John Neills and Katya took an early lead on the Strictly Come Dancing leaderboard after the first night of the new series, finishing with 31 points.
All 15 celebrity couples danced for the first time, impressing judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Anton Du Beke and Motsi Mabuse. Content creator John Neills and Katya finished two points clear of their nearest rivals.
Top five and notable performances
Australian singer Delta Goodrem and Kai ended the night on 29 points after closing the show. EastEnders actress Lacey Turner and Vito secured 27 points for third place, while Bethany and Nancy sit fourth with 26 points. Graeme and Lauren round out the top five on 24.
Welsh viewers had a notable moment when Melanie Walters, known for playing Gwen in Gavin & Stacey, danced with Aljaž. Their routine featured a love-heart-shaped omelette, a nod to her famous character. Melanie and Aljaž finished on 15 points, joint-bottom of the leaderboard.
Mid-table ties and bottom of the board
Tabby and Mark and Dani and Nikita are level on 22 points, with Jaime and Carlos one point behind on 21. Lawrence and Jowita and Cach and Maddie both scored 20 points. Will Best and Dianne, who opened the show, sit 11th on 18 points, followed by Chris and Amy on 16.
At the foot of the leaderboard, Sarah and Julian, Shaun and Alexis and Melanie and Aljaž are all on 15 points. There is no elimination in the first week, giving the couples breathing space before their next chance to impress the judges.
Leaderboard in full
- John and Katya – 31
- Delta and Kai – 29
- Lacey and Vito – 27
- Bethany and Nancy – 26
- Graeme and Lauren – 24
- Tabby and Mark – 22
- Dani and Nikita – 22
- Jaime and Carlos – 21
- Lawrence and Jowita – 20
- Cach and Maddie – 20
- Will and Dianne – 18
- Chris and Amy – 16
- Sarah and Julian – 15
- Shaun and Alexis – 15
- Melanie and Aljaž – 15
Delta and Kai are only two points behind the leaders, while Lacey and Vito are four points off the top. With another opportunity to dance still to come, the battle at both ends of the leaderboard is only just getting started.
