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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Charlotte Tutton

Strictly Come Dancing fans thrilled after spotting something missing as live shows return

Strictly Come Dancing viewers were quick to notice something different about the latest series of the BBC show, in comparison to the past two years.

They realised some recent additions to the series were missing, while another element had made a comeback.

The full line-up took to the dance floor for the first live show on Saturday night, as hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman hosted proceedings.

Joining them were judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke.

But as the show kicked off, viewers spotted a few things about the live shows that were different to the 2020 and 2021 series, with two elements in particular 'missing'.

Hosts Claudia and Tess were no longer standing apart, as social distancing measures had seemingly been dropped.

Strictly Come Dancing viewers were quick to notice something different about the latest series of the BBC show (BBC)

The same was said for the judges, who were still on separate desks but the perspex screens that previously divided them all were now nowhere to be seen.

There was also a full live studio audience for the first time in two series, after the coronavirus pandemic meant special measures previously had to be followed for the show to remain on air.

As the show kicked off, fans were thrilled to have the show back again on screens for some much needed joy.

But they were also happy to see the show was back to 'normal' with its audience, while also noticing the lack of distance between the hosts as well as the judges.

Strictly Come Dancing returned for the 2022 series on Saturday night with the first live show (BBC)

Taking to Twitter, one viewer said: "#Strictly has been so different without Social Distancing in place it feels like the heart of the show has come back for me."

Another agreed: "The perspex screens are no longer existent!"

A third wrote: "It was so good to see Tess and Claudia without the social distancing!!!

Meanwhile, a fourth viewer said: "Soo good watching strictly last night and seeing zero social distancing back to how it used to be."

A fifth said: "A proper audience back again, we love to see it."

It comes as all of the couples were confirmed on Friday night, with each celebrity paired up with a professional dancer.

Hosts Claudia and Tess were no longer standing apart (BBC)

On Saturday morning, viewers learned what each pairing would be performing in regards to dance style and song choice.

As the couples list was announced on Friday, it was confirmed by the show that for the first time ever, two same-sex couples would be taking part.

Comedian Jayde Adams and professional dancer Karen Hauer were confirmed to be performing together during the launch show, they were very excited.

Jayde said: "Karen IS Strictly”, as Karen replied: "I’m absolutely excited, I have so many ideas, too many ideas, this is going to be a golden moment for me.”

Radio 2 host Richie Anderson was paired up with male professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, and it's safe to say the news went down well.

He said: "Could you get anyone better than Mr Giovanni? I feel like I’m the envy of the British public right now!"

Following the launch show, viewers predicted who was going to win the series after getting a glimpse of each celebrity’s dance moves.

According to bookmakers, Countryfile and former Blue Peter host Helen Skelton is the favourite to take home the Glitterball trophy this year.

But fans don't think this will be the case, and instead believed a singer and former I'm A Celebrity star was instead set to be crowned the winner in December

Taking to Twitter, fans suggested Fleur East was set for victory with her dance partner Vito Coppola.

Strictly Come Dancing returns live at 6:30pm on Saturday on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

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