The battle of the sequins got underway as the stars of Strictly ditched their day wear and glammed up for the show's launch night.Hours after the celebrity line-up was finally revealed, the contestants made their hotly anticipated first appearance, dressed to the nines in fabulous Strictly fashion.
Leading the glamorous ladies was model Abbey Clancy who shimmered in a sequined dress complete with a blue feather fringe. Sophie Ellis-Bexter looked stunning in her sparkling silk frock, while Countdown star Rachel Riley was dressed to impress in a plunging white halterneck.
Dragon's Den star Deborah Meaden and news presenter Susanna Reid swapped formal daywear for fun frocks, while Natalie Gumede and Fiona Fullerton looked glamorous in metallic fringed dresses. Vanessa Feltz shone in a striking white and yellow number, complete with sparkling appliqué.
The men were no less impressive. Rugby star Ben Cohen, actors Ashley Taylor Dawson, Mark Benton and Patrick Robinson, Hairy Bikers Dave Myers, fashion designer Julian Macdonald, and golf champion Tony Jacklin all looked suave and sophisticated as they arrived for the Strictly launch.
Suited and booted, Bruce Tolioni and Len Goodman were in good spirits as they reunited at the BBC event with their fellow judge Darcey Bussell, who shimmered in a full-length metallic dress.
Sir Bruce Forsyth was his usual dapper self in a classic tuxedo, while his presenting partner Tess Daly looked stunning in a striking gold and black gown.
The professional dancers were also out in force, from newcomers like Anya Garnis, to fan favourites Pasha Kovalev, Kristina Rihanoff and Ola Jordan.
The first episode of Strictly will air on Saturday 7 September, with the live shows beginning after a few weeks of rehearsal.
Who will you be cheering on in the new series of Strictly? Let us know your thoughts in the comments box below.
