Pictured

JUD-GEMMA-NT DAY

Gemma Atkinson, 32, looks the part of Strictly Come Dancing golden girl as BBC show kicks off

Laura Armstrong

Published: 3:02, 24 Sep 2017
Updated: 13:51, 25 Sep 2017

GEMMA Atkinson looks the part as she launches her bid to become Strictly’s newest golden girl.

The former Emmerdale star, 32, was delighted to be paired with Slovenian pro Aljaz Skorjanec on the BBC dance show.

Ex-Emmerdale actress Gemma Atkinson with dance partner Aljaz Skorjanec on the first episode of Strictly Come Dancing — Ex-Emmerdale actress Gemma Atkinson with dance partner Aljaz Skorjanec on the first episode of Strictly Come DancingCredit: BBC

Last night’s episode saw the couple take to the dance floor together for the first time, along with the other celebrity contestants.

Other stars to light up the ballroom included EastEnders actor Davood Ghadami, 35, who performed a daring routine with former Playboy model Nadiya Bychkova.

EastEnders actor Davood Ghadami with former Playboy model Nadiya Bychkova — EastEnders actor Davood Ghadami with former Playboy model Nadiya BychkovaCredit: BBC

This Morning and Loose Women host Ruth Langsford with Strictly dance partner Anton Du Beke — This Morning and Loose Women host Ruth Langsford with Strictly dance partner Anton Du BekeCredit: BBC

Holby City actress Chizzy Akudolu smiles as she dances with Pasha Kovalev — Holby City actress Chizzy Akudolu smiles as she dances with Pasha KovalevCredit: BBC

Her hospital drama co-star Joe McFadden took part in a retro dance routine with partner Katya Jones — Her hospital drama co-star Joe McFadden took part in a retro dance routine with partner Katya JonesCredit: BBC

Rev Richard Coles jazzes it up with Strictly Come Dancing partner Dianne Buswell — Rev Richard Coles jazzes it up with Strictly Come Dancing partner Dianne BuswellCredit: BBC

Good Morning Britain presenter Charlotte looked elegant on the Strictly dance floor with partner Brendan Cole — Good Morning Britain presenter Charlotte looked elegant on the Strictly dance floor with partner Brendan ColeCredit: BBC

X Factor winner Alexandra Burke will now go head to head in the ratings with the show she found fame on — X Factor winner Alexandra Burke will now go head to head in the ratings with the show she found fame onCredit: BBC

Aston Merrygold, who came second to Alexandra in the 2008 X Factor with fellow JLS members, danced alongside Janette Manrara on the show — Aston Merrygold, who came second to Alexandra in the 2008 X Factor with fellow JLS members, danced alongside Janette Manrara on the showCredit: BBC

The Saturdays' Mollie King — The Saturdays' Mollie King with dance partner AJ PritchardCredit: BBC

Susan Calman with Strictly dance partner Kevin Clifton — Susan Calman twirls with Strictly dance partner Kevin CliftonCredit: BBC

Debbie McGee gave a storming performance with Strictly partner Giovanni Pernice — Debbie McGee gave a storming performance with Strictly partner Giovanni PerniceCredit: BBC

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Topics

Gemma Atkinson