Strictly Come Dancing 2018 is officially underway after the celebrities met their professional partners for the first time!
The stars of this year’s show began rehearsals today and were introduced to the person they could potentially be dancing with from now until Christmas. Exciting!
In behind-the-scenes footage, Strictly co-host Claudia Winkleman gave fans a sneak peek of the goings on – which even included a warm-up choreographed by Anton du Beke.
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Claudia said: “So they’re here, the cast. They’re quite nervous and about to meet their pros.
“Tess is looking after them and I’m going to hand round some chocolates, because I think that’s important.”
Before the celebs got to meet their professional dancers, some gave Claudia their thoughts.
TV star Katie Piper and documentary maker Stacey Dooley chatted to the camera together and admitted they were both nervous.
Stacey said: “We’re here, it’s day one of rehearsals and we’re both feeling very nervous. But we’ve got it!”
Joking about their identical heights, Stacey added: “Same height, matchy matchy!”
YouTube star Joe Sugg, meanwhile, said: “We’re all here, all the team. Everyone is getting ready for the first day.
“It’s very exciting, very nervous but we’re about to meet the pros. I’m really nervous!”
The pros were definitely more excited than nervous.
In another clip, surrounded by his fellow male dancers, Neil Jones said: “We are currently in a secret location, locked in, and we’re about to meet the celebs.
“How excited are we? Even Pasha’s brushed his hair!”
On the official BBC Strictly Instagram page, the gang could then be seen meeting for the very first time – after the male and female pros raced through the doors into the rehearsal room.
They were then shown warming up with Anton before celebrity dancer Ashley Roberts shared her thoughts.
The former Pussycat Doll squealed: “So we’ve met everyone, it’s all happening and I still have butterflies even though I’ve met them all because it’s just the beginning!”
Comedian Seann Walsh, who in an earlier post had told followers that he had unable to use the toilet in case he had bumped into one of the professionals, meanwhile said: “I finally got to have a wee.”
Thanks for that, Seann!
Hours before the first Strictly rehearsal got underway, show bosses announced the final three celebrities who will be taking part this year.
Casualty actor Charles Venn, TV stylist Susannah Constantine and Paralympian Lauren Steadman completed the line-up of 15 famous faces taking part.
The other celebrities include Blue star Lee Ryan, newsreader Kate Silverton, This Morning’s Dr Ranj Singh and former cricketer Graeme Swann.
Steps singer Faye Tozer, Red Dwarf actor Danny John-Jules and DJ Vick Hope are also hoping to waltz to glory.
However, the full line-up has divided some fans of the show.
Some Strictly viewers have suggested there aren’t enough ‘big name stars’ among this year’s cast, which has been gradually released over the last week.
Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One in the autumn.
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What do you think of this year’s Strictly line-up? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know!