Some tantalizing partnerships, innovative dance moves and the harshest Week 1 scores ever on Strictly.

After a great night of dancing, if you love the numbers like us here are 5 quick facts and stats to enjoy.

Lowest Week 1 Average Dance Score

With the exception of Series 7 (where celebrities danced 2 routines on their first evening), Series 23 is the first where 6 dances scored less than 20 and consequently it takes top spot for the lowest Week 1 average dance score – 21.33.

The previous lowest Week 1 average score was Series 10 (2012) – 22.07 (which went on to be a fantastic Series won by Louis & Flavia). The highest Week 1 average score to date is Series 20, on 25.13.

Anton Finds his 3 Paddle

Anton awarded his first ever 3 to Ross & Jowita’s Cha Cha Cha; previously his lowest score was 4 (five awarded). Motsi awarded them her fifth 3 (the lowest score she has ever given). With the twos handed out by Shirley & Craig, only Quentin Willson & Hazel Newberry received a lower first week score (8) back in Series 2.

Ross & Jowita have matched Strictly’s second lowest score ever of 10, first awarded to David James & Nadiya’s Paso in Week 2 of Series 17. Give that man a Quickstep next week so he can bounce back for goodness sake!

Leaderboard Double Top

The Strictly leaderboard has not seen two Jives at spots one and two since Week 3 of Series 6 (2008), when Austin Healey was top with Tom Chambers second but that was back when only two dance styles were performed in early weeks so everyone danced either a Tango or a Jive.

Interesting that it was Tom who went on to lift the glitterball that year; does a second-placed Jive bode well for Lewis?

Jive Jubilation

Karen & Carlos’ Jive jubilation was totally joyous – and in recent years it has been a particularly successful first night style (though it’s also rather risky being responsible for the most bottom 2 placings of all styles – 49, two more than the Samba!).

In the last six years, 4 Jives have topped the Week 1 Leaderboard: HRVY (2020); AJ (2021); Will (2022); and now Karen. Two of these celebrities made the Final (though AJ retired injured) which may be good news for our Lioness!

Shake Off that Samba!

Will Chris and Balvinder be safe with their Sambas? A Week 1 calling for Strictly’s dance of death (responsible for 31 eliminations, more than any other style) is a tough one, but celebrities often save themselves with an improved routine the next week. Interestingly as pointed out by StrictlyDB visitor Mark, Chris received the lowest ever Samba score (14) for a male celebrity in 21 years.

A Week 1 Samba has been performed by two celebrities eliminated in Week 2: Susannah Constantine in Series 16 and Nina Wadia in Series 19, neither of whom managed to improve their score in Week 2.

A Final Note…(or Two)

• If you enjoy the numbers, remember to check out our new and very comprehensive Statistics area on the site.

Fancy a game?

Miss the first Predictions game week? Don’t worry – you can still play!

Join in for competitive dancing week 2 – and see how you do. Could you be our “Strictly Predictor Star” of next week?

Visit the game area to find out more.