Strictly Come Dancing 2024: Fans quick to criticise new series' opening minutes

Strictly Come Dancing is back on our screens for the first live show of the series and fans of the BBC hit dancing competition were not impressed with one aspect of the show

Strictly Come Dancing returned with a bang, yet it took mere moments for the first grumble about the brand new 2024 series to emerge. The 2024 series' inaugural live show began following the launch episode last week where the celebrity and professional partnerships were revealed.

Presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman resumed their roles, ushering viewers through the festivities as 15 fresh pairings set out to impress on the dance floor and vie for the coveted Glitterball trophy. However, prior to the commencement of the first live show of the season, a pre-recorded clip showcasing the contestants making their way to Elstree Studios was shown.

The curtain-raiser featured JB Gill stepping off stage, Pete Wicks leaving his podcast recording, and Shayne Ward receiving a spray tan, reports the Mirror. Nonetheless, the show's opening failed to bowl over some Strictly fans, who aired their opinions on social media. One viewer lamented online: "#Strictly I wish they would stop filling the time with we don't need to see all this. Stop wasting time.."

Another commented: "#Strictly that intro was weird." Whereas another expressed delight: "The opening credits going for a comedy feel this year, I love it! #Strictly."

Someone else proclaimed: "These intros are giving big brother vibes #Strictly", and a different viewer missed previous traditions: "#SCD Missing the old orchestra intro music. #Strictly."

As the live show kicks off, here is everything you need to know including the full list of songs and dance routines for the opening week of Strictly.

Audiences will have the opportunity to participate when the lines open in week two next Saturday (September 28), and the first elimination of the series will be broadcast the following night (Sunday, September 29). Tonight's excitement will commence at 7pm on BBC One, however, there will be no results show this weekend.