Strictly Come Dancing's reigning champions Aliona Vilani and Jay McGuiness returned on Saturday night to show the new 2016 contestants exactly what it takes to win the coveted glitter ball trophy. The 2015 winners gave a flawless performance of their Pulp Fiction jive - the dance that earned them the first 10 of their series. They then stopped for a chat with hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman to reminisce about their time on Strictly, with Wanted musician Jay describing their return as a "really nice groundhog day".
He also had some words of advice for this year's celebrities. "Support each other," he said. "Root for one another when you watch each other and enjoy it. I remember Caroline Flack said you won't experience anything like it again - and she was right."
© Photo: InstagramAliona Vilani and Jay McGuiness were the 2015 Strictly Come Dancing winners
It was a bittersweet appearance for Aliona; this marks the first series in seven years that she won't be competing in. "I've had an amazing seven years," she reflected. "Jay helped me raise the glitter ball a second time. I'll miss it, but good luck to everyone - I'm sure it will be an amazing series."
Saturday night's launch show saw the contestants paired up with their professional dancers, and they now have three weeks to go away and practice their first dance - the jive. It's safe to say that some of the celebs are a little nervous!
Aliona's appearance on the show was bittersweet as she is not competing this year
"It's not the waltz, it's not going to be slow and elegant - it's a jive," actress Lesley Joseph told the Radio Times. "We're being flung in the deep end!"
Laura Whitmore echoed her shock. "It's mentally exhausting and a lot to think about," she said. "I'm even dreaming of the routine. In my head I'm doing it."
Model Daisy Lowe revealed: "I've already slipped over doing it and been late for every queue in rehearsal…Apparently [the jive] is the hardest one. It is a two-and-a-half-minute routine and we're really going for it. But at least there are lots of other people to hide behind on this one."
Louise Redknapp, meanwhile, added: "In your mind you're doing it brilliantly, but in reality you're missing it and doing the wrong dance! It's quite fast and pacy."
