Strictly Come Dancing kicked off on Saturday, 23rd September, with the first show of the 2023 series.
Glitterballs and sparkles were aplenty as usual but a first-show injury was not as professional dancer, Nancy Xu, was spotted with smears down the side of her neck.
The 31 year old dancer had fun, chatting and laughing with Tess Daly, but as she turned to the side, fans spotted what looked like blood down her jawline and onto her neck. She was then spotted holding a tissue to her neck as she climbed the stairs to Claudia Winkleman.
The star looked sensational in a satin olive green dress, complete with neon pink sash and straps and fluffy feathers whilst former Coronation Street star and comedian Les Dennis, 69, looked dapper in his smart suit with waistcoat.
One fan commented on Twitter: "Hope Nancy is ok… that looks like an injury," whilst another panicked, added: "Nancy is bleeding! Poor Nancy!"
Nancy, 31, who was partnered with Will Mellor on last year's show, seemed in high spirits afterwards however.
Presenter and comedian Les donned a shirt and waistcoat for his tango to Don’t You Want Me by the Human League with Nancy to secure a score of 16.
Judge Motsi Mabuse praised him for using the whole dancefloor and for his energy.
While Craig Revel-Horwood noted that he seemed like his feet were “stuck to the floor with Velcro”, but added that he “gave it a good go and that’s what it’s all about”.
The show holds a special meaning for Les this year, with the star telling The Mirror that the last few years haven't always been easy but taking part has pleased his wife tremendously.
"I was in the mix for Strictly, and then I heard from my agent I’d got it, and I called my wife and she cried – but in a good way. She didn’t cry going, ‘Don’t do it!' It’s a big challenge. The last few years, I’ve had challenges just come out of nowhere, like I did my first opera two years ago at the RSC, with no training. This is such a massive opportunity as I approach 70. I thought why not?" he shared.
The star, who turns 70 next month, is under strict orders from his doctor to keep his heart rate under 140bpm which might prove a challenge, especially when it comes to speedy dances like the Charleston.
Speaking about his cardiologist's advice, he said: "I’ve got to keep my heart rate below about 140, and I don’t know whether you can do that in a 90-second very fast dance. The Charleston will be a challenge, but we’ll see. I mean, my cardiologist basically said 'I can’t give you a hundred per cent guarantee that you won’t drop dead.'"
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