Strictly Come Dancing returned to the ballroom to launch its new series, introduce its new judge, introduce the celebrities and the important business of announcing the pairings for this year's contest.
It's a particularly strong line up this year, attested by judge Len Goodman claiming it was the first year he knew ALL the celebrities (when has Len watched Tracey Beaker??).
Sir Brucie was on form, announcing a new face on the panel... "over the summer, Craig had some work done."
In reality it was Royal Ballet star Darcey Bussell, replacing reality show Judas Alesha Dixon, tempted away by Simon Cowell to BGT, but Darcey more than proved her mettle for the job with an impressive dancing display of her own.
Darcey Bussell is the new face on the judging panel this year
But amid all the glamour of the launch, any viewer worth their sequins knows success on this show is all about CHEMISTRY, and soon, the important business was under way... All the pairings below...
THE PAIRINGS:
Fern Britton - A history of a bit of tap-dancing, but the popular presenter really got a taste for the ballroom in the Strictly Christmas special
Partner: Artem Chigvintsev
Dani Harmer - Children's TV presenter and Tracey Beaker actress
Partner: Vincent Simone
Victoria Pendleton - "I'm going to take it very seriously" she said - and opponents should beware, judging by the hole in her frock revealing a scary-looking six-pack
Partner: Brendan Coyle, not known for his laid-back touch either (mischievous producers putting these two together on purpose?)
Fern Britton was delighted to be partnered with Artem Chigvintsev
Sid Owen - Said he gets shouted at with "Ricky" at least five times a day, every day - will his Strictly career trump his EastEnders fame?
Partner: Ola Jordan
Nicky Byrne - Previously said the only time he'd be on this feet this long was when Westlife stood up from their chairs for the key change...
Partner: Karen Hauer
Johnny Ball - At 74, Strictly's oldest ever contestant...what he may lack in agility compared with the Olympians, he certainly makes up for in charm...
Partner: Aliona Vilani
Kimberly Walsh - Said she was coerced into participating by her Girls Aloud bandmate Cheryl Cole, so "it's all her fault"
Pasha Kovalev
Lisa Riley - The former Emmerdale star announced she was "doing this for chubbers everywhere"
Partner: Robin Windsor
Jerry Hall - The effortlessly relaxed Glamazonian, but how many times are we going to hear the names Mick and Bryan by the finals?
Partner: Anton Du Beke
Jerry Hall with Anton Du Beke, possibly the only man around to rival Mick for hip action
Denise Van Outen - Whom Chris Evans has already said shouldn't be on the show because she's a professional dancer, something she disputes ("I sat on a chair in Chicago, tells you all you need to know about my dancing skills")
Partner: James Jordon
Michael Vaughan - The former England caption has a lot to live up to following fellow cricketers' Darren Gough, Mark Ramprakash and Phil Tufnell's previous efforts on the show
Partner: Natalie Lowe
Louis Smith - Has already tasted success this summer with silver and bronze medals at the 2012 Olympics, but will the gymnast be able to transfer his skills to the dancefloor?
Partner: Flavia Cacace
Richard Arnold - If all else fails, he can just talk his way into the final
Partner: Erin Boag
Colin Salmon - A-lister on the screen, but will he dance like a dad?
Partner: Kristina Rihanoff
The next few weeks will allow the celebrities time to bond with their professional partners and undergo intense training sessions to prepare for the contest proper, which kicks off with the first live programme on Friday 5 October. Who gets your early vote for this year's champion?
Pictures from the glamorous launch night here...
