BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans spot Sarah Hadland's surprise nod to Miranda

Strictly Come Dancing viewers were quick to spot a nod in Sarah Hadland's first routine to her sitcom role from Miranda amid her partnership with Vito Coppola prompting praise

A nod to Miranda was spotted by Strictly Come Dancing in Sarah Hadland's first routine with Vito Coppola.

The actress and the professional dancer were among the couples who performed on the BBC dance show as it officially kicked off with the first week of competition on Saturday night. It marked the first time that viewers got to see the new batch of celebrities and their professional dance partners perform together after the pre-recorded launch show, where they were paired up for the first time last weekend.

All eyes were on the first performances, with Sarah and reigning champion Vito scoring 30 points for their dance to Dolly Parton's 9 To 5. Strictly co-host Claudia Winkleman announced that this was the highest score a quickstep had received in the first week, leaving the new duo stunned, as reported by the Manchester Evening News. Head judge Shirley Ballas praised Sarah for her "great frame" and "great footwork", while Craig Revel Horwood simply said: "Fantastic!"

Some Strictly fans spotted a nod to Sarah's sitcom role when the actor and Vito performed their routine set in a joke shop. Those familiar with Sarah's character Stevie in the comedy Miranda will know that the Joke Shop is a boutique owned by Miranda (played by Miranda Hart) and managed by her best friend Stevie.

Viewers reacted on social media, with some expressing excitement over the reference to the BBC sitcom. One person exclaimed: "The joke shop. The Miranda fans won tonight." Another fan remarked: "Sarah having her first routine set in a joke shop. Miranda fans unite." Similarly, one fan celebrated the setting, saying: "The fact she's in a joke shop for week 1 is just brilliant."

More tweets poured in with another person writing in a post: "Got far too excited when I saw Sarah Hadland dancing in a joke shop." In a nostalgic nod to the show, one fan said: "Sarah Hadland remaking the Miranda joke shop, Stevie is back." Someone commented emotionally: "Sarah's dance in a joke shop brought tears to my Miranda fan eyes."

Additionally, there's now speculation that Vito could achieve the same consecutive victory feat that former pro Oti Mabuse once did on Strictly. One viewer speculated: "Vito could be about to do an Oti Mabuse this year and win 2 series in a row." Enthusiasm for Vito continued with someone pointing out: "Vito really could get another win with Sarah, what a lucky pro."

Optimism for Vito's performance with his celebrity partner was echoed by another fan who wrote: "Vito's going to win again. Partnership with Sarah made in Heaven." And in a bold declaration of early favourites, one viewer enthused: "I HAVE MY WINNERS. Sarah and Vito, oh my god WOW. I couldn't remove my eyes, I've never felt this alive by a week one dance since Bill Bailey."

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