- Strictly Come Dancing professional Katya Jones went viral after appearing to mouth a one-word comment about Emmerdale actor Lawrence Robb during the first live broadcast of the series.
- Broadcaster Ed Balls, who was partnered with Jones on the show in 2016, initially speculated on Good Morning Britain that she had mouthed the word fit.
- Jones later clarified the viral moment in a WhatsApp message to Balls, confirming that she had actually said fierce rather than fit during Robb's paso doble.
- In the same show, Jones and her celebrity partner, social media star John Nellis, topped the leaderboard with 31 points for their foxtrot to Alex Warren's Ordinary.
- The season opener also featured a new hosting trio, with comedian Josh Widdicombe receiving mixed reviews from viewers and critics for his gag-focused presenting style.
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