Strictly Come Dancing Judges Return for First Live Show with 15 Contestants

The 23rd series of Strictly Come Dancing has kicked off with its first live show, featuring 15 celebrity contestants paired with professional dancers. The judges—Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke—dressed in costumes representing different decades, with Du Beke channeling the 1970s, Ballas the 1980s, and Mabuse the 1990s, even dancing on the floor themselves. Former Love Island winner Amber Davies replaced Dani Dyer-Bowen, who withdrew after fracturing her ankle during rehearsals, and will partner with Nikita Kuzmin. The first live show is notable for no eliminations, giving contestants extra time to showcase their skills. This series maintains familiar faces with the same hosts and judges returning, and highlights the intense training and excitement surrounding the competition. The show airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.