After its launch last weekend, millions of eyes will be on BBC1 on Saturday night as the Strictly live shows kick off with a different judging panel.

Delighting viewers for 17 years now, Strictly has won countless awards and become a national treasure, pulling in huge audiences year after year.

Stars like soap actress Katie McGlynn, Tom Fletcher and Sara Davies have headed into the ballroom for Strictly 2021.

And, as well as a new line-up of celebrities, there is also a new face on the judging panel.

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After standing in for Motsi Mabuse last year as she made an urgent trip back to Germany, much loved Strictly pro Anton du Beke is now a full time judge, replacing Bruno Tonioli.

Bruno was missing in action from the Strictly studio last year due to coronavirus travel restrictions and he’s absent once again, staying in the US to commit to the American version, Dancing With the Stars, with its panel also featuring former Strictly head judge Len Goodman.

Strictly confirm Anton Du Beke as full time judge for new series
Strictly confirm Anton Du Beke as full time judge for new series

After Anton was confirmed as a permanent judge, Bruno said: “Reacting to the announcement, Bruno said: "Whilst I am gutted to not be on the show this year there is one person and one person only that could take my place - it’s just a shame they weren’t available...haha! Darlings I’m kidding, I’m kidding!

"Seriously though, I have to tell you, Anton IS Mr Strictly and if anybody is filling in for me, it has to be him.”

Ahead of Saturday's first liv show, one Strictly fan took to Twitter to voice their concerns over the judging shake up, tweeting: "Kinda worried for Strictly, no clue how good it’s gonna be without Bruno. Like I love Anton but it’s not the same."

Taking a completely different stance, another posted: "I'm very pleased with Anton as a judge. I was so over Bruno's style and "act"

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