The pressure is building for the stars of Strictly Come Dancing 2024 as they head back into training following the first live show of the series.
The hit BBC One dance contest returned earlier this month with the pre-recorded launch show. But it was on Saturday night (September 21) that the competition really got underway as all 15 of the new Strictly couples performed for the first time followed by the judges' comments and scores.
It was a big night for JLS star JB Gill who emerged in the top spot on the first leaderboard of the series alongside his professional dance partner Amy Dowden as they were awarded 31 points from the judges for their waltz to When I Need You by singer Leo Sayer. READ MORE: BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Dianne Buswell reveals Chris McCausland's words to her before epic first live dance Just one point behind was Miranda star Sarah Hadland and last year's Strictly winner Vito Coppola after their dance to Dolly Parton’s 9 To 5, with co-host Claudia Winkleman revealing it was the highest score a quickstep had received in week one of the competition ever.
Joining them in joint second spot was Love Island’s first deaf contestant Tasha Ghouri who was given 30 points from the judges after her performance with dance partner Aljaz Skorjanec after she appeared on top of a giant coffee cup to kick-off her Cha Cha to Espresso by Sabrina Carpenter.
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