Strictly Come Dancing paid a moving tribute to former judge Len Goodman during Saturday’s launch show.
Earlier this year, Strictly icon Len died of bone cancer at age 78 in a hospice in Royal Tunbridge Wells.
As well as revealing who the 15 celebrities were paired with, the show opened with a dramatic performance from the professional dancers, who also performed alongside the judges in an eye-catching routine.
The launch show also included a beautiful tribute to the late Len Goodman, in which hosts Tess Daly, Claudia Winkleman, the judges, and professional dancers took a moment to remember his legacy.
Fans also took to Twitter, with some admitting to shedding a tear over the Len tribute.
@magso5 wrote: “Len. Gone but not forgotten.”
@allssfc72 tweeted: “It’s not even week 1 and I’m blubbing already. Lovely tribute to Len Goodman. Saturday nights sorted for the next few months.” (sic)
@xxx_colleen said: “The shows not even started properly and my heart is broken after the tribute to Len Goodman #Strictly.” (sic)
SeanieQuigley27 added: “Len will always be a part of the #Strictly family and he will never ever be forgotten especially saying Se-VEN! I bet he will be watching this series proudly from heaven .” (sic)
“Crying during the very first show is a new record. Such a lovely tribute to one of the best, our Len,” @chloemorley_xo stated.
Next weekend, the show will really heat up as the celebrities will have to fight for a place in the competition.
Next Sunday, the first elimination will take place, meaning one pair will be booted from the show.
The two couples with the lowest amount of votes will have to perform in the dance-off.
It will then be up to the judges to decide who will stay and who will go.
If there is a tie-breaker situation, it will be up to head judge Shirley Ballas to make the casting vote.
Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday at 6.15pm on BBC One.
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