Strictly Come Dancing 2021 LIVE: Greg Wise paired with Karen Hauer as Katie McGlynn dances with Gorka in launch show

STRICTLY Come Dancing's Greg Wise was paired with Karen Hauer as the new celebrity contestants and their professional partners were revealed during a glittering launch show.

The 15 celebrities, who include Olympian Adam Peaty, rugby star Ugo Monye and TV presenter Judi Love, made their debut on the dancefloor during a group number in tonight's launch show.

Greg, who is married to screen legend Emma Thompson, had fans in hysterics with his Reggae-robot dance during the evening.

Also competing will be EastEnders actress Nina Wadia, TV presenter AJ Odudu, Dragons' Den investor Sara Davies, McFly star Tom Fletcher, Coronation Street actress Katie McGlynn, TV presenter Tilly Ramsay, comedian Robert Webb, CBBC host Rhys Stephenson and actor Greg Wise.

EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis is also be the first deaf contestant to appear in the series.

Follow our Strictly Come Dancing live blog for all the latest updates…

  • Sarah Tetteh

    GOOD VIBRATIONS

    Strictly's first deaf contestant Rose herself has explained how she will be able to pick up the beat of the music, so that she can dance in time to the music on the show. 

    The actress told BBC News: "It is a common misconception that deaf people can't enjoy music.

    "I have a hearing aid, so I pick up some of the music and I can hear the beat. I can hear someone singing, but I can't identify exact words. I also feel the vibrations."

  • Sarah Tetteh

    HERE'S TO THE FUN FACTOR

    Judi is best known for voicing her views on Loose Women, but now is going to let her feet do the talking.

    The daytime TV star and comedian has teamed up with Graziano Di Prima for the show.

    Judi said she was overwhelmed when Strictly bosses reached out to her and she snapped up the chance.

    She said: “I think I am still in shock that I will be part of this amazing show."

  • Sarah Tetteh

    WHO IS IN THE STRICTLY 2021 LINE UP?

    What a lively, sorry, lovely bunch.

    Ladies and gents – your Strictly 2021 line-up:

    • Robert Webb
    • AJ Odudu
    • Tom Fletcher
    • Nina Wadia
    • Greg Wise
    • Tilly Ramsay
    • Judi Love
    • Adam Peaty
    • Dan Walker
    • Katie McGlynn
    • John Whaite
    • Rose Ayling-Ellis
    • Rhys Stephenson
    • Sara Davies
    • Ugo Monye
    • Sarah Tetteh

      EASTEND TWIRL

      Nina has surprised everyone with her inner Sasha Fierce.

      Can't wait to see what she has in store for next week.

    • Sarah Tetteh

      STRICTLY FANS ARE IN THEIR ELEMENT

    • Sarah Tetteh

      BEST FACTOR

      No wonder Simon Cowell chose to cancel X Factor.

      How on earth was it going to compete with the genuis that is Strictly?

      The gift that keeps giving.

       

    • Sarah Tetteh

      WINTER WONDERLAND

      Strictly is back, and that means only one thing for fans.

      *sings* Jingle bells, jingle bells.

    • Sarah Tetteh

      BETS ARE ON

      Strictly's Rose Ayling-Ellis, Tom Fletcher and Rhys Stephenson and have been predicted to be front runners for the competition.

      That's according to Betvictor who have generated odds on which celebs are most likely to win before the celebs have even had a chance to break a sweat.

       

    • Sarah Tetteh

      WINNING LINE UP

      Round of applause for the BEEB, then.

    • Sarah Tetteh

      IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU

      McFly fans are going crazy for Tom on Twitter. Forget about 'dad dancing' he's got some moves.

    • Sarah Tetteh

      HERO MOVES

      Fans can't get enough of Rose and Giovanni.

      The deaf EastEnders star showed off her cheeky style during the group dance. Star quality right there.

    • Sarah Tetteh

      FUNNY MAN

      Fans are going to be tuning in for Greg to get another dose of his Reggae-robot dance like he did tonight.

      Priceless.

    • Sarah Tetteh

      STRICTLY STUNNING

      These two are going to be a laugh a minute too.

    • Sarah Tetteh

      FANS HAVE CALLED IT

    • Sarah Tetteh

      CHEMISTRY

      Nikita is giving future son-in-law vibes. Did you see how close they were on screen?

      Gordon, watch out.

    • Sarah Tetteh

      WINNERS

      Shall we just give the glitterball to Rhys and Nancy now?

      Game over. Surely

    • Sarah Tetteh

      TOLD YOU TOM COULD MOVE

      Did you see his opening sequence, with all that air guitar?

      To be fair, Greg, gave it some too.

      *giggles*

    • Sarah Tetteh

      UGO AND OTI

      Do you see the chemistry though?

      All that pushing and shoving on the sofa.

      Strictly professional though…

    • Sarah Tetteh

      RECIPE FOR DISASTER?

      Well if Gordon keeps popping up when Tilly's on Strictly it could be.

      Just kidding.

      Could Nikita be Gordon's future son-in-law?

      He'll have to do his shirt up first.

      How hilarious was Gordon Ramsay in the VT?

       

    • Sarah Tetteh

      MCFLY BY NIGHT

      Love that from Tom.

      His bandmates reckon he has a chance of winning too.

      Amy will just have to tear him away from his guitar first.

    • Sarah Tetteh

      FAN-GIRLING

      Do you see how excited Amy is to be partnered with Tom Fletcher?

      Then when he put her name in his song, did you see her blush?

      Steady on, love! Ha

    • Sarah Tetteh

      SASHA FIERCE

      Do you see how foxy Nina looks in her gold dress?

      And Neil's had a haircut.

      Sharp.

    • Sarah Tetteh

      NINA AND NEIL

      Match made in heaven.

      Let's hope she brings all the Albert Square drama?

    • Sarah Tetteh

      GORDON RAMSAY'S DAUGHTER

      Now that's a twist.

      Can she make cheese twists??!

      Here's hoping.

    • Sarah Tetteh

      EASTEND GIRL

      Nina's got us on tenterhooks as to who she's getting partnered up with.

      Come on.. we can't wait.

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