Kym Marsh may have had a long and busy career over the years but viewers couldn't help but go back to the start as she made her Strictly Come Dancing debut
The singer, actress and TV presenter dazzled as she appeared in the ballroom for the very first time during the BBC One dance contest's pre-recorded launch show on Friday night (September 23). The 20th series of Strictly was due to return last Saturday night but the BBC took the decision to postpone following the death of the Queen until after her state funeral which took place on Monday.
The launch show opened with a beautiful and eye-catching ballroom performance from the fabulous group of professional dancers before it was time for Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman to return to the ballroom where they'll keep the Strictly ship going until December.
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But what Strictly viewers really wanted to see was which professional dancer the crop of 15 celebrities would be partnered with this year.
Prior to her partner being revealed as Graziano, Kym, who starred in Corrie as Michelle Connor for 13 years before bowing out of Weatherfield in 2019, dazzled in a plunging orange dress with, of course, sparkling details all over and a tasselled trim.
And she was able to swish her newfound locks all around as her usually short locks grew overnight into a luscious blond ponytail cascading down her back.
While talking to Tess, the host brought up how 46-year-old Kym recently became a grandmother for the second time. "Congratulations, [I've] never seen a more glamourous grandmother in my entire life," the 53-year-old presenter told Kym who shyly laughed and replied: "Thank you!"
But the former soap star is pleased to be doing the show for the grandmas. "I am doing it for the grannies, definitely," she declared. "Has a granny ever won before?" the Morning Live host asked as Kym informed her they hadn't. "I could be the first!"
And when asked if she had her eye on any of the pros after getting to know most of them through the 'Strictly fitness' segment on BBC's Morning Live, Kym admitted she 'definitely' did. And it was revealed during the glitter and excitement-filled episode that Kym will dance with Graziano Di Prima.
Their pairing was unveiled on the set of Morning Live in a VT filmed before they headed into the ballroom. While both were clearly ecstatic, Kym admitted to Claudia Winkleman: "My stomach was churning, but I was delighted!"
But Strictly viewers were distracted upon seeing Kym as she reminded them of former Countdown host Carol Vorderman. @StuartDBOX asked: "Anyone else think Kym Marsh is slowly turning into Carol Vordeman? #Strictly."
@too_manyshoes commented: "Kym has a bit of Carol Vorderman about her #Strictly." @robertastewart wrote: "Kym marsh seems to have morphed into a younger Carol Vorderman #strictly."
Others couldn't help but hark back to Kym's days in Hear'Say - and make the same joke. @man18united said: "#Strictly Kym will work hard, Pure And Simple." @JackTheFact29 wrote: "Kym Marsh won't find this pure and simple for sure #Strictly."
Taking to Instagram after the big reveal, Kym shared a picture of her and Graziano in their Strictly gear, writing: "Here we are!!!!! I am so excited about our strictly journey! My partner @grazianodiprima is THE most INCREDIBLE partner, super talented and also so very kind! I couldn’t be happier! We need a team name! Suggestions please!"
And fans already have an idea. @weheartkym said: "100% TEAM MARSHINO for your team name." @reflectionsandmemories echoed: "#Marshiano." @tommytinker1991 added: "Marshiano!"
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