Strictly Come Dancing's First Live Show Attracts 8 Million Viewers

bbc

Strictly Come Dancing's live shows got off to a strong start last night, appealing to over 8 million viewers, according to ratings data.

Unreality TV reports that the returning ballroom contest, now in its tenth season, was appealing to 8.6 million at its peak between 9 and 10pm.

The figures bode well for its first big Saturday outing tonight, which in previous years has fared better than the Friday debut.

Strictly Come Dancing's First Live Show Attracts 8 Million Viewers

Denise Van Outen and James Jordan dance (BBC)

Bookies reckon it stands a strong chance of beating The X Factor, even though the two shows will not be broadcast at the same time.

Kimberley Walsh of Girls Aloud, who will be seen competing this evening, revealed last night that she turned down I'm A Celebrity and Dancing On Ice in favour of the BBC favourite.

She said on Alan Carr's talkshow last night: "We did fancy kangaroo boll**ks, but I think we all thought it would be fun to learn all the different dances, hard work, but it was all good.

"I think we’ve all got different advantages, but none of us have ever done ballroom dancing at all, we’ve all got something to bring."

PHOTOS: Strictly's first live show