Strictly returnee: Former Strictly contest victor reappears on the show to dance with Dianne Buswell for launch event
The much-anticipated launch show of Strictly Come Dancing 2021 saw the unveiling of an exciting array of celebrities ready to take to the dance floor. Amongst the participants, comedian Chris McCausland, who won the competition last year alongside his professional partner Dianne Buswell, reprised their BAFTA-winning waltz.
Chris, a native of Liverpool, was joined by a diverse group of contestants, including former Premier League football striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, known TV personality Alex Kingston, and Neighbours legend Stefan Dennis. Another notable name is Dani Dyer, who rose to fame as the winner of Love Island in 2018.
Ellie Goldstein, a Vogue cover model and known for CBBC, made history as the first contestant with Down syndrome to take part in a full Strictly series. Balvinder Sopal, known for her role as Walford matriarch Suki Panesar on EastEnders, and Chris Robshaw, former England rugby captain, also joined the lineup.
Ross King revealed his Strictly Come Dancing participation live on Lorraine, while Lewis Cope replaced originally announced Kristian Nairn in this year's series. Karen Carney was one of the last stars confirmed for the show.
The celebrity and pro pairings were announced for the first time in the launch show, with Chris McCausland partnered with Dianne Buswell once again. The duo's emotional waltz performance, set to the song "You'll Never Walk Alone" by Gerry and the Pacemakers, was poignant and well-received by fans, with many praising their performance.
Their waltz performance won the BAFTA TV Award for P&O Cruises Memorable Moment in May 2021, and Dianne Buswell thanked everyone who voted for Chris and her in her acceptance speech.
Strictly Come Dancing also welcomed a few surprises, with La Voix, a drag performer who finished as runner-up on Ru Paul's Drag Race, and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, known as "Nitro" from the BBC's Gladiators reboot and a former Team GB sprinter, already showing off their moves on the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special.
Vicky Pattison, a reality TV legend, is following in her pal Pete Wicks' footsteps to the Strictly Come Dancing dance floor, adding another exciting element to this year's competition. As the series unfolds, fans can expect a thrilling journey filled with passion, determination, and, of course, dance.
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