Strictly Come Dancing 2024 LIVE: Amy Dowden and JB Gill top leaderboard as first live show sees Toyah Willcox struggle
STRICTLY class of 2024 is officially in session after the jam-packed two-and-a-half hour live show.
All 15 celebrity contestants and their professional partners performed for the first time, eager to impress the judges – and while some succeeded, others found themselves struggling.
Topping the scoreboard after the first night was JLS star JB Gill and his pro partner, Amy Dowden with an amazing 31 points.
Amy's return to the dancefloor proved particularly emotional, as she re-entered the competition after completing treatment for cancer.
Love Island's Tasha Ghouri also performed well, as did Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola, who came in joint second place.
However, while some stars soared, others crashed out, with Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones landing at the bottom of the leaderboard with just 12 points.
The pair drew criticism after Neil was accused of lifting the 80s rocker and carrying her through the routine rather than letting her dance.
Pete Wicks and Jowita Pryztal were next on the list with just 17 points, failing to impress with their paso doble to Breathe by The Prodigy – which saw Pete fly onto the dancefloor on wires.
But now the competition really begins, with the 15 celebs having to put the work in to win over the audiences votes.
The first elimination takes place next week.
Stay tuned to our Strictly Come Dancing blog for all the latest updates...
Love Island's Tasha up next - with the return of Aljaz
Aljaz is back in business after quitting the show in 2021, with an excited partner in the shape of Tasha.
They will be performing cha cha to Sabrina Carpenter’s song of the summer anthem, Espresso.
Let's hope they have the energy to make it work!
Toyah's Judges Scores
Craig = 2
Motsi = 4
Shirley = 2
Anton = 4
Total: 12
That's the bottom of the leaderboard for Toyah and Neil.
Judges Reactions
The judges were critical after spotting Neil lifting up the tiny Toyah to help her dance across the floor rather than dancing herself.
Craig said he felt like Toyah lost timing, aggression and connection, while Motsi joked 'even Neil didn't even know what was happening', lifting her so her legs didn't move.
"You had a lot but we need to direct that somewhere," said Shirley, agreeing with Craig. Anton also said the same, noting that Toyah was letting herself getting carried away from Neil leading her.
Toyah's Turn
Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones performed a tango to Madonna classic “Ray of Light”.
Before the routine, Toyah said she's 'perfectly matched' with Neil.
She also opened up about having corrective surgery on her leg, after she was born with one two inches shorter than the other.
Shayne's Scores
Craig = 4
Motsi = 6
Shirley = 5
Anton = 6
Total: 21
Shayne and Nancy Dazzle
Shayne channelled his inner John Travolta for this 70s inspired samba - and it didn't go unnoticed by the judges.
While Motsi criticised his footwork, she added he clearly had potential.
Shirley also praised his routine and his swagger, but said he needed to work on his core and posture.
Anton enjoyed the energy and 'felt really comfortable watching him dance'.
However, Craig said it 'failed miserably' as a samba, instead the routine being more of a salsa. Though he did compliment Shayne's 'gorgeous to look at' hip swivels.
Shayne Ward hits the dancefloor
Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu are dancing a samba to Stevie Wonder’s “Do I Do”.
It's the first of two Samba's tonight, with Wynne Evans giving the style a go later on this evening.
The Go Compare star is already trying to win over the judges head of the vote with a cheeky skit ahead of Shayne's routine
Sam Quek's Scores:
Craig = 6
Motsi = 6
Shirley = 6
Anton = 5
Total: 23
Sam Quek up next!
Sam Quek and Nikita Kuzmin performed a foxtrot to The Supremes’ hit “Where Did Our Love Go”.
While Craig caught them for 'losing their balance', he says the pair's chemistry has given them 'a lot to look forward to'.
Anton - who famously loves a foxtrot - also said Sam had "beautiful arm position".
Nick Knowles's Scores
Craig = 3
Motsi = 5
Shirley = 5
Anton = 5
Total: 18
He also got a round of happy birthday from his cast before being splatted in the face by a cake. Lovely!
Judges Reactions
We thought it was a lot of fun.
Shirley praised him for being the first star to come out - knowing it must have been nerve-wracking, and praised staying on time and more difficult dance.
Anton Du Beke called it 'joyous' and urged him not to lose his enthusiasm
Even Craig said it was uplifting - though admitted 'more like a rolled-steel joist'. Liking his energy, he criticised the star being pigeon-toed.
Nick says that in his defence he was a "mobile as a wheelie bin" and credits Luba for her efforts.
Motsi also said he had good control and urged him to keep it up.
Nick Knowles up first!
Performing a jive to We Built This City by Starship.
Let's see how he gets on!
Class of 2024 is officially in session!
First teasers of the performances include Wynne Evans dressed like a chef, Nick Knowles in high-vis dancing attire, and Paul Merson in football gear
Kicking off in style
The pro dancers have made sure the live shows are going off in style with an iconic latin-inspired group routine.
Jowita and Vito have taken centre stage with the routine with stunning lifts and spins.
Which we could do if we wanted to.
Time to Staaaaaaarrt Dancing!
We will be here for the entire two-and-a-half hour live show bringing you updates as they happen.
Catch up on all our latest stories here.
Let's go!
Couple in focus: Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell
Chris McCausland is celebrated for his standout performances across various TV shows and engaging comedy.
As he embarks on one of the biggest challenges in Strictly history, Chris, who is blind due to retinitis pigmentosa, admits he has no idea how it’s going to go.
Fans and critics have already praised Chris for his razor-sharp wit, bringing much-needed levity to Saturday's launch show.
He joked about his new partner Dianne, saying, “She is absolutely over the moon having me because she really wants November off. You’ve got a holiday booked, haven’t you?”
Dianne responded, “I’m so excited and honoured to be your partner. I’m not sure myself how it’s going to work, but we’ll figure it out together.”
Strictly's new comedic duo will perform the Cha Cha to “Twist and Shout” by The Beatles.
Credit: BBC Couple spotlight: JB Gill and Amy Dowden
Strictly Come Dancing fans were brought to tears last week by Amy Dowden's emotional return to the dance floor following her battle with breast cancer.
Amy will waltz alongside celebrity partner and JLS star JB Gill to “When I Need You” by Leo Sayer, with fans already tipping them as one of this year’s favourites.
JB shared his excitement, saying, “I danced in the Strictly Christmas special over a decade ago and loved it, so when I got the call to join Strictly this year, it was an immediate yes from me.
"I’m raring to go and looking forward to showing off some new skills to the JLS boys.”
Credit: PA Couple spotlight: Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec
Love Island star Tasha Ghouri has been pushed to her limits this week, sharing a TikTok clip of herself lying exhausted on the floor.
Tasha is paired with Strictly's "bad boy" Aljaž Škorjanec, who returns to the show after a three-year hiatus. The duo will perform the Cha Cha to the summer hit “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter.
Before rising to fame, Tasha, 25, was a professional dancer. However, she has defended her place in the ballroom during interviews with The Sun and other media outlets.
Tasha said, “When you’re in the studio, with the glitterballs and the ballroom floor, it feels like a whole new world.
"Commercial dance is very different from ballroom and Latin, so I’m still having to strip everything down and relearn. Even walking in the Cha Cha step feels weird to me.”
jkCredit: BBC Couple spotlight: Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystał
Pete Wicks has been paired with Jowita Przystał for an exciting partnership this season. They’re set to perform a Paso Doble when the competition kicks off tonight!
Earlier this week, Pete revealed on social media that BBC bosses had given them a gentle nudge for not sharing enough rehearsal footage.
During last weekend's Strictly launch show, Pete was quick to share his ignorance about dancing with the cameras.
"Strictly, it's a whole new world because I have absolutely zero rhythm. But I love a challenge," he said.
Adding: "I think people's opinion of me is that I'm overly confident but this is going to be the most vulnerable I have ever been and I am petrified. I just want to get past week 1. If I can get past week 2..."
Credit: PA What songs will the stars be performing to tonight?
Get ready for a night of dazzling performances as the contestants hit the dance floor in just over an hours time!
Here’s the full line-up of songs and dance styles they’ll be performing to:
- Chris & Dianne: Cha Cha to “Twist and Shout” by The Beatles
- Jamie & Michelle: Viennese Waltz to “Beautiful Things” by Benson Boone
- JB & Amy: Waltz to “When I Need You” by Leo Sayer
- Montell & Johannes: Foxtrot to “Is You Is or Is You Ain’t My Baby” by Dinah Washington
- Nick & Luba: Jive to “We Built This City” by Starship
- Paul & Karen: American Smooth to “Vindaloo” by Fat Les
- Pete & Jowita: Paso Doble to “Breathe” by The Prodigy
- Punam & Gorka: Cha Cha to “Love At First Sight” by Kylie Minogue
- Sam & Nikita: Foxtrot to “Where Did Our Love Go” by The Supremes
- Sarah & Vito: Quickstep to “9 to 5” by Dolly Parton
- Shayne & Nancy: Samba to “Do I Do” by Stevie Wonder
- Tasha & Aljaž: Cha Cha to “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter
- Tom & Nadiya: Tango to “Golden” by Harry Styles
- Toyah & Neil: Tango to “Ray Of Light” by Madonna
- Wynne & Katya: Samba to “Help Yourself” by Tom Jones
Nick Knowles shares impressive weight loss so far
Nick Knowles has shared the details of his weight loss journey during the “tough” training sessions for Strictly Come Dancing.
The DIY SOS host praised his “wonderful” celebrity partner, describing her as “the perfect mix of incredibly talented and remarkably patient.”
Nick, 61, appeared on Thursday’s episode of ITV daytime show Lorraine by performing a mini routine.
Nick said: “I was a flat footed rugby player for years.
“But little by little she [Luba] has made this 18-stone man a little lighter on his feet.”
Lorraine then asked for the details of his weight loss, to which the BBC favourite revealed it was “13 kilos, so far.”
Fans predict early exit from Strictly
One Strictly contestant is already rubbing fans the wrong way, with some predicting she could be the first to leave the competition.
Despite her impressive 40-year career, Toyah Willcox, 66, has been the subject of criticism from viewers who claim she’s been dropping too many names.
The music icon, who signed up for this season of the hit BBC One show, has found herself under fire after appearing on Richard Osman’s House of Games, where she shared memories of Princess Diana and other big names.
On the studio show, she also wanted to remind viewers that he played with the likes of the late David Bowie.
The musician will be one of just six women taking part in the new series. In comparison, there are nine men taking part.
Credit: Yoshitaka Kono/@yoshitakakono /©Radio Times Blind comedian brings much-needed levity to Strictly
The Sun’s TV critic, Ally Ross, argues that whatever comedian Chris McCausland is being paid to participate in Strictly Come Dancing, it’s not nearly enough.
Ross praised Chris, writing, “In under two hours, he didn’t just take the sting out of the bullying scandal; he also eased the torturous grind of the launch show.”
He added, “Chris is one of those rare gems on TV today—a genuinely funny comedian who can truly make an audience laugh.”
EastEnders star declares Strictly curse a no-go
Jamie Borthwick has dismissed any speculation about being this year's 'curse' culprit, despite his reported 'sizzling' chemistry with his pro partner.
The EastEnders star is set to hit the dancefloor with Michelle Tsiakkas tomorrow night, performing a Viennese Waltz to Beautiful Things by Benson Boone.
Being matched last week on the pre-recorded launch show, Jamie and Michelle clearly got on like a house on fire, trying to find a nickname for their pairing as they spoke with Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.
However, with Michelle happily in a relationship with another dancer, Simone Arena, Jamie has no intention of pursuing anything romantic with his pro partner – in fact seeing her more as a sibling.
He told : “The idea of that whole Strictly curse, well it’s definitely not going to be a thing here because it would be weird doing that with my sister.
“Michelle and I met before Strictly and we instantly had a connection. But she is like a sister, an aunt, a mum, a best friend. She’s looking after me, she’s mothering me.”
In pictures: Celebs set the stage for glitzy performances
Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell were all smiles as they headed off. Credit: ISO IMAGES LTD 
Pete Wicks flashed a tentative thumb's up. Credit: Chris Eades 
TV advert legend Wynne Evans walked solo as pro Katya Jones made her own way in Credit: Chris Eades
