STRICTLY Come Dancing’s first live episode of 2025 saw a shock star nab the leaderboard’s top spot.
Contestants with previous dance experience – such as Lewis Cope and Amber Davies – have been seen as natural frontrunners.
Karen Carney and Carlos closed out the first Strictly 2025 live show[/caption]
The judges were left very impressed with the dance[/caption]
Lewis Cope and his partner Katya Jones[/caption]
Former Lioness turned sports journalist Karen Carney, 38, emerged as the surprise leader.
She and professional dance partner Carlos Gu closed out the show with a Jive.
Anton Du Beke told her: “That is the way to end the show with the best dance of the night.”
As for Motsi Mabuse, she enthusiastically remarked: “Great show tonight, wow!”
Meanwhile, head judge Shirley Ballas commented: “It was just sensational. Best dance of the night for me.”
When it came to scoring, Craig Revel Horwood issued a 7 while the other three judges all gave 8.
Karen’s combined score of 31 put her at the top of week one’s leaderboard.
In a further shock, Claudia revealed the last time a footballer topped the leaderboard was 18 years ago.
Former Love Island winner Amber, 28, entered the show at the last minute to replace Dani Dyer.
Dani had to quit Strictly after fracturing her ankle during a training session.
She and Nikita Kuzmin scored 28 for their waltz, putting them at second place.
Former Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope, 30, and his partner Katya Jones tied for second by likewise scoring 28.
Lewis was also a late arrival to the show – replacing Kristian Nairn after he withdrew due to injury.
Ross King and Jowita Przystał performed a cha cha cha – but the judges were far from impressed.
The entertainment reporter got a combined total of 10 from the panel.
Strictly Come Dance 2025 lineup
Strictly Come Dancing news and the latest line up
- Nitro from Gladiators will be showing off his dance moves on this year’s show.
- Doctor Who and ER star Alex Kingston has signed up.
- Chris Robshaw, former Harlequins and England rugby captain.
- Eastenders actress Suki Panesar, has moved from Walford to the ballroom.
- Neighbours legend Stefan Dennis has been confirmed.
- George Clarke, a YouTube star, joins Strictly.
- Dani Dyer pulled out with injury and has been replaced by Love Island winner Amber Davies.
- La Voix is the first drag star to join the main series
- Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink swaps is football boots for dancing shoes.
- Ellie Goldstein became the first contestant with Down’s Syndrome to take part.
- Thomas Skinner is swapping the boardroom for ballroom dancing
- I’m a Celeb winner Vicky Pattison has been announced.
- Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope was announced as the last contestant.
- Game of Thrones star Kristian Nairn pulled out of the show before the launch date over medical reasons.
It meant he earned the second-lowest score in the BBC show’s 21-year history.
The lowest was Quentin Wilson’s Cha Cha Cha back in 2004, who gained a combined score of 8.
One viewer wrote on X: “NAHHH ROSS MAN. His scores were way harsh. It’s Week One seriously.”
Another said: “Ross King. Bless him. He’s so canny. Brutal to put him after the Billy Elliott dancer! #StrictlyComeDancing.”
Amber and Nikita performed a waltz[/caption]
Ross King earned the second lowest score in the show’s history[/caption]
The full Strictly 2025 line-up[/caption]
