Strictly Come Dancing professional Lauren Oakley has sent a defiant message after her and Graeme Hall's first performance on the 2026 series surprised fans.
The dancer, announced earlier this year as one of the BBC One show's returning pros, was paired with the dog training expert during the pre-recorded launch show in September. Graeme, nicknamed "the Dog Father," has hosted Channel 5's Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly since 2019 and also fronts The Dog Hospital with Graeme Hall on the same channel. He regularly appears on ITV's This Morning and BBC Radio, and has written several books on dog training and canine behaviour.
First Live Performance
During the first live show of Strictly's 2026 series on Saturday, September 26, all 15 new celebrities and their pro partners performed a full routine in front of the judges for the first time. New hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe were at the helm.
Graeme and Lauren danced the cha cha to Hound Dog (Smokey Joe's Cafe version) and received 24 points out of a possible 40 from judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke.
Lauren's TikTok Response
Taking to TikTok, Lauren shared a video of herself in the back of a car mouthing to a sound in which a woman said: "I did it myself!" Across the screen was a picture of her and Graeme in action, with the message: "What can I say, I get a kick out of disproving stereotypes."
She captioned the post: "Ooooh it feels so good. #strictly #strictlycomedancing #teamunderdog," to which Graeme replied: "Go you, partner! Team underdog."
Fan Reactions
Fans were quick to respond with support. One said: "Already my fave. I don’t want to stereotype at all but I fear we may have a Bill Bailey on our hands." Another commented: "We were cheering the whole way through for you guys!!!" A third shared: "I knew you'd get a good dance out of him! FABULOUS!" A fourth gushed: "You are insane girl!! no one should ever doubt you bcos as always you prove them wrong!! thats my girl, so proud." Another fan added: "You were both incredible!! Never doubt Lauren Oakley."
