Strictly Come Dancinglaunched its 2019 show last night (September 7) in a flash of sequins and fake tan – but itdidn’t quite match up to 2018 ‘s launch showwhen it came to ratings.
This year first show, which saw the new batch of celebrity contestantspaired up with their professional partners, was watched bya peak of 7. 81 million people, which is justslightly down on the 8.1 millionwho tuned in for the same show last year.
Of course, these figures do not allow for on demand, catch-up, online (including YouTube) or mobile viewings, so there may yet be more of us getting our firstStrictlyfix of the year that the ratings aren’t showing yet.
Kieron McCarronBBC
Related:Strictly Come Dancingaddresses Jamie Laing’s exit during launch show
And even just a week in the series has given us plenty to discuss, as one of this year contestants,Made in Chelseastar Jamie Laing, has alreadyhad to pull out of the showafter he injured his foot.
Shortly after the launch show, theBBC revealed that his spot in the line-up will now be takenby formerEmmerdalestar Kelvin Fletcher, who played Andy Sugden on the ITV soap.
Kelvin will be dancing with Jamie’s planned partner Oti Mabuse, and he’s revealed that he’s finding the experience so far “incredible”.
Ray BurmistonBBC
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“Is this really happening ?! It’s been the most surreal week of my life!” he said in a statement. “I’m a massive fan ofStrictlyso it’s incredible. I’m so happy that I can be a part of it.
“But at the same time it’s quite bittersweet. I’m coming in on the back of Jamie’s injury – I keep thinking about him! I can’t imagine going through all this excitement and then having to pull out.
“My thoughts are with him – he seems like a fantastic guy and I hope he’s doing OK.”
Strictly Come Dancingairs on BBC One.
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