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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Charlotte Tutton

Strictly fans 'already know' winner after first live show - but it's 'not Fleur East'

Strictly Come Dancing fans believe they already know the 2022 winner, after seeing each pairing's first live routine.

Despite speculation Helen Skelton and Fleur East could be contenders to storm to victory, viewers are now convinced someone else entirely will be the 2022 champion.

After pulling off an incredible and energetic routine, actor Will Mellor left viewers changing their minds as he surprised them with his moves.

As the full line-up took to the dance floor for the first live show on Saturday night, with hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman leading proceedings, it was clear fans had already worked out a likely champion.

While there is room for improvement for the 15 couples, viewers were very surprised by the existing talent of some of the pairings.

Strictly Come Dancing fans believe they already know the 2022 winner (BBC/Guy Levy)

That said, one couple came to mind when viewers shared their favourites - with many fans convinced they would definitely go on to win the entire show.

Taking to Twitter on Saturday night, viewers shared their thoughts on Will and pro dance partner Nancy Xu taking the crown this year.

One viewer tweeted: "Said before it started that I wanted Will Mellor to win and I stand by that. Fanbloodytastic."

A second agreed: "I think Will Mellor is going to win," as a third wrote: "Okay Will Mellor’s gonna win."

After a brief performance on Friday night, viewers had predicted Fleur would be taking home the Glitterball Trophy (BBC)

Another commented: "I think Will is gonna win! Calling it early this year," while a fifth viewer tweeted: "So Will Mellor's going to win this year then..."

According to bookmakers, Countryfile and former Blue Peter host Helen is the current favourite to win the show this year.

But after a brief performance on Friday night, viewers had predicted Fleur would be taking home the Glitterball Trophy with her dance partner Vito Coppola.

Now, it seems Will could beat them both to victory with fans rooting for him.

According to bookmakers, Countryfile and former Blue Peter host Helen is the current favourite to win (PA)

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

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!"

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

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