
Zara says: ‘I am so excited to be joining the world of Strictly! I grew up watching it every year with my nan and she was the biggest Strictly fan. We would dance around the house and I have such fond memories of that time in my life.’
Adam Thomas
Age: 34
Profession: Actor and presenter
Adam says: ‘I can’t dance to save my life but I’m buzzing to learn and have a good laugh with my pro. Get me on that dance floor…I can’t wait!’
Nikita Kanda
Age: 27
Profession: Radio and TV presenter
Nikita says: ‘I can’t believe I’m going to be on Strictly. This is a dream come true. I’m still pinching myself. I don’t think it will properly sink in until I step onto the dancefloor. I can’t wait to get glammed up and get out there. Throw the glitter on me!’
Ellie Leach
Age: 22
Profession: Coronation Street star
Ellie says: ‘It still doesn’t feel real that I’m going to be doing Strictly!! It’s always been a dream of mine so I guess dreams really do come true!!!!’
Jody Cundy
Age: 44
Profession: Paralympic champion
Jody says: ‘I’m looking forward to the challenge and pushing myself way out of my comfort zone, especially as I’m always last onto the dance floor. Can’t wait to get stuck in, bring on the glitter and sequins.’
Bobby Brazier
Age: 20
Profession: EastEnders star and model
Bobby says: ‘I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly line up, I can’t wait to start training like a professional dancer and adding a few moves to my locker. I’m looking forward to performing in-front of everyone.’
Nigel Harman
Age: 49
Profession: Actor
Nigel says: ‘I’m amazed, excited, and terrified to be doing Strictly. As an armchair fan of the show I have watched in awe as people have twirled and gyrated across the screen. And now it’s my turn…..gulp!’
Annabel Croft
Age: 57
Profession: Broadcaster and ex tennis player
Annabel says: ‘I have always loved watching Strictly and can’t quite believe I’m going to be part of this magical show – swapping tennis balls for glitter balls and looking forward to finding some joyfulness in the process.’
Les Dennis
Age: 69
Profession: Actor and game show host
Les says: ‘I’m thrilled to be doing this iconic wonderful show as I approach my 70th birthday! In my career I’ve always gone for challenges outside my comfort zone and this is the ultimate one! Can’t wait.’
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