First live show of new Strictly series saw peak of five million viewers

The first live show of the new Strictly Come Dancing series attracted a peak of five million viewers, the BBC has said.

Over the course of the two-and-a-half-hour programme, an average of 4.8 million viewers tuned in to watch on BBC One as the latest batch of stars performed on the dancefloor with their professional partners live for the first time.

It also marked the first live show for new presenters Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe, who took over from Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.

Josh Widdicombe, Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe are the new hosts of Strictly (Guy Levy/BBC/PA)

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A Strictly spokesperson said: “Strictly was the most watched programme of the night, with a peak of five million viewers.

“As ever, overnight ratings do not give the full picture of all those who watch in an on-demand world.”

It follows on from last week’s launch episode which had a peak of 5.8 million viewers and an average of 5.3 million.

Saturday’s episode of Strictly is currently number one on the iPlayer’s most popular chart.

It saw social media star John Nellis top the Strictly leader board with his partner Katya Jones as they wowed the judges with a foxtrot to Alex Warren’s Ordinary.

John Nellis and Katya Jones impressed with their foxtrot(Guy Levy/BBC/PA)

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The judges gave the routine 31 points, with Motsi Mabuse and Shirley Ballas praising the routine as being “the best dance of the night” and Craig Revel Horwood saying it was “classy, elegant and graceful”.

Following behind was Australian singer Delta Goodrem and Kai Widdrington, who scored 29 points for their Samba to Baiana by Barbatuques.

The episode ended in a three-way tie for last place with a score of 15 points.

Among them was Gavin And Stacey actress Melanie Walters and Aljaz Skorjanec, who performed a cha cha to Don’t Go Breaking My Heart by Sir Elton John and Kiki Dee.

Melanie Walters and Aljaz Skorjanec found themselves at the bottom of the leader board (Guy Levy/BBC/PA)

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They were joined by ex-footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips and Alexis Warr, who performed a cha cha to Lil Boo Thang by Paul Russell, and Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey and Julian Caillon after their quickstep to C’est Magnifique by Kay Starr.

The new hosts split presenting responsibilities with Willis and Widdicombe by the judges’ table while Radebe welcomed the dancers on the balcony ahead of the score reveal.

The first show did not include a public vote or elimination.

Strictly Come Dancing will return on BBC One on Saturday for movie week.