Strictly Come Dancing’s 2024 launch show was watched by almost a million fewer viewers than last year, figures have indicated. Overnight TV ratings suggest that an average of 5.5 million viewers tuned into watch the BBC One programme return from 7.20pm to 9pm, under a cloud of controversy surrounding its professional dancers.

The launch show of Strictly Come Dancing attracted nearly three-quarters of a million fewer viewers than last year. An average of 5.5 million viewers watched the BBC One programme last night, compared with 6.

Fans of Pete Wicks were spoiled for choice on Saturday night, with the TOWIE favourite making his debut on Strictly Come Dancing while also appearing on another TV show

Speculation is rife among viewers about which Strictly Come Dancing 2024 contestant will be the first to depart in next week's elimination. It's not the most obvious candidate taking part in the hit BBC show.

Strictly Come Dancing fans claimed to have spotted a clue Paul Merson wasn't impressed with his score after seeming annoyed about his dance choice, with the show being called out

On Monday's instalment of Good Morning Britain, reigning Strictly Come Dancing champion Ellie Leach shared her thoughts on the latest series.

Pete Wicks has spoken out after receiving a low score for his first performance on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, with the TOWIE favourite being optimistic about the competition

Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu danced the samba to Stevie Wonder's Do I Do, but not all Strictly Come Dancing fans were convinced

Pete Wicks wants 'Strictly Come Dancing' viewers to "give him a chance" in the competition as he opens up about having been portrayed as a "caricature" in the past.

After months of chaos, Strictly Come Dancing returned to screens this evening but not all fans were impressed with the glittering launch episode