Strictly Come Dancing 2018's pairings revealed
During last night’s launch show (September 8), the pairings for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing were revealed to the nation.
Before the couples were announced, we were treated to a spectacular dance routine from this year’s professional dancers, accompanied by Nile Rodgers and Chic. The dance also featured an appearance from hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, as well as the judges: Craig Revel Horwood, Dame Darcey Bussell, Shirley Ballas, and Bruno Tonioli.
Next came the moment we’ve all been waiting for – the coupling up of the celebrities and dance professionals. Here’s who will be dancing with who on Strictly Come Dancing 2018:
Kate Silverton and Aljaž Skorjanec
Newsreader Kate Silverton was the first to find out who her dance partner will be. It’s safe to say that Aljaž seemed over the moon by his new partner!
BREAKING: @Katesilverton1's #Strictly partner is the one and only @AljazSkorjanec ????
— BBC Strictly ? (@bbcstrictly) September 8, 2018
Vick Hope and Graziano Di Prima
Capital FM Breakfast host Vick Hope was partnered with newbie Graziano Di Prima. Not only did the chemistry between the two seem electric (that lift was fabulous), but they’re also complete hair goals.
Fabulous hair, fabulous pair! Because you're worth it. @VickNHope and @GrazianoDiPrima #Strictly ?
— BBC Strictly ? (@bbcstrictly) September 8, 2018
Susannah Constantine and Anton Du Beke
In one of the least surprising pairings of the evening, fashion guru, TV star and author Susannah Constantine was paired up with Strictly’s longest serving professional Anton Du Beke.
"Bring on the #Strictly curse" ?We're so ready for Susannah and @TheAntonDuBeke ?
— BBC Strictly ? (@bbcstrictly) September 8, 2018
Faye Tozer and Giovanni Pernice
There was no hiding Giovanni Pernice’s delight when he was paired up with Steps star Faye Tozer. It’s safe to say that this pairing was anything but a ‘Tragedy’.
This #Strictly pairing is definitely NOT a Tragedy! It's @Faye_Tozer and @pernicegiovann1 ?
— BBC Strictly ? (@bbcstrictly) September 8, 2018
Lee Ryan and Nadiya Bychkova
‘All Rise’ for Nadiya’s new partner – Blue singer and Eastenders actor Lee Ryan. Both looked absolutely delighted and we cannot wait to see them on the dance floor.
We bet @OfficialLeeRyan's not feeling Blue about his #Strictly dance partner Nadiya ?
— BBC Strictly ? (@bbcstrictly) September 8, 2018
Dr Ranj and Janette Manrara
This Morning’s resident Dr Ranj was paired up with Janette Manrara, and we predict that these pocket rockets will be this year’s most smiley couple.
Good things come in small packages. @DrRanj and @jmanrara – #Strictly's own pocket rockets ?
— BBC Strictly ? (@bbcstrictly) September 8, 2018
Danny John-Jules and Amy Dowden
Actor Danny John-Jules will be put through his paces by Welsh dancer Amy Dowden, who is returning for her second year on Strictly.
Hooray! Our next dazzling #Strictly duo is @DannyJohnJules and @dowden_amy ?
— BBC Strictly ? (@bbcstrictly) September 8, 2018
Joe Sugg and Dianne Buswell
YouTuber Joe Sugg was paired up with Dianne Buswell, who also returns for her second year on Strictly. Joe’s lifting technique might need some work but were excited to see this pair in action on the dance floor.
Matching hair and suit? @Joe_Sugg and @dbuzz6589 just HAD to be our next #Strictly couple ?
— BBC Strictly ? (@bbcstrictly) September 8, 2018
Katie Piper and Gorka Marquez
Arguably the most nervous contestant of the evening, it was lovely to see presenter, author and charity campaigner Katie Piper’s fears ease when she found out that she was partnered with Gorka.
"I'm really happy!" ?@KatiePiper_'s going to be living her best life with @gorkamarquez1 #Strictly
— BBC Strictly ? (@bbcstrictly) September 8, 2018
Lauren Steadman and AJ Pritchard
Paralympian Lauren Steadman was paired up with AJ Pritchard, who greeted her with a knee slide before almost dropping her during a high energy spin – they seem enthusiastic to say the least!
What a catch! ?Say hello to @LaurenSteadman and @Aj11Ace #Strictly
— BBC Strictly ? (@bbcstrictly) September 8, 2018
Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton
If there was an award for the most enthusiastic couple, it would have to go to investigative journalist Stacey Dooley who was partnered with Kevin Clifton. They seem to have great chemistry already and having been in the final on four occasions, Kevin will be hoping that Stacey is the key to finally winning Strictly.
THIS REACTION IS EVERYTHING @StaceyDooley and @keviclifton ?? ?
— BBC Strictly ? (@bbcstrictly) September 8, 2018
Ashley Roberts and Pasha Kovalev
The final lady to find out her partner was former Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts. Pasha quite literally swept her off her feet and we can’t wait to see the magic they’ll showcase on the dance floor.
Pashley is happening! Don't @ImAshleyRoberts and @PashaKovalev make a perfect #Strictly pair? ?
— BBC Strictly ? (@bbcstrictly) September 8, 2018
Seann Walsh and Katya Jones
Comedian Seann Walsh was partnered with reigning champion Katya Jones. She put Ed Balls through his paces and helped Joe McFadden to win the glitterball, so it’s safe to say that Seann is in very safe hands.
BOOM! We can't wait to see what @SeannWalsh and @mrs_katjones have in store for us ? #Strictly
— BBC Strictly ? (@bbcstrictly) September 8, 2018
Charles Venn and Karen Clifton
Casualty star Charles Venn was thrilled to be partnered with Karen Clifton and we can already sense that these two will be a pair to watch over the coming weeks.
Going on a whole new ad-Venn-ture, it's @ChuckyVenn and @karen_hauer ? #Strictly
— BBC Strictly ? (@bbcstrictly) September 8, 2018
Graeme Swann and Oti Mabuse
The final pairing to be revealed was former cricketer Graeme Swann and Oti Mabuse. Graeme showed off his floss on the Strictly dance floor, but how will he fare in the world of Latin and ballroom?
Last but definitely not least, our final couple of #Strictly 2018 is… @swannyg66 and @otimabuse ?
— BBC Strictly ? (@bbcstrictly) September 8, 2018
After all couples were revealed, we were treated to a thrilling first group performance, with the celebrities being able to show off their moves for the first time. There’s definitely a lot of potential already – the Class of 2018 could be the most exciting bunch yet.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to our screens on September 22 for the first live show.
