New Strictly Come Dancing series takes first steps
Natalie Lowe and Greg Rutherford. Photograph: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Telephost - Great leap forward for Olympic long jumper Greg Rutherford, who scored top marks – matched by BBC star Ore Oduba. The new series of Strictly Come Dancing began on Friday night, with the Olympic long jumper Greg Rutherford and the TV presenters Laura Whitmore and Ore Oduba among the stars to put on their dancing shoes. They were joined by the TV personality Judge (Robert) Rinder, the Birds of a Feather actor Lesley Joseph and the BBC Breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty on Friday’s opener – the first half of a double-header weekend. Among those who had to wait until Saturday were the former chancellor Ed Balls, the American singer Anastacia and the model Daisy Lowe. The actors Tameka Empson and Danny Mac, singers Will Young and Louise Redknapp, TV presenter Melvin Odoom and Olympic gymnast Claudia Fragapane will also appear in the second show. On Friday, two couples achieved scores of 27 – joint highs for the night...