Joy takes lead as new series of Strictly waltzes onto our screens

Bring on the tans and the tangos, the sequins and the sambas, Strictly Come Dancing is back.

- Jennifer Cartwright on Strictly Come Dancing

Ballroom and Latin dancing once more has its well-deserved space to shine on primetime TV, as celebrities compete for the iconic Glitterball Trophy. Saturday nights have just got a whole lot more sparkly.

It is impossible to talk about the new series of Strictly without acknowledging the recent scandals that have somewhat stained the show.

Allegations of affairs, offensive comments and criminal behaviour against various past and present Strictly stars have dominated the headlines and even though responsibility for these actions lies with individuals rather than the whole production team, the show's reputation has been tainted. It's been easy to forget why it was enjoyable in the first place.

However, the first live show proved that the magic is not completely lost. For two hours and 30 minutes, the BBC offered a fun-filled showcase of dance, music, and pure glee.

There were jives that made you out of breath just by watching and waltzes that made you almost shed a tear or two. Even with two celebrities pulling out on medical advice, the casting team did a phenomenal job finding replacements,