Strictly host Tess Daly and contestants smile as they arrive at studio to practise dance tribute to Bruce Forsyth
STRICTLY Come Dancing has officially kicked off after all the celebs showed up to meet the show's professional dancers and have their first rehearsal today.
Stars including Gemma Atkinson, Ruth Langsford, Mollie King, Brian Conley, Simon Rimmer and Aston Merrygold headed into the London studio alongside presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman for their first dancefloor adventure.
Tess, 48, was seen for the first time since her former co-host Bruce Forsyth died age 89.
All the confirmed celebs showed up at the large London studio to begin work on their dancing skills.
They were there to practise a dance tribute to Brucie.
They were joined by pro dancers including Aljaz Skorjanec, Anton du Beke, Brendan Cole, Katya Jones, Kevin Clifton, Giovanni Pernice and Oti Mabuse.
Both soap actress Gemma Atkinson and The Saturdays member Mollie King turned up to the studio in gym wear, expecting a hard work out.
Comic Susan Calman also turned up in exercise gear with a puffa coat on, and former TV host Brian Conley went for a casual checked shirt and jeans.
Meanwhile This Morning host Ruth Langsford, who arrived in a smart outfit with heels and a suitcase wheeled behind her, looked very tired after the long stint of dancing inside.
But most the celebs, including Saturday Kitchen's Simon Rimmer and JLS singer Aston Merrygold, looked very excited to be kicking off their Strictly journey as they waited outside beforehand.
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Strictly presenters Tess and Claudia were also on hand to ensure the experience went smoothly for all.
Claudia's trademark dark eyeliner was nowhere to be seen as the make-up-free host arrived in a baggy black top.
Her counterpart Tess looked more glam in a biker jacket and jeans as she chatted to BBC assistants.
The first Strictly meeting comes days after the news that the show's original host Bruce Forsyth, who retired in 2013, had passed away aged 89.
Tess led the celeb tributes to the showbiz veteran who first appeared on TV in 1939.
But the mood at the first Strictly training session was decidedly bouncy as the contestants were all seen dancing to 80s hit Footloose.
This year fans of Strictly have criticised BBC bosses for not getting famous enough contestants on board for the series.
The full line-up was confirmed today with Holby City's stars Chizzy Akudolu and Josh McFadden joining the likes of Rev Richard Coles, Johnnie Peacock and Debbie McGee.
Previous X Factor winner Alexandra Burke is also hotly-tipped to do well on the show thanks to her performing experience.
Last year, sports presenter Ore Oduba won the contest with partner Joanne Clifton, beating Louise Redknapp and Danny Mac.
With 15 new contestants now waiting in the wings, viewers have just a few weeks to wait before the action kicks off again.
No air date has been confirmed yet but it's likely to begin in the second week of September.
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