Strictly Come Dancing: Nicky Byrne breaks the rules and Victoria Pendleton breaks down

Tonight Strictly Come Dancing returned to our screens and within the hour long show; Nicky Byrne and his partner had been given a severe telling off by judge Craig Revel Horwood and Victoria Pendleton ended up in tears.

Nicky and Karen got into hot water tonight. [Copyright BBC]

Talk about coming back with a bang.

After performing their Waltz, Nicky Byrne and partner Karen Hauer found themselves at the end of Craig's acid tongue.

Taking issue with Karen's inclusion of a lift in the dance- which by the way is totally illegal in the dancing world- Craig gave the new professional a royal dressing down.

Branding her the 'female Brendan Cole', Craig told Karen: "I wish you could stick by the rules and give Nicky a chance."

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When asked by Tess Daly what she made of the Brendan Cole comment, Karen simply replied: "Whatever it takes to win."

Someone's got their eye on the glitter ball trophy.

Victoria Pendleton ended up in tears while Denise Van Houten triumphed. [Copyright BBC]

Later on in the show, Olympic champion Victoria Pendleton started out strong with partner Brendan Cole as they danced the Cha-Cha.

However as the dance progressed, poor Victoria became flustered and forgot her routine.

When the dance finished Victoria apologised to Brendan before bursting into tears.

Bless.

Tonight however belonged to Denise Van Outen and James Jordon.

The TV presenter and professional dancer were the last partners to take to the floor, dancing the Waltz.

Receiving the highest score of the evening, the judges awarded Denise 25 points with Craig Revel Horwood telling the couple: "We saved the best until last."

Tomorrow night will see Kimberley Walsh, Louis Smith and Jerry Hall take to the dance floor when the remaining celebrities will show us what they're made of.