Strictly stars look nervous as they start group rehearsals and dancers share first glimpse behind the scenes of their new outfits
STRICTLY Come Dancing's new stars posed for their first group photo today after shuffling into rehearsals in London looking nervous.
A behind-the-scenes snap of the 14 celebrities was shared by Glitterball hopefuls including Made In Chelsea's Jamie Laing, who breathlessly told fans: "I feel alive."
RuPaul's drag race star Michelle Visage, who had been paired with comedian Chris Ramsay, shared the same snap, writing: "👠 DAY 1 of @bbcstrictly rehearsals and we smashed it!... Kinda..."
She added: "CAN'T WAIT FOR MORE! love you ALL! 👠. @iamchrisramsey you were a great partner!"
Chris replied by posting a picture of himself looking traumatised, writing: "Sweaty mess. But this is the most fun I’ve ever had on the first day of anything."
A panting Jamie added: "We've been practising for our first dance on Strictly. I know how Billy Elliott feels now. I feel alive, I feel alive."
Strictly returns to TV screens in September, after the celebs are assigned their professional partners.
Earlier in the day the new stars of the show were seen arriving at the dance studio looking nervous.
Among those caught on camera were Alex Scott, Anneka Rice, James Cracknell, Will Bayley and Mike Bushell.
Meanwhile, the pro dancers have been busy showing off the outfits they will be wearing in the Strictly Come Dancing trailer.
Aljaz Skorjanec, Dianne Buswell and Janette Manrara all posted pictures of their glam costumes.
Their co-stars Neil Jones, Gorka Marquez and Giovanni Pernice were also seen arriving at rehearsals clutching their breakfast snacks.
It emerged last night that Neil and wife Katya had split up, ten months after she was pictured kissing dance partner Seann Walsh.
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In a joint statement, they said: "Hi everyone. As our fans and loyal supporters you are really important to us and so we wanted to let you know some news. After 11 years we have made the mutual decision to separate.
"We will always love each other, just in a different way as friends. This will never change what a great team we make and we are really proud of everything we have achieved together.
"Our shared love of dance means we will keep working and dancing together as well as exploring individual projects. No matter what we do we will always support and respect each other.
"We wish one another every happiness and we will remain the best of friends. We are really looking forward to getting back to the ballroom and can't wait to keep on dancing. Lots of love from us both xx"
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