Strictly Come Dancing returned to screens on Saturday and the launch show was full of glitz and glamour - but things got awkward for EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick.
The dazzling BBC One series launched its 20th season on Saturday (September 14), with familiar hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman returning to introduce a new group of 15 celebrities eager to shine on the dance floor during the pre-recorded opening show.
Celebrities such as JB Gill, Tasha Ghouri, and Nick Knowles have all joined the fray, hoping to impress and secure a place in the final to win the coveted Glitterball trophy.
Resuming their roles, judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke are present to deliver their initial judgements on the celebrity and professional partnerships. The show also celebrates the return of beloved professional dancer Amy Dowden after her brave battle with breast cancer.
However, an uncomfortable moment ensued when Jamie, known for his role on EastEnders, was playfully accused of cheating due to his victory in last year's Strictly Christmas special, reports the Mirror.
During the exchange, host Tess said to Jamie: "Jamie you had a taste of Strictly last Christmas," which prompted his fellow cast member Wynne Evans to jokingly interject with "Cheat! " followed by a cough. The comment incited fits of laughter from those in the studio as an embarrassed Jamie glanced around and Tess swiftly tried to change the subject.
Wynne's 'dig' was quickly noticed by fans at home. Writing on X: "Me and my mum are dying of laughter when Wynne saying "cheat" when Jamie was talking." Someone else added: "Jamie getting the 'cheat' card [along with Shayne and JB surely?"
Elsewhere on the first Strictly episode, fans were not too impressed minutes in, with plenty criticising the pre-recorded opening video. The intro featured the professional dancers and hosts showcasing their moves on a party bus - but it left some viewers at home feeling embarrassed.
On X, one fan wrote, "All this is so cringe." Another added, "#Strictly The dreadful acting is making me cringe big time! " A third person said, "Nah sorry the intro is naff! ." A fourth social media user said, "Well this intro is crap."
Nevertheless, some fans were thrilled to see the show return: "Oh this intro sketch is so camp i'm a bit obsessed." Someone else agreed: "Love the opening so glad Strictly is back."
Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday, September 21 on BBC One
Jamie Borthwick's Previous Strictly Experience
Jamie Borthwick's stint on Strictly Come Dancing marks his return to the BBC show after he competed in the Christmas Special last year, being crowned champion alongside professional dancer Nancy Xu.
Jamie Borthwick's EastEnders Role
Jamie rose to fame for his portrayal as Jay Brown/Mitchell in EastEnders, which he has starred in since 2006, and is now one of the longest serving actors on the show.
In 2008 his role in EastEnders earned him a British Soap Award for Best Dramatic Performance from a Young Actor, he then went on to win Best Actor at the Inside Soap Awards in 2023.
Jamie Borthwick's Thoughts on Strictly Come Dancing
Jamie had nothing but good things to say about Strictly as he praised the show ahead of the start of the 20th anniversary series
The EastEnders actor, 30, is due to take part in the latest line up after previously winning the Christmas special with partner Nancy Xu back in 2023.
And as the soap star prepares for the live shows he confirmed he is getting along with his new partner despite 'aching in places he didn't know he could'.
Speaking to MailOnline at the National Television Awards on Wednesday Jamie gushed that the show is 'magic' as he confessed: I'm really enjoying it so far. I 'm aching in places I didn't know I could.
'Strictly's magic. It's a magical show, and it brings a lot of happiness to people, and I'm just happy to be part of it.'
Jamie Borthwick Addresses Controversy Surrounding Strictly Come Dancing
It has been a year of scandal for the show with the results of the BBC's internal investigation into allegations against Giovanni Pernice due any day now.
Commenting on the controversy, Jamie added: 'I wasn't there at that time. I can only speak from when I've been there and it's been an absolutely fantastic place to be.
'I did the Christmas show, and it was absolutely fantastic and it was that it was the environment that made me want to go back for the series.
'So absolutely not a bad word at all.'
Jamie Borthwick's Take on the 'Cheat' Accusations
While Jamie may have won the Christmas special with his 40 point quickstep, he insisted his festive taster does not give him an advantage over the other contestants.
He joked: 'It's gonna be good w hen I go on and I'm not really great. Everyone will see that this whole advantage thing is not actually real. We're all on a level playing field now.'
2024 Strictly Come Dancing Couples
The full line-up of celebrities and professional dancers competing in the 20th series of Strictly Come Dancing is as follows:
- Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell
- JB Gill and Amy Dowden MBE
- Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk
- Paul Merson and Karen Hauer
- Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystał
- Sam Quek MBE and Nikita Kuzmin
- Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola
- Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones
- Punam Krishan and Gorka Márquez
- Wynne Evans and Katya Jones
- Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec
- Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas
- Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe
- Tom Dean MBE and Nadiya Bychkova
- Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu
Strictly Come Dancing: A Return to the Dance Floor
The first episode of Strictly Come Dancing marked a triumphant return for the popular show, and with such a diverse and entertaining cast, it's sure to be a sizzling season. From the light-hearted banter to the dazzling dance routines, fans are in for a treat. Don't miss out on the exciting journey ahead!
