Strictly Come Dancing fans were left buzzing as a famous English footballer was spotted showing his support just moments into Movie Week.
The evening began with a pre-recorded segment which was a spoof of Top Gear. As fans of the Tom Cruise classic will recall, both entries in the franchise contained many sequences where the rookies were gathered in a room to receive intel on their next mission.
Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe gave the 15 contestants before introducing Josh Widdicombe. Josh informed them that it was the first time every star has got to be in a theme week and to take it seriously before taking a comedic puff of his inhaler.
Movie Week kicks off with Zootopia-inspired performance
Following a performance inspired by Zootopia from the pro dancers, the 15 contestants were introduced as Josh teased a 'blockbuster night'. Johannes noted that 'they're all determined to get five stars from you' and avoid being eliminated.
The first pair to compete was former Love Island star Dani Dyer, who is taking part on Strictly for the second time after pulling out following the launch show last year due to injury, and Nikita Kuzmin. Once again paired with Nikita, they're looking to follow in Amber Davies footsteps, who reached the final after replacing Dani.
Dancing the Foxtrot to Beauty and the Beast from Beauty and the Beast, Dani wore a yellow dress like Belle as Nikita wore make up and horns to transform into the titular beast.
Jarrod Bowen spotted in the audience
Prior to their dance, Dani's husband and West Ham footballer Jarrod Bowen was spotted in the crowd. Wearing a black blazer and white tee, Jarrod was seen giving them a round of applause in a show of support.
During Dani's VT, Nikita came over to their home to enjoy a night in with her and Jarrod's children, twin daughters, Star and Summer. Jarrod is also a stepfather to her older son, Santiago.
Once it came time to have some fun with make-up, Jarrod joked that it was his time to leave their princess party. Completing the evening was an assortment of treats to enjoy, including cupcakes and pretzels.
Fans react to the cameo
Following their routine, Dani and Nikita received a sixes from Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke. With Shirley Ballas giving them a five, they walked away with a score of 23.
However, most fans couldn't get over seeing Jarrod in the crowd. Viewers took to X, previously known as Twitter, to have their say on the cameo, with some noting Jarrod looked a tad out of his element.
@soupforro said: "jarrod bowen in the strictly crowd awww." @jessiehxsking added: "Jarrod Bowen there to support Dani Dyer."
@spaceybuffy wrote: "JARROD BOWEN SIGHTING IN THE STRICTLY AUDIENCE #strictly." @BosettKay joked: "#Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing Jarold Bowen, has never looked so uncomfortable." @fansvfavourites stated: "Jarrod Bowen already wants to go home."
Jarrod and Dani tied the knot in May last year in a Bridgerton-style wedding ceremony in Buckinghamshire. Talking about how they first met, Dani previously shared: "I've never really spoken about this. I moved into the house I was in with Santi and he was only a few months old.
"It was a really small, cute little neighbourhood. I loved that house. People were like 'oh, Jarrod Bowen lives next door' but I didn't follow football at the time, just wasn't interested in football.
"Then he knocked on my door a couple of times because my parcels went there. I remember the first time I opened the door... you know what it's like, slicked-back hair... and I opened the door and I didn't know this is Jarrod Bowen and he was hot. Blue eyes, blonde hair, a bit of me."
