Strictly: Amy Dowden discusses her return to the show
Strictly Come Dancing fans were left bemused within moments of Saturday night's live show commencing.
Presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly have returned for a fresh season of the beloved dance contest, but as they kicked off the evening's proceedings (September 21), viewers' attention was immediately drawn to Claudia's attire.
Claudia donned a loose cream pantsuit with bell sleeves and a silver belt buckle cinching in her waist. She was immediately compared to a Star Wars icon in the baggy ensemble.
Strictly enthusiasts didn't hesitate to voice their opinions on X, with one viewer commenting: "Hey Claudia Princess Leia wants her dress back!"
A second added: “Claudia is serving MONK in that dress!" A third chimed in with: “Why is Claudia Winkleman dressed like she’s in Star Wars?"
Someone else echoed: "The force is strong with Claudia tonight!" and another echoed: "Claudia is Princess Leia and Tess is an imperial guard tonight. And Paul Merson has been truly shafted with the song and costume choices."
Another fan said: "Claudia is rocking the outfit of the Klingon ambassador to the United Federation of Planets - but I feel robbed of Strictly sequins."
Strictly has once again kicked off for 2024 after an exciting launch show. Week one sees the celebs and their professional partners team up for their first chance at placing on the leaderboard after performing a routine.
Though the judges will give comments and the celebs will be scored, nobody will be eliminated in the first week. Week two is when the tension will really start to ramp up, and one celebrity will go home for good.
Viewers will be able to partake when the lines open in week two next Saturday (September 28) and the first elimination of the series will air the night after (Sunday, September 29). All the action tonight will kick off at 7pm on BBC One, but there will be no results show this weekend.
Currently topping betting odds are X Factor winner Shayne Ward and JLS star JB Gill – though ex-pro dancer Erin Boag has warned that Miranda star Sarah Hadland is also one to watch.
Strictly live show's air every Saturday on BBC One and iPlayer
