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Strictly Come Dancing fans have declared a 'curse is over' after the first live show of the series delivered a major change after 18 years.

It was quite the night in the show's famous ballroom as the popular programme's 2025 series officially kicked off with the first live show of the series.

Last weekend's launch show was nothing in comparison to Saturday night's (September 27) offering as all of the 15 new couples performed their first routines.

With the show more than two hours long, judge Anton Du Beke claimed the best was saved until last as former Lionesses midfielder Karen Carney became the first footballer to top the Strictly leaderboard for 18 years.

The 38-year-old and her professional partner, Carlos Gu, scored a sensational 31 out of a possible 40, for their

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