The Launch Show Strictly Come Dancing

I'm really looking forward to putting my feet up this year.

But I have got one last thing to do for Strictly.

Get everybody back together again.

Why? To get the nation dancing, that is why.

PHONE RINGS Ladies?

BOTH: Hi, Brucey!

-Do you know what you are going to wear?

-Almost.

-I am nearly there.

PHONE RINGS

-Hello?

-Kevin? What are you doing in Grimsby?!

I'll be right there.

-Ah, boys.

-Lucky!

-Come on.

-MOBILE RINGS

-Ooft!

-Hello?

-Anton?

-(It's Brucey!)

-Get those golf shoes off and put your dancing shoes on.

-OK, Dad.

We are on our way. Come on, lads.

-A very subtle shade on that.

-MOBILE BLEEPS

It is Brucey. Hi, Brucey!

-Ladies, you are needed in the studio.

-It is showtime!

DEVICE BLEEPS

Ladies, the mission is, stop shopping, but keep dancing!

ALL: We are on our way!

-PHONE RINGS

-Hello?

Pasha, tell those girls

they need to swap their snowballs for glitter balls.

Vamooshka!

At least I know the judges are here. Darcey?

-There is this one the memo from the head of the BBC.

-Bin it!

Goodman, I need the car at two o'clock.

There is a good man.

Get it? "Goodman", "good man"!

-Ah, Bruno!

-Your cocoa, sir.

-Is it 37 centigrade?

-Yes.

Stirred 11 times? Anticlockwise?

Now where is Craig? Oh, there you are.

Now, I want these shoes to be so shiny I can see my face in them.

With that chin, darling, you are going to need bigger shoes!

Right, you lot. Are you ready?

ALL: Yes! We are ready to judge!

I think the audience will be the judge of that!

Ready?

-Where's Craig?

-Where's Craig?

-Where is Craig?

ALL: Craig!

Right. Red carpet.

'Lift going up.'

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Welcome to the launch of Strictly Come Dancing 2014.

Please welcome Sir Bruce Forsyth, Tess Daly, and Claudia Winkleman!

It is a fantastic new Strictly.

Come on! Strictly 2014, whoa-oh!

-So excited to be here.

-I have waited all my life for this.

It feels great to be a reigning champion of Strictly Come Dancing

and I am going to do my best to hold on to it.

ALL: Keep dancing!

Strictly is going to launch to the stars and beyond!

And now, ladies and gentlemen,

please welcome the stars of Strictly Come Dancing 2014.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

I just came out of a giant glitter ball,

so now I feel like I'm really on Strictly. This is actually happening.

I am really excited now it has really begun.

I cannot wait to get stuck in.

This is nuts! This is proper showbiz stuff, this is.

This beats a night at the Queen Vic.

Well, I have sold some things in my time,

but I have to tell you, this is priceless.

The atmosphere is electric.

She is the best dancer I have ever seen.

-Oh, shut up!

-Always smiling, bounces around, natural!

-Oh!

-Can't believe Christina is wearing what I was going to wear.

-I know!

This is going to be a whole different ball game for me.

Absolutely terrified. I think I need my mammy now!

-You can't just dance with me, willy-nilly.

-Please!

You have to get luckily chosen, don't you?

-It is all very sparkly, all very glamorous.

-It is bling bling, baby.

I am absolutely loving the line-up.

BOTH: Keep dancing, Brucey!

I could never stop dancing!

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

# I haven't stopped dancing

# I haven't stopped dancing... #

FEET TAP TO RHYTHM

DRUMS PICK UP BEAT

FEET TAP TO RHYTHM

DRUMS PICK UP BEAT

DRUMBEAT AND TAPPING COMBINE

CHEERING

WHISTLES

# I haven't stopped dancing

CHEERING

# I haven't stopped dancing yet

# Since we met on our first date

# I haven't stopped loving you yet

# It's all right, it's all right, it's all right, it's all right

# I haven't stopped dancing yet

# With you my only partner

# I haven't stopped loving you yet

# It's all right, it's all right, it's all right, it's all right

# Well she is all I ever wanted in a girl

# My sweet feet can't stop the beat

# Well, it's all right

# It's all right Let's dance some more tonight

# I haven't stopped dancing yet.

# Since we met on our first date

# I haven't stopped loving you yet

# It's all right, all right, all right, it's all right

# I haven't stopped dancing

# I haven't stopped dancing

# Haven't stopped dancing yet

# I haven't stopped dancing yet

# Since we met on our first date

# I haven't stopped loving you yet

# It's all right, it's all right, it's all right, it's all right

# I haven't stopped dancing yet

# With you, my only partner

# I haven't stopped loving you yet

# It's all right, it's all right, all right, it's all right. #

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

What about that? You were wonderful, all of you! Weren't they great?

Absolutely wonderful! Oh!

Ladies and gentlemen, Sir Bruce Forsyth!

Oh, me?!

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE Oh, how lovely!

Thank you so much. Thank you.

Oh, that's wonderful!

Please, please, please, please sit down. Sit down.

I'm not royalty. LAUGHTER

Yet!

Good evening, ladies, gentlemen and children.

Welcome to Strictly Come Dancing: The Launch Show.

It's nice to see you, to see you...

AUDIENCE: Nice!

Oh, what a wonderful audience you are.

So much better than the last ten years!

Is there anyone in the audience who's got a question for me?

Oh, somebody... What was that?

"Why didn't I leave years ago?"

Thank you so much, sir. No more questions!

But I will really miss being here,

with this atmosphere, and Dave and the band and the singer.

AUDIENCE: Aaaw!

No, I really would. It's quite a... That kind of a night for me.

But I've got every Saturday night planned, from now till Christmas.

Yes. I'll watch Strictly every week,

and then I'll wine and dine my darling, beautiful wife

and after that... Bingo!

LAUGHTER

Yes! Hold on! Just a minute! We'll play bingo!

For goodness' sake!

Anyway, it's time to welcome your hosts,

two lovely young ladies who will be hosting the show from now on.

I wish them all the luck in the world,

and I know you do as well,

so, Miss Tess Daly and Miss Claudia Winkleman!

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

-Hello, Tess.

-Hello, Bruce.

-Hello, Claud.

-Hello, Bruce.

-You know we're going to really miss you.

-Aaaw!

But it's great to know you'll be watching us.

Oh, I will, every Saturday.

All we hope is that we don't let you down.

Oh, you won't! Of course you won't!

So ladies, what have we got in store?

What have YOU got in store for US tonight?

We've got a jam packed show tonight, Brucey.

We'll be pairing our 15 brand-new celebrities

with their professional dance partners!

AUDIENCE: Oooooh!

That is always wonderful, yes.

We've also got two fantastic music performances.

Boyband sensation 5 Seconds of Summer will be here.

CHEERING

Oh! Anything else? Oh, sorry!

Yes, we've got Imelda May and Smokey Robinson,

-they're going to be performing.

-CHEERING

Smokey Robinson! Oh, dear! So good!

Plus, we've got enough dancing to send all of us into a spin.

Last year's champions Abbey and Aljaz

are taking to the floor for one last time.

CHEERING

And all our new celebrities will be dancing for the very first time.

It sounds fantastic.

-I can't wait to see who is paired up with who.

-Me too!

-Shall we?

-Yes, let's!

-All right, go. Now, just...

J-j-just a minute!

You're not trying to get me out the building, are you?!

Make sure I go?

Stop it! Because I'm coming back,

and I'm going to do a Children In Need special.

-Oh, good!

-And I'll also be doing the Christmas show.

So I'm not gone forever.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Altogether then, after three, one, two...

ALL: It's time to meet the stars of our show.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Star of MasterChef, Gregg Wallace.

Pop Princess, Pixie Lott.

Wildlife expert, Steve Backshall.

Tennis coach, Judy Murray.

TV presenter and radio DJ, Mark Wright.

Star of Casualty, Sunetra Sarker.

Bargain Hunt's antiques expert, Tim Wonnacott.

From The Saturdays, pop star Frankie Bridge.

Radio One DJ, Scott Mills.

This Morning reporter, Alison Hammond.

Rugby star and model, Thom Evans.

Star of Mrs Brown's Boys, Jennifer Gibney.

From Blue, pop star Simon Webbe.

TV presenter, Caroline Flack.

And finally, EastEnders star, Jake Wood.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Wow! What a sparkling line-up!

A huge welcome to our 15 new celebrities,

ready to give us blood, sweat and tears.

I just hope it doesn't make the fake tan run.

On tonight's show each of our celebrities will be partnered up

with the dance pro that could lead them to victory.

Once they've all been paired up,

our couples will be hitting the training rooms hard

to get themselves dance fit and ready to perform

in our first live shows, in three weeks' time.

But for tonight at least,

the pressure is off, because there will be no scoring and no voting.

But there will be plenty of dancing.

As ever our fabulous four

will be keeping a very close eye on proceedings,

so please give a warm welcome to our judges,

Bruno Tonioli, Len Goodman, Darcey Bussell and...

You might as well start booing him now...Craig Revel Horwood!

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

-Good evening, judges.

-ALL: Good evening!

Len, what do you think?

I think they look fantastic. I really do.

-I think we're going to be in...

-CHEERING

Yes! Plenty of giggles, plenty of wiggles,

I can't wait, I tell ya! Good luck to you all!

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Bruno, how hard are they going to find

the three weeks in training?

That is like Blister World!

Oh, yes! No pain, no gain.

But, you have some of the best professionals in the country.

Put the hard work in, and I tell you, you'll all be transformed by the end!

-Oh, brilliant!

-APPLAUSE

Craig, have you got high hopes for this year's cast?

Well, yes, except the fact that the standard last year,

I have to say, was so high, the gauntlet has been laid down.

So it's going to be a tough act to follow.

It certainly is.

Darcey, what would you like to see from our celebrities this year?

Well, I don't want them to hold back.

-I want them to attack each dance like it's their last.

-OK.

Thank you very much, the judges.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Now, it's the moment Tess has been looking forward to all year.

I do love this bit! It's time to play ballroom blind date.

So let's meet our first batch of boys,

Gregg Wallace, Jake Wood, Steve Backshall, and Thom Evans.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

On tonight's menu, MasterChef's Gregg Wallace.

I am famous, I think,

for my sweet tooth, tubby belly, bald head, and glasses. Haha!

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm just constantly telling jokes.

I once had a job sweeping up in a glitter factory.

It was pretty rubbish(!)

I am slightly concerned that I'm actually 40-10 in a little while.

A lot of contestants will be much younger and fitter than me. But...

they may not have as much enthusiasm.

Or be as aerodynamic!

I am really nervous of Craig because he was a contestant on MasterChef.

Unusual!

I wish I had let him win now! Ha!

I don't mind admitting right now

the idea of performing in front of a live audience,

it is scary, very scary.

Is it all right if John Torrode comes with me? He doesn't have to dance!

He can just walk around behind me. I feel safe then!

EASTENDERS THEME PLAYS

Waltzing in from Walford is actor, Jake Wood.

Best known for playing EastEnders bad boy, Max Branning.

He has been buried alive, run over by his daughter,

he is also currently the suspect in a murder trial.

There is not a lot he hasn't done in nine years.

It is not what it looks like.

People call me Max, wherever I go.

It would be lovely if just once somebody called me Jake!

It is Jake.

Got a nine-year-old daughter, Emma, six-year-old boy, Buster,

they really got into the show last series.

I am just really excited that I am doing a show

they can watch their dad dance in.

It is so out of my comfort zone. Bring it on.

He is no stranger to danger, but will Deadly 60 wildlife presenter,

Steve Backshall, be able to survive his Strictly adventure?

I genuinely spend my entire life diving with sharks

or catching snakes, up to my neck in a swamp, looking for alligators.

But I have the feeling I'm about to encounter

something far more terrifying.

Craig Revel Horwood!

I think I'm quite a blokey bloke. I have zero experience in dancing.

The closest I can come is martial arts.

I am certainly good and flexible, but it is a completely new world for me.

But that is really exciting. TIGER ROARS

In my job we have had a lot of close calls.

Oi!

But, genuinely, I am not just saying this,

what I'm about to do scares me far, far more.

Let's hope that on the dance floor I turn out to be more like a puma

than a hippopotamus.

GROWLS

Rugby star and model, Thom Evans,

is used to tackling his competition head on.

I was an international rugby player for Scotland,

which I am immensely proud about.

And through for the try, Thom Evans!

I sadly suffered a career-ending injury.

He went down and stayed down.

It was a close shave. I'm so grateful for how lucky I was.

These days I am probably known more for taking my top off.

I have done calendars, photo shoots, I'm certainly not shy.

I have always loved dancing.

Myself and my brother spent hours on end learning the choreography

to Bye Bye Bye, by NSync.

I am not embarrassed about it.

I cannot wait to get into the ballroom, give it my best try.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

First up, it is Masterchef's Gregg Wallace!

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Haha! Out of the frying pan and into the fire.

Yeah, most certainly!

Are you ready to meet your dance partner, by any chance?

Very. Very, very, very ready.

Have you got your eye on anyone in particular?

I know who I'd like, but you don't want to say, do you?

Play your cards close to your chest. Best at this stage.

All right, we've got eight fabulous female dancers

that you might be partnered with.

But who will it be?

We have Iveta, Janette, Natalie,

Aliona, Ola, Karen, Kristina,

or will it be our new pro Joanne?

-A big welcome to you, Joanne!

-CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

So, dancers, please take your positions.

Gregg, the person you'll be cooking up a storm with is...

Feel that tension?

-Going to drag it out a little bit longer...

-Oh!

-It's Aliona!

-Ah!

Wow! Wow!

Wow, wow, wow!

-Yeah, you got a good one there, Gregg!

-Yeah, wow!

Dancing doesn't get any sweeter than this!

I think we've got a delicious pairing here, potentially.

Off you go, Gregg and Aliona! Go on!

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

And now let's welcome EastEnders' star, Jake Wood!

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

-Welcome to the show, Jake.

-Thank you very much.

Ooh, a kiss, thank you very much.

Now, Jake. I have got a little bit of a deal for you.

-Yes.

-I will tell you who your partner is right now,

if you tell me what happened to Lucy Beale.

LAUGHTER Think she got murdered.

Oh! Wanted you to spill the beans!

There's about four people in the world who know

who killed Lucy Beale, I'm not one of them, unfortunately.

-Oh, you're not privy to that information?

-I wish I did know.

-OK.

Well, the person you'll be sharing the drama with is...

Have a little look.

-Anyone you've got your eye on?

-No-one too tall.

-No-one too tall!

-LAUGHTER

-OK! Oh, they're bending down!

Bending the knees! It's Janette!

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Oh, Janette! Check that move out!

-Not very tall, at all!

-A perfect fit, in fact!

-Yeah, I like, I like, I like!

-Smiles all round!

You two, go and get acquainted. Off you go!

-Thank you.

-Jake and Janette, ladies and gentlemen!

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

And welcome Deadly 60's wildlife expert, it is Steve Backshall.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

I didn't really recognise you, Steve!

I don't even recognise myself!

I keep catching myself in the mirror, going,

"Who is that, and what are they wearing?!"

And then I see it is me!

I guess there is not a lot of call for sequins in your normal work?

Not really! I spend a lot of time in the wilderness on expeditions

trying NOT to be seen, wearing camouflage from head to toe.

-And all of a sudden I am a walking mirror ball!

-Yes!

-Are you ready to meet your dance partner?

-Yes.

OK, the person you will be getting up close and personal with is...

-It is Ola!

-Yay!

-CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Oh, yes! You two are going to have one heck of an adventure.

-Are you ready, Ola?

-I am ready. Are you ready?

-I'm definitely ready!

He was born ready.

You two, off you go upstairs, we will see you later on.

-Steve and Ola, ladies and gentlemen.

-CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

And now let's welcome rugby star and model, Thom Evans.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Now then, you obviously have a sporting background

which means you must have a competitive instinct,

is that going to come out in the ballroom?

I think having been a professional sportsman it is safe to say

there is always going to be that competitive side to me,

but like everyone else here I'm just here to have a lot of fun

and give it my best shot.

-Are you ready to meet your lady?

-I would love to.

OK. Well, Thom, you will be tackling the dances with...

-It is Iveta!

-CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Wow! Lovely!

You two, undeniably gorgeous together. Smiles all round.

They are happy. Off you go, Tom and Iveta.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

So let's find out what our judges make of our first four couples. Len?

-Yes?

-What do you think?

-I think it is a terrific four.

But the one I'm going to watch out for is Thom.

He is used to being in a scrum, and with Iveta,

they are going to be...scrumptious!

-Oh, yes!

-You thought about that one, didn't you?

Claudia, over to you.

Thank you, Tess. I'm here with our first four paired couples.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

It's a relief, isn't it?

Jake, describe to us, how terrifying is it, waiting?

Actually quite nerve-racking, more than I thought it would be.

But I am delighted with Jeanette.

She is a fantastic dancer and no-nonsense American,

-which is what I was hoping for.

-Yeah! OK, good!

Now, Steve, you walking glitter ball.

Ola has won the Strictly championship before.

She has lifted the glitter ball. Is that more nerve-racking for you?

I don't think so, no.

Actually, I have a friend who is a dancer, and beforehand she said,

"You want Ola because she can make anyone look good."

Meaning, "Even you!"

That is fantastic. You are a wonderful pairing.

Iveta, I am so sorry that we put you with somebody

so physically repellent.

LAUGHTER

Whoa!

Iveta, you have never been speechless before!

All we do is, "chat, chat, chat"!

-And then Tess said, "Iveta!" And you went...

-WHIMPERS

Oh, this is divine! Over to you, Tess.

Thanks, Claud.

As well as meeting our 15 brand-new celebrities,

we also have three wonderful new dancers to introduce you to.

Let's meet Trent Whiddon from Australia,

Tristan MacManus from Ireland,

and Kevin's sister, Joanne Clifton from...you've guessed it, Grimsby.

MUSIC: "Rather Be" by Clean Bandit (feat Jess Glynne)

Hi, I am Trent, dance champion from Australia.

As a teacher I am very honest, helpful, and motivational,

but if they need it, I am ready to crack the whip.

I can't wait to meet my partner and get them ready for our first 10.

My name is Joanne, I am the current world ballroom show dance champion.

Both as a dancer and a teacher, I am small but I am mighty.

My name is Tristan. I have won the All-Ireland championships.

So I am the champion of my country.

I have worked very hard to get where I am so I will make sure

that me and my celebrity partner

will work even harder to get that glitter ball home.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Thank you to our amazing professional dancers,

a huge welcome to our new pros, and of course a big welcome back

to our fabulous singers, Dave Arch, and his incredible orchestra.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

I'm here with the rest of our celebrities

all nervously awaiting their fate.

Alison, when you see them dance like that, do you think,

"Three weeks, yeah, get me on that dance floor"?

No, Claudia, I think, how do I get out of this contract?

-I need to go now!

-Too late!

Frankie, how nerve racking is it, waiting?

And I love the fact that you are all trying to guess who you are with.

-Is it scary?

-It is all we can talk about. We are also nervous about it.

I think I'm more nervous about that than the actual dancing.

-Then that is good. That is a good thing.

-I don't know!

Takes your mind off it! Think of it as a gift, Frankie!

Judy, do you secretly in your head, think, "I know who I want"?

-Somebody with a lot of patience and a sense of humour, for me.

-Yes.

Patience and a sense of humour. Do you want the same?

I don't think you understand how nervous we really are.

As a collective, we are just trembling!

You say that, but I tell you, Mr Enthusiastic and Divine,

Mr Sparkle Shirt, Tim, you're all right, right?

I'm cool. LAUGHTER

Well, on the surface, anyway.

OK. You are going to be fine. There isn't a dud.

You are all going to be absolutely fine.

They're about to find out

who they will be partnered with, nobody knows.

But now it is time for some music,

with their latest track, Amnesia,

the boy band taking the world by storm, it is 5 Seconds of Summer!

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

# Drove by all the places we used to hang out getting wasted

# I thought about our last kiss How it felt, the way you tasted

# Even though your friends tell me you're doing fine

# Are you somewhere feeling lonely even though he is right beside you?

# When he says those words that hurt you

# Do you read the ones I wrote you?

# Sometimes I start to wonder

# Was it just a lie

# If what we had was real

# How could you be fine... #

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE DROWNS SPEECH

# I remember the day you told me you were leaving

# I remember the make-up running down your face

# And the dreams you left behind you didn't need them

# Like every single wish we ever made

# Cos I'm not fine at all

# The pictures that you sent me they're still living in my phone

# I'll admit I like to see them I'll admit I feel alone

# And all my friends keep asking why I'm not around

# It hurts to know you're happy yeah, it hurts that you've moved on

# It's hard to hear your name when I haven't seen you in so long

# It's like we never happened was it just a lie?

# If what we had was real how could you be fine?

# Cos I'm not fine at all

# I remember the day you told me you were leaving

# I remember the make-up running down your face

# And the dreams you left behind you didn't need them

# Like every single wish we ever made

# I wish that I could wake up with amnesia

# Forget about the stupid little things

# Like the way it felt to fall asleep next to you

# And the memories I never can escape

# If today I woke up with you right beside me

# Like all of this was just some twisted dream

# I'd hold you closer than I ever did before

# And you'd never slip away

# And you'd never hear me say

# I remember the day you told me you were leaving

# I remember the make-up running down your face

# And the dreams you left behind you didn't need them

# Like every single wish we ever made

# I wish that I could wake up with amnesia

# Forget about the stupid little things

# Like the way it felt to fall asleep next to you

# And the memories I never can escape

# Cos I'm not fine at all. #

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Thank you to 5 Seconds Of Summer

and of course our brilliant pro dancers Kevin and Karen.

And we've still got much more to come.

Last year's winners, Abbey and Aljaz, are back

one last time with their waltz.

We've got another music performance from Imelda May and Smokey Robinson.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Plus, don't forget at the end of the show all

the celebrities will be taking on their first ever group routine.

-We've already had a quick preview.

-Trust us. It's worth the wait.

Please say it's time to pair up more of our couples.

It absolutely is, and here come the girls!

It's Caroline Flack, Jennifer Gibney and Pixie Lott!

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

TV presenter Caroline Flack is hoping to keep her emotions

in check when she steps onto the dance floor.

I'm quite giggly. I'm quite upbeat.

But I think I'm a lot more sensitive

than some people might assume.

If I'm dancing to an emotional song there could be tears!

That's quite sad!

Before I worked in TV I pretty much did every job you could do.

I picked daffodils for a living, I worked in a meat factory,

I've been a magician's assistant

so to me, a new challenge is always good.

The thing I'm most scared about is what my face is going to do

while I'm dancing.

I don't know if I'm going to have one of those cheesy smiles.

I have no idea!

I'm excited about taking part in Strictly

but I'm equally as nervous about getting up there and performing.

I'm ready to be thrown into the world of glitter, glam and sequins.

I'm ready to be Strictified.

Actress Jennifer Gibney is better known to millions

as Cathy Brown in award-winning comedy Mrs Brown's Boys.

I normally come into your home with my mammy.

No man I ever meet will be good enough for you, will they?

Where did I leave my violin?

There she is!

In real life, Mrs Brown

is played by Brendan O'Carroll

and he is my husband.

(It's not a woman.)

SHE LAUGHS

You do know Cathy Brown is a huge Strictly fan.

Ta-da!

She would be very jealous of all the men

that she might have had the chance to dance with.

I am really excited. I am looking forward to

the hair, the make-up, the clothes,

the shoes, the dancing,

the tears, the laughter, the whole thing that is Strictly.

I just can't wait!

Pop princess Pixie Lott is no stranger to the spotlight.

I've been singing for as long as I can remember,

writing songs since I was 13.

I love it. I couldn't imagine doing anything else.

I got nicknamed Pixie when I was born.

It was pretty much down to the fact I was born seven weeks early

so I was just really tiny.

I did go to a performing arts school

but we never did ballroom and Latin

so it's a different discipline.

A big challenge for me is not only am I doing my radio shows

and live festivals,

I'm also going to be doing Strictly.

Whoever my dance partner is,

is going to have to be prepared to come on the road with me

I hope you don't mind being my roadie.

SHE LAUGHS

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Let's welcome TV presenter Caroline Flack.

CHEERING DROWNS SPEECH

I know!

-You've been practising your dance face, haven't you?

-I have.

I'm not sure what to do with my face. Anton's been helping me.

It's more like this... than anything else.

Smiling. Do the paso face.

-Yes.

-Maybe.

-Let's find out who you will be sharing the limelight with.

Could it be...Aljaz, Anton,

Kevin,

Brendan,

Pasha or will it be one of our new boys, Trent or Tristan?

AUDIENCE: Oooh!

Very nice noises. Thank you.

Dancers, please take your positions.

Good luck, Caroline.

The person you will be getting some "flak" from is...

..it's Pasha!

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

CLAUDIA SCREAMS

You look genuinely over the moon.

Also, can you do that intro every time?

That was divine.

-You like it?

-Yes.

-Yeah.

This is adorable on every level.

-Are you happy?

-I'm very happy.

All right. Off you go. Let's hear it for Caroline and Pasha.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Please welcome Mrs Brown's Boys star, Jennifer Gibney.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

What are you hoping to take from this crazy Strictly world?

-Fun.

-Fun? You're definitely going to have that.

Good luck.

Let's reveal your dance partner.

Your dance partner is...

You're shaking!

It's Tristan!

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

CHEERING DROWNS SPEECH

We're going home!

Our lovely new boy.

Tristan, am I right in saying I think you two...

Boys, let's focus.

Thank you.

Brendan, honestly, I will hurt you.

You both look absolutely over the moon.

Mrs Brown looks happy!

I was there at rehearsals and you two

have been chatting, having a lovely time.

-We speak the same language.

-No-one else would talk to us.

They don't understand us.

OK. I genuinely don't know what he just said.

LAUGHTER

Let's hear it for Jennifer and Tristan.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

CHEERING DROWNS SPEECH

It's pop star Pixie Lott.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

-You look very beautiful.

-Thank you.

Do you secretly want one or would you take any of them?

I would take any of them.

I have no preference. I think they're all...

Are you desperate to know?

We've been waiting for the last week

and everyone's trying to do some detective work

and find out who it is but I have no idea.

You've been a bit Poirot about the whole thing.

OK. It's time to reveal your dancer.

The dancer you're going to be in the spotlight with is...

It's Trent!

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

-Nice.

-Yeah.

-Yeah. Very cool.

Thank you.

Come on, Giggle Twins.

I love Trent's reaction. "This is very cool."

It is. New to the show.

You're going to be wonderful. You look like twins.

This is perfect.

Let's hear it for Pixie and Trent.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Let's go to the judges.

Darcey, I know that posture is everything, in dance,

you've said it before.

Just by seeing them stand. Just by looking at their stationary limbs,

who do you think is going to dance beautifully?

Probably Jennifer because she has great poise,

a lovely long back so she can really show it off.

If they can relax their shoulders, that will also pay off

when they dance. Yeah, Jennifer, I think.

Thank you very much.

Thank you very much, the judges.

APPLAUSE

We're halfway through pairing up our brand-new couples.

Last year, there was one particular match

that was made in dance heaven.

It's our 2013 Strictly champions,

the very wonderful Abbey and Aljaz.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Strictly was the most perfect thing.

It was such an unusual and amazing experience.

Me and Abbey became incredible friends.

Every single day in rehearsals was a pure joy.

You didn't say this at the time.

I'm saying it now!

THEY LAUGH

The fact that we were in the final full stop

was just a dream come true.

The Strictly Come Dancing champions 2013 are...

..Abbey and Aljaz!

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

I never thought for one minute we'd win.

It was a huge shock for both of us.

I can't believe this.

I was really pleased with the way my first season went.

I never expected to win.

My advice would be don't worry about being nervous.

Just try and enjoy it as much as you can.

I've got the most incredible memories.

To have something to look back on and remember

for being such a great time is priceless.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

# Pride can stand

# A thousand trials

# The strong will never fall

# But watching stars without you

# My soul cried... #

APPLAUSE

# Heaving heart

# Is full of pain

# Oh

# Oh

# The aching... #

APPLAUSE

# Cos I'm

# Kissing you

# Oh

# Cos I'm... #

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

# Kissing you

# Oh. #

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Abbey and Aljaz, ladies and gentlemen!

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

That was just gorgeous.

You have really set the standard. Is it nice to be back?

No, it's horrible. I'm riddled with jealousy.

-Are you?!

-I'm desperate to do it again.

-It's amazing to be back.

-Do you want to do it all over again?

Yeah. I'd do it a million times over.

Do you realise... I don't want to dig the knife any deeper

than it already is but this is the last time that you will dance

on Strictly.

I know. I know. I know.

But I had the best time ever and it was wonderful

and I'll have amazing memories.

We've enjoyed watching you. Ladies and gentlemen,

Abbey and Aljaz.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Over to you, Claudia.

Thank you, Tess.

I'm here with our paired celebrities.

I know. You're so happy.

You've known about Pasha for at least five minutes

but I already sense that you are best friends. Is that wrong?

-Are we going to be best friends?

-Absolutely.

Are you as happy as I am?

Probably more happy.

Jennifer, how relieved are you?

Relieved? I haven't time to be relieved -

we still have the group dance to do!

-You're terrified about that.

-Absolutely.

Terrified.

Pixie, we... Don't be alarmed.

We are going to lock you in a training room with Trent

for three weeks. How do you feel about that?

I'm excited, I can't wait!

-Yeah?

-Yeah!

OK, good. Starts tomorrow.

Dum-dum-dum!

Later on, our stars will be performing

the much-anticipated group routine.

Just give me one word to describe...

-Terrifying!

-OK.

-LAUGHTER

Not wanting to miss out, Tess and I hopped on a tandem

and arrived at the rehearsal room where our celebrities

and professional dancers were meeting for the very first time.

Yes, you heard me right - tandem.

-Ah! Are you peddling, Claude?

-Yes! Yes! Yes!

-I'm being very helpful.

-Try harder.

Phew!

-We made it!

-Let's get inside.

-Come on!

First day back at school.

Bloomin' 'eck!

We're about to meet the celebrities, so I'm getting more and more nervous.

-Look at me, I'm shaking.

-The anticipation is killing me.

So, behind this very curtain await your celebrities.

Pros, are you ready?

Yeah? In three...

two...

one...whoo-hoo!

CHEERING

It really is like your first day at school. You feel like the new kid.

-How are you feeling?

-I'm a bit nervous.

-You?

-Do you know what? You look nervous.

I need to start warming up.

I'm a little bit nervous, but I'm excited.

Boys and girls!

Could we have your attention, please?

-SHE WHISTLES

-Anton!

The fun is now over. It's time for the hard work to begin.

This place is like a madhouse!

Let's try that one on you. Will you be my Jungle Jane?

-How's that?

-Someone's serving at you from over there.

And you're... I assumed this is what happened. This is what I see.

-Go on, Judy!

-You're amazing!

I just want to be flung around.

Anton and Caroline are getting on a storm over there.

Yeah, they're laughing their heads off.

All my feet were moving around, but not always in the right direction.

How do I make myself look less like a dumpling

and more like a Dover sole?

You're making me hungry.

I keep forgetting my steps but we're having a great time.

It's brilliant.

-We'll wait.

-You're putting me off!

-We'll wait.

-That's a winning dance.

-How are you getting on?

I'm sweating. I'm really sweating.

I look as fresh as when I walked in the door.

I've never been so tired in my life.

Have you noticed how popular Tom is with the girls?

Whoever gets him is a lucky girl.

-Who do you want?

-We won't tell anyone, Ola.

-Who?

-Tom, she wants Tom.

'Loving it!'

-Loving it?

-And I'm loving this.

Yes!

The next time we do this dance is going to be

in front of millions of people.

If we can do it, it's going to be nuts!

I don't feel ready, I don't feel prepared.

So nervous.

All I've got to say is...

Bring it o-o-o-o-on!

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

And we'll be seeing that routine a little bit later on.

I'm so glad it's them and not us.

Me too! And on that note,

we're about to meet the next group of male celebrities,

so let me introduce Simon Webbe, Tim Wonnacott,

Scott Mills and Mark Wright.

CHEERING

As one quarter of boy band Blue,

Simon Webbe sold over ten million records worldwide,

so he should be right at home with a routine.

Shouldn't he?

We're not really renowned for dancing.

There's one thing that I had to master,

which was a shoulder movement.

Shoulder, move, "a-ha". That one.

I am competitive. I'm here to win it.

I'm not here to mess around.

One of the things that I have won recently

is the 62nd sexiest man alive,

which isn't too bad if you think about it.

As soon as I found out that I was actually chosen to do the show,

straight down the gym.

Now, the dancers, Brendan -

coming for you.

I'm actually nervous, but I'm trying to hold it back.

Let's just go! Let's go, let's go, let's go!

Tim Wonnacott's used to finding treasures in Bargain Hunt,

but will he bring any priceless moves to Strictly?

For the last 1,137 Bargain Hunts that I've presented,

every programme finishes with the teams and me

throwing up their right leg

and you could say I have been in training for Strictly for ten years.

Coming on Strictly has every potential

of being an unmitigated disaster.

How am I going to go about it?

I've never done spray-tan stuff,

so am I going to take to it or not?

I rather hope I am.

My formal dancing experience is zero.

I mean, I do disco dancing, I like flinging myself around.

Wow. I may be one of the oldest contestants,

but by gad, I've got some energy.

Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills isn't the only one who's excited

about him taking part this year.

I really want to do Strictly.

It's my mum's favourite show and when I told her,

she didn't believe me at first and then she went, "Oh, Scott..."

HE IMITATES EMOTIONAL GASPING

My friends call me Scott Spills because I am very clumsy.

I can get out of bed and literally fall over.

If anyone falls, it will be me.

I would be silly to say I'm not scared a little bit of Craig,

but then I have interviewed some of the world's biggest divas.

I can cope with Craig.

I'm hoping the Radio 1 family will come out in force.

Grimmy will be like, "Do you get a spray tan every week?

"Obsessed with that."

I like to do things that are completely out of my league,

this the biggest one so far. I can't wait!

As the star of The Only Way Is Essex,

TV presenter Mark Wright was used to being the centre of attention.

I'm kind of used to being on camera

and having cameras following me around and following my life.

However, this is a little bit different -

sequins, spandex, dancing.

Not done that before.

I genuinely cannot dance.

I get called Marky No Moves by my friends and family.

At a party, I'll be the first on the dance floor

and that's where I'm going to take this show.

I'm going to have a laugh, but I want to do well.

There is so many things to be excited about when it comes to Strictly.

I keep moaning about the tight clothes and sequins,

but secretly I can't wait to get 'em on.

Everyone thinks I do, but I've never worn fake tan.

I haven't!

This is the toughest challenge I've ever had.

There's only one thing I can do

and that's go for it.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

And now, all rise - it's Simon Webbe from Blue!

CHEERING Thank you.

You performed in the Christmas special a few years ago.

-You've got a musical background, of course.

-Mm-hmm.

And you have said you're in it to win it.

That's right, but all that experience has gone out the window now.

-Has it?

-Yeah, I'm here.

I'm looking to someone to whip me into shape.

Well, I'm sensing some serious potential here.

Mm-hmm! Are you sure you're quite ready for this?

-Just don't play that music that you play.

-OK.

Cue the grams. The dancer you'll be making sweet music with

is...

-It's Kristina!

-WHOOPING

Yes!

-You see! Happy, happy, happy lady.

-A happy couple.

Happy couple!

Off you go. He wants to go already!

Go and get to know each other.

Simon and Kristina.

-Now, next up...

-Now...

..I'm here with Bargain Hunt's Tim Wonnacott, you dapper chap, you!

WHOOPING AND APPLAUSE

Is it right that you wanted to do this show

because your wife wants you to learn to dance?

We've been married 30 years this year

and I don't dance ballroom with her cos I don't dance ballroom

and she does, so it seemed rather a sweet thing

to try and learn how to dance ballroom.

-AUDIENCE: Aww!

-Very romantic gesture!

-Isn't that lovely?

-Well...

Let's find out the lady who's going to teach you.

I can tell you, Tim, your winning lot is...

It's Natalie!

Wow! Look at that!

Yes!

Gorgeous! Happy?

-Yes!

-Very, very, very happy.

Thoroughly tickled pink.

-Who wouldn't be?

-And I think your wife will be very happy too.

Natalie, going to kick him into shape?

-We're going to have the time of our lives.

-We certainly are.

-Yes.

-LAUGHTER

I think they will too.

Natalie, you've got yourself a bargain. Off you go.

Tim and Natalie.

Thank you very much.

WHOOPING AND APPLAUSE

We now have our final two male celebrities

and two remaining female pros.

So please come on over, Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills.

CHEERING

Come on, Scott.

From spinning tunes to spinning round the dance floor.

It's a big change.

It is. Whoever I get from these two lovely girls,

it's going to be a challenge, but, you know, I hope they're up for it.

Shall we find out who your partner is?

It's either going to be Karen or it's going to be Joanne.

Scott, you will be dancing cheek to cheek with...

It's Joanne!

Oh, I say!

Lovely moves, Scott!

-Now that's what I call a great start.

-I'm so happy.

-Are you ready to face the music with Joanne?

-Yes.

I didn't want to say this before, but I was secretly hoping for Joanne.

Aww, isn't that lovely?

Love a happy ending - off you go, Scott and Joanne.

Go on, upstairs.

WHOOPING AND APPLAUSE

Now welcome presenter and DJ Mark Wright.

-CHEERING

-Come on over, Mark.

Now then, just take a wild guess.

Who do you reckon your partner might be?

Hmm, even being from Essex, I think I can guess.

It's the wonderful Karen.

It's Karen! Come on over, Karen.

His mates call him Marky No Moves.

-Are you going to change that?

-Are you going to change it?

I think so. I hope so.

Yes, she'll change that.

Your mates won't be calling you that any more, Mark,

not when we've finished with you.

Off you go upstairs. Thank you very much.

-Mark and Karen.

-WHOOPING AND APPLAUSE

So now let's chat to the judges.

Craig, all of our male celebrities have now been paired up.

Who are you most looking forward to judging?

I'm dying to see Gregg Wallace dance, darling.

He said some very nasty things to me...

-Oh, no!

-..on Celebrity MasterChef

and I don't know whether I should forgive him.

All right, well, thank you, judges.

Claudia, what's happening where you are?

It's like the end of a school disco up here, Tess -

everybody is coupled up, I am playing gooseberry,

everybody's reaction is totally fabulous.

Simon, everybody thinks you're in a boy band, you've danced a lot,

but basically you've said you can only really do a shoulder shuffle.

Could we just have a look at that?

Show Kristina, blow her mind right here and now.

Uh-huh, uh-huh.

-Is that enough?

-LAUGHTER

Erm, not really.

Good luck, Kristina.

Tim and Natalie, that was the reaction of the night.

-You fell to the floor, Natalie.

-I know! I've wanted you all along.

Me too. It's just been a match made in heaven, I would say.

We've had a great time in rehearsals.

-We just...

-Yeah, it was a good click

-and anything could happen from now on in, couldn't it?

-Yeah.

Yes. Scott, Joanne is the current world champion,

so what are you bringing to the table? She's the queen right now.

-Of everything, of the world.

-I can bring a lot of fun.

-OK, good.

And laughs, probably,

but we genuinely get on and we danced a little bit in the group dance,

which you'll see, so I'm really looking forward to it.

All right, fantastic. Mark, you were the last boy to be paired up.

I assume just total heaven for you.

I am absolutely buzzing.

Every single morning we go in, Karen is just smiling, she's so kind,

and I need someone to not be too harsh to me.

She needs to be quite friendly. AUDIENCE GROANS

OK...

Quite patient with me.

THEY TALK OVER EACH OTHER

I'm going to be the most patient and,

you know...

LAUGHTER

Good luck, all.

Now, all our celebrities are taking to the floor

a little later on for their first ever group dance.

My advice - don't move.

Up next, a musical treat - singing Get Ready...

-And we are ready, aren't we, Tim?

-Roughly.

All right.

I'm ready. ..it's the fabulous Imelda May and Smokey Robinson!

CHEERING

# Never met a guy who makes me feel the way that you do

# You're all right

# Whenever I'm asked who makes my dreams real

# I say that you do

# You're outta sight

# So, fee-fi-fo-fum

# Look out, Smokey, cos here I come

# I'm bringing you a love that's true

# So get ready

# So get ready

# I'm going to try to make you love me too

# So get ready

# So get ready

# Cos here I come

# Get ready, cos here I come

# Out of the way

# Cos here I come

# If you wanna play hide and seek with love

# Let me remind you

# It's all right

# The loving you're going to miss in the time

# It takes to find you

# It's outta sight

# Twiddley-dee, twiddley-dum

# Get down Imelda cos here I come

# I'm bringing you a love that's true

# So get ready

# So get ready

# I'm going to tell 'em that you love me too

# So get ready

# So get ready

# Cos here I come

# Get ready, cos here I come

# I'm on the way

# Yeah-eh, yeah-eh

-# Oh, yeah, yeah

-Well, well, well, oh, well

# Mm-hmm

# Ooh!

# Uh!

# If all my crew do want you too

# I'd understand it

# Be all right

# I hope I get to you before they do

# The way I planned it.

# Be outta sight

# Twiddley-dee, twiddley-dum

# Look out, Smokey, cos here I come

# I'm bringing you a love that's true

# So get ready

# So get ready, yeah

# I'm going to tell them that you love me too

# So get ready

# So get ready, yeah

# I'm bringing you a love that's true

# So get ready

# So get ready

# I'm going to try to make you love me too

# So get ready

# So get ready, cos here I come

# Get ready, cos here I come

-# I'm on the way

-Yeah-eh-yeah

# Oh, oh, oh, oh

-# Ooh, Imelda

-Ooh, yeah, yeah, yeah...

# Ooh, Imelda

# Cos here I come

-# I'm on the way

-Oh, yeah, yeah

# And I'm gonna stay

# Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah

-# I'm gonna stay

-Oh, stay, Smokey, yeah, yeah

-# I'm gonna stay

-Oh, yeah, yeah. #

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Oh, yes!

That was brilliant.

A huge thank you to Imelda May, Smokey Robinson

and our amazing professional dancers.

Now, let's get ready to meet our final four leading ladies.

It's Alison Hammond, Judy Murray,

Sunetra Sarker and Frankie Bridge.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Showbiz reporter Alison Hammond surrounds herself with stars

and glitter on a daily basis.

So, my job on This Morning is to interview loads of celebrities.

And I just love it.

We haven't even started

and I'm already loving being in the Strictly bubble.

I think Lisa Riley was an absolute inspiration to bigger women.

She went out there, she was good, she could move.

I just thought, you know what? I COULD do that.

I am going to bust some shapes on that dance floor!

You can feel it already, can't you? You know it!

I'm really looking forward to the glitter. I just love glitter!

As much glitter as possible.

I want glitter all over my clothes, I want glitter all over my face!

Ha-ha-ha! I do!

I just want to be glitteratied!

As proud Mum to Wimbledon champions Andy and Jamie,

tennis coach Judy Murray is swapping the tennis ball

for the glitter ball.

I've been coaching tennis for 25 years.

Watching the boys competing, it's a mixture of feeling sick

and having a heart attack all at the same time.

When I told them that I was going to do a Strictly, Jamie said,

"Mum you can't dance. I've never seen you dance."

Andy said, "You're going to be terrible."

That's boys for you.

I actually think they're going to be mortified!

There are still a lot of people out there who just see me as that

over-competitive, bossy mother pumping my fist or bearing my teeth.

Strictly is a huge opportunity to show people the softer,

maybe more feminine, fun side of me.

That's going to be a great big challenge.

And I like a challenge.

Sunetra Sarker has played a doctor on Casualty

for the last seven years,

so has she picked up any tips to help in a Strictly emergency?

I'd be happy to help if I can.

I can check your pulse, I can get you into the recovery position,

but if you break your ankle, you're on your own.

I always felt that I got my lucky break

when I was spotted by a casting director from Brookside.

I would never have believed that

I'd have ended up here, not on the Strictly dance floor.

I can feel my heart beating every time I think about it.

So, my mum's an Indian dancer.

Between the ages of about six to 12,

Mum would rope me into every dance production she ever did.

As soon as I had the opportunity to say no, I did.

I suppose I regret it a little bit now because I'd love to dance.

When I told Noah, my nine-year-old, about Strictly,

he was immediately, "Yes, you have to do it, you have to do it."

So I ended up going, "Well, if you're sure!"

So, Noah, this is for you.

Chart-topper Frankie Bridge isn't just busy on Saturdays,

she's busy every day.

So, this year I've had a baby, I got married, I'm doing Strictly

and then I'm going on tour with The Saturdays.

I don't like to do things by halves.

When I was about 12,

I actually was in a pop group called S Club Juniors.

For other people, you can hide all your bad pictures of yourself

when you're a kid, whereas mine's all on the internet for everyone to see!

Strictly dancing is completely different to anything

I do in The Saturdays.

It's going to be really difficult

having to think about being upright and are my fingers out right.

So, Len, I want you on my side.

I'm semi-competitive.

I'd like to do well.

I'm not about to get the elbows out or start tripping people up.

I'm so excited to be here.

It's something I've always wanted to do, so bring on the glitter.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

So, we're left with four girls and four boys, but who will get who?

-Please welcome This Morning reporter Alison Hammond!

-Hello!

CHEERING

-Hello, love!

-I'm so excited!

I was going to say,

-you are probably the most excited person in this entire studio!

-I am.

-I'm just...I can't wait. I just want to know who it is now.

-Let's do it.

-Do it!

-We're ready. OK, Alison...

-Yes?

-You will be waltzing off with...

-Can you bear it any more?

-No.

-Shall I tell you?

-Who is it?

-It's Aljaz!

-ALISON SCREAMS

Ali!

-It's Ali and Ali!

-It had to be.

-Oh!

-Are you a happy lady?

-I'm so excited!

-And a happy chap?

-Let us get started...

-I'm going to lift you up!

She's got him! It's a beautiful pairing. Off you two go.

Go and get to know each other. Alison and Aljaz.

Ali and Ali!

-Ya-ay!

-Love it!

-Waa!

-Woo-hoo!

Please welcome tennis coach Judy Murray!

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Judy, just set the scene for me. At home, you've got a mantelpiece.

You've got all your boys' trophies, the big Wimbledon ones there.