Strictly Come Dancing judges predict winner after week 1

Could we have our Strictly Come Dancing winners for 2025 already lined up? <i>(Image: Guy Levy/BBC/PA)</i>
Could we have our Strictly Come Dancing winners for 2025 already lined up? (Image: Guy Levy/BBC/PA)
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.

The Strictly Come Dancing judges have hinted at a potential 2025 winner after just the first live show.

The 15 new celebrities, along with their professional dance partners, performed live in front of the judges for the first time this series on Saturday (September 27).

Saturday's live show opened with a performance from the Strictly judges - Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas - and the professionals.

Former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw and his partner Nadiya Byckova then became the first celebrity pair to take to the floor, performing a Samba to Unbelievable by EMF.


Strictly Come Dancing full line-up 2025


Strictly judges predict "ballroom king" after "impressive" dance

But it was Neighbours star Stefan Dennis who really "impressed" the judges, with Motsi Mabusi even labelling him the potential "ballroom king" for series 23.

Dennis danced a Foxtrot to the Neighbours Theme by Barry Crocker with his partner Dianne Buswell, who earlier this week announced she was expecting her first baby with partner Joe Sugg (whom she was coupled with on Strictly in 2018).

Following the dance, Mabuse said: "I'm actually impressed, for the first week, how much control you had on your standing leg. The ability to shift weight is really incredible.

"And this is the dance I love to see when I watch a couple, I can read the timing.

"I'm at ease, that means you guys are good. You've got everything under control, it's calm, it's collected, it was smooth, I think we have a ballroom king on our way."

Head judge Shirley Ballas also said she was "impressed" by Dennis' routine, labelling it the "best performance so far".

Dennis and Buswell went on to score 22, which was the highest score of the night at that point.


Every Strictly Come Dancing winner (2004-2024)


Viewers also took a liking to the pair's performance.

One person, posting on Reddit group r/strictlycomedancing , said: "Oohh Stefan got a little spring in his step in the beginning.

"Awful song choice, but a good start for the Aussies."

Another added: "Lovely start for Stefan!"


RECOMMENDED READING:


While a third person echoed Mabuse's assessment, posting: "A Ballroom KING."

Over on Instagram, this viewer commented: "Everything I expected and more."

With another fan saying: "My favourite tonight."

Get involved
with the news

Send your news & photos