![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/79\/590x\/secondary\/4964788.jpg?r=1695196149120\")
<\/p>\nThe 21st series of Strictly Come Dancing has kicked off with a dazzling launch show, with a cast of new celebrity faces taking to the ballroom floor in a bid to lift the coveted Glitterball trophy.<\/p>\n
Hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are also back, along with judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke.<\/p>\n
All 15 contestants have been paired up with their professional partners, but one or two favourites missed out on securing a regular spot in this year’s run.<\/p>\n
The launch show opened with a dramatic performance from the professional dancers and a ‘cringe’ judges dance, and also included a beautiful tribute to the late Len Goodman.<\/p>\n
We’ve rounded up everything you need to know about what happened during week one, such as who has been snubbed and why viewers were “switching off” within minutes.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
One notable absentee who has missed out on a celebrity partner is Ukrainian dancer Nadiya Bychkova.<\/p>\n
She was partnered with Matt Goss last year and is currently in a relationship with fellow professional Kai Widdrington. She said on Instagram that she was “disappointed” but will be “supporting her fellow pros”.<\/p>\n
Another dancer who was left out of this year’s series is Neil Jones. Despite having joined Strictly seven years ago, the 41-year-old has only ever been partnered with a celebrity twice.<\/p>\n
Both Neil and Nadiya will be part of the larger group dances during the series.<\/p>\n
Don’t miss… <\/strong> We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n Many Strictly followers were left gobsmacked when broadcaster Angela Rippon showed off her age-defying appearance.<\/p>\n The 78-year-old dazzled in a gold dress, leaving one fan typing on Twitter: “#AngelaRippon and those legs on #StrictlyComeDancing are a winning combination for me.”<\/p>\n A second fan commented: “Angela Rippon looks AMAZING!!!!” Whilst a third gushed: “Angela Rippon is so beautiful and elegant. Looking forward to seeing her waltz.”<\/p>\n Strictly viewers who tuned in also raised their concerns that Les Dennis will be the first celebrity to be eliminated.<\/p>\n The comedian, who has been partnered up with Nancy Xu, took to the dancefloor during the show’s launch and has left many believing he will experience an “early exit.”<\/p>\n One person on Twitter penned: “Les Dennis, I fear he may be the runt of the litter #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing.” A second typed: “Worry for Les Dennis, I really do… #Strictly.”<\/p>\n Numerous Strictly fans united in agreement that one thing forced them to “switch off” after just a few minutes.<\/p>\n Many BBC fans were apparently “fed up”\u00a0with the “canned” laughter from the audience.<\/p>\n On social media, one fan typed: “Why does it sound like they have canned laughter in the background #Strictly.”<\/p>\n A second chimed in: “What’s wrong with the crowd noise on #strictly sounds like they are mixing in canned laughter.”<\/p>\n
Ken Bruce blames being \u2018too involved in work\u2019 for the collapse of two marriages[LATEST] <\/strong>
Vanessa Feltz on Strictly: Let’s bask in the joy of Angela Rippon[COMMENT] <\/strong>
Real-life Strictly couple are \u2018all over each other\u2019 during filming[INSIGHT] <\/strong><\/p>\nAngela Rippon leaves viewers distracted<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/79\/590x\/secondary\/4965414.jpg?r=1695196149174\")
<\/p>\nLes leaves many worried<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/79\/590x\/secondary\/4965418.jpg?r=1695196149257\")
<\/p>\nViewers “switch off”<\/strong><\/h3>\n