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yesterday

Strictly Relaunch Goes Choreography‑First as John Nellis Tops Week One

The BBC’s format reset with a three‑host team emphasizes dance‑led openings and leaves judges’ week‑one scores to be carried into week two instead of holding an elimination.

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Johannes Radebe, who steps into a new role as co-host of Strictly Come Dancing alongside Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe. Picture: Supplied, BBC Studios Africa

Overview

  • The BBC published the full week‑one song and dance lineup on Friday, September 25, confirming routines and backing tracks for all 15 celebrity–professional pairs.
  • The first live show aired on Saturday, September 26, and opened with a choreography‑led group number set to an orchestral version of 'Joy' by RAYE featuring the professionals, judges and presenters.
  • Judges marked every couple during Saturday’s live show and the BBC confirmed those scores will roll into week two, meaning there is no public vote or elimination this week.
  • John Nellis and partner Katya Jones topped the leaderboard with 31 points for their foxtrot, Delta Goodrem and Kai Widdicrown were second on 29, and three couples finished on the lowest score of 15.
  • The relaunch introduced presenters Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe and drew strong early audiences — the pre‑recorded launch peaked at 5.8 million viewers — while social media flagged mixed reactions to the new titles and three‑host format.