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Strictly Come Dancing 2017: Debbie McGee stuns judges with Paso Doble

She danced to ‘Be Italian’ with partner Giovanni Pernice

Sunday 24 September 2017 10:29 BST

Debbie McGee on Strictly (BBC)

Strictly Come Dancing’s back, an impressive roster of celebrities taking to the dance floor, trying to win that coveted trophy.

One surprise from the first competitive night was Debbie McGee, the former broadcaster and TV personality stunning the judges and audience at home.

The 58-year-old’s debut dance, a Paso Doble to ‘Be Italian’, racked up an impressive 30-point score, the second highest of the evening, only behind former JLS member Aston Merrygold.

Judge Craig Revel Horwood said she had the legs of a 20-year-old, with both Darcey Bussell and new head judge Shirley Ballas giving a standing ovation.

McGee — who was married to the late magician Paul Daniels — danced with partner Giovanni Pernice. Before the performance, McGee commented on her fitness, saying: “I do pilates and yoga, so I’m reasonably flexible but have a lot more to work on.”

Strictly Come Dancing 2017 lineup

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1/15Strictly Come Dancing 2017 lineup

Strictly Come Dancing 2017 lineup

Joe McFadden

Who plays Raf di Lucca in Holby City. Broke through to the mainstream playing PC Joe Mason in Heartbeat series 2.

BBC

Strictly Come Dancing 2017 lineup

Mollie King

The Saturdays singer who has performed numerous routines with her group. She told Nick Grimshaw that she "can't wait to get into the sequins".

Getty Images

Strictly Come Dancing 2017 lineup

Gemma Atkinson

Atkinson previously appeared in Casualty, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks. Of joining the dancing competition, she said: "I'm beyond excited and incredibly nervous, but looking forward to learning a new skill,"

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Strictly Come Dancing 2017 lineup

Davood Ghadami

Best known for playing Kush Kazemi on Eastenders, he said: "It's going to be exciting, challenging and terrifying all at once and I am so looking forward to stepping out of my comfort zone and learning to dance."

BBC

Strictly Come Dancing 2017 lineup

Ruth Langsford

Stand-in This Morning host who said: "The sum of my dance experience is throwing a few shapes at a party, I've never had a dance lesson in my life."

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Strictly Come Dancing 2017 lineup

Susan Calman

Actor and TV host who told Jeremy Vine of entering the competition: "I am the last person on the dancefloor! "I haven't worn heels or a dress since the 1970s... my mother will die happy to see me in a dress and glitter."

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Strictly Come Dancing 2017 lineup

Simon Rimmer

Sunday Brunch chef who has apparently never danced before. "I am so excited, terrified and proud to be invited... Nobody will try harder, have more fun or get more out of it than me. I can't wait."

Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Strictly Come Dancing 2017 lineup

Rev Richardl Coles

The Reverend Richard Coles, AKA the only Vicar to ever score a top-charting single. Speaking to Chris Evans, he said: "A major dance talent was waiting to be discovered. I just wonder what took them so long. I'm in it to wing it, as they say."

Strictly Come Dancing 2017 lineup

Aston Merrygold

Another popstar - former member of boyband JLS, who rose to fame on X Factor. "I'm both nervous and excited to learn from the professionals about a whole new way of dancing!" he told Scott Mills.

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Strictly Come Dancing 2017 lineup

Chizzy Akudolu

The actor left Holby City in June. she previously appeared in The Inbetweeners, Hollyoaks, and Eastenders. "When I was 13, I made the finals of a disco dancing competition once but there was this amazing girl who exploded onto the stage with a gorgeous sequined costume, throwing glitter everywhere," she told the BBC. "I knew it was game over for me. That was then, this is now and this is my chance to have even more sequins!"

Strictly Come Dancing 2017 lineup

Alexandra Burke

X Factor winner who covered Hallelujah, scoring a Christmas Number 1. "I love this show and have followed it from the beginning, so being able to be a part of it is just a dream come true for me," she said. "I am very nervous as I am a singer not a dancer, but I am going to give this my absolute everything."

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Strictly Come Dancing 2017 lineup

Brian Conley

The comedian, actor and TV presenter has performed at the Royal Variety Performance eight times. "My family all love the show and can't wait to see me do my Dad dancing on national television," he told the Beeb. "I know it's going to be a lot of hard work but I'm up for the challenge, so bring on the spray tan and sequins."

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Strictly Come Dancing 2017 lineup

Charlotte Hawkins

Broadcast who has hosted shows on LBC, Sky News and Channel 5 and appears on Good Morning Britain. "I did dancing as a child, a bit of ballet, and I do a bit of dancing round the kitchen with my two-year old but I don't know if that counts," she said on the ITV show. "Thank you for all the support. This is setting me on the way now. The excitement's really beginning. It doesn't feel like it's really happening until people know."

Ian West/PA Wire

Strictly Come Dancing 2017 lineup

Debbie McGee

Pictured above with husband Paul Daniels, who died 7 years ago. She said: "The excitement is overwhelming. I can't stop smiling. It's been the hardest secret I have ever had to keep!"

PA

Strictly Come Dancing 2017 lineup

Jonnie Peacock

Paralympian and Strictly's first ever disabled contestant. "The opportunity to be the first contestant with a disability to take part in Strictly's main show was too good to turn down," he said. "I've got no previous dance history outside of the occasional 'worm' at a mate's party and I know this will be a challenge and a new experience. "I can't wait to see what I can achieve and how far I can push myself."

AP

Overall, it was an emotional night as celebrities — including Joe McFadden, Susan Calman, Alexandra Burke and Ruth Langsford — took to the dancefloor.

The judges were on top form, with Ballas settling in nicely, handling an accidental groping from Bruno Tonioli with style but stumbling slightly with names as she called Chizzy Akudolu “Lizzie”. Read all about the evening here.

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