Dame Darcey Bussell has given the first episode of Strictly Come Dancing since her departure from the show the thumbs up.
The former ballerina gave her backing to the new series yesterday as she stood outside the Royal Academy of Dance in London.
The beaming TV favourite looked ready for a testing rehearsal as she echoed her judging pal Craig Revel Horwood and sent her best wishes to the Strictly crew.
She wrote in the caption of her social media post: “Big congratulations to @bbcstrictly on a FAB-U-LOUS first show – it’s going to be a fantastic series.
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“Best of luck to all the team, thinking of you all. Dx #keepdancing.”
Her replacement on the judging panel proved to be a hit with her debut appearance.
Motsi Mabuse, sister of dancing pro Oti, came in for widespread praise on social media – with fans particularly impressed with her one-liners.
She told comedian Chris Ramsey: “Your face was fine but your body was on holiday!”
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And despite being reportedly told to “tone down” his unforgiving approach to scoring, Darcey’s mate Craig has vowed not to dilute his act.
The 54-year-old is reported to have told a tabloid he won’t listen and won’t be altering his ways under any condition.
“I’m going to be just like I’ve been for 16 years,” he apparently told The Sun.
“I’m not changing for anyone, if that’s the case I’d rather not judge it. It will never work darling, I’ve got too much of a big mouth.”
– Strictly Come Dancing continues next Saturday on BBC One at 6.40pm
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