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Graphic: A score paddle showing average score 25.13

Last night’s dance scores suggest 2022 will be a bumper Strictly season. The second highest average score for first dances on the series ever!

Couples fought off first night nerves to pick up an average judge score of 25.13 – only once in Strictly history has the first dance average been higher. Back in 2016 (Series 14), the average first dance score was an impressive 26.46.

Individual scores last night were also close to the highest ever for a first dance but – for 2022 at least – Zoe Ball and Ian Waite hang on to their record of 35 for their Waltz back in Series 3 (2005).

Week 1 scores

Position Couple Dance Score
1 Will & Nancy Jive 34
1 Hamza & Jowita Foxtrot 34
3 Molly & Carlos Samba 31
4 Fleur & Vito Cha Cha Cha 29
5 Ellie & Johannes Quickstep 28
6 Helen & Gorka American Smooth 26
6 Ellie & Nikita Cha Cha Cha 26
8 Richie & Giovanni Cha Cha Cha 23
8 Kym & Graciano Jive 23
8 Jayde & Karen Samba 23
11 James & Amy Jive 22
11 Tyler & Diane American Smooth 22
13 Kaye & Kai Tango 21
14 Matt & Nadiya Quickstep 20
15 Tony & Katya Tango 15
AVERAGE 25.13

Rewatch the first dances

We’ve added the dances into the database so you can rewatch them all here. You could also become your own judge by joining the fan community and providing your own scores and comments.It’s great fun – join us and join in!

Until next time…

Exciting times ahead folks – can’t wait for week 2! Until next time… Keeeeep dancing!

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2 comments

  • Avatar
    quickstepper Reply

    Great first week. Some super high scores so early! 💃🕺

    28 September 2022 at 9:38 pm
  • Dancemattic
    Dancemattic Reply

    The quality was really high – but still lots of growth journeys too for the celebs IMO.

    I checked the database and only two tangos have scored lower than Tony – James and Luba in 2019 (https://strictlydb.com/dance/tango-155/) and Diarmud and Nicole in 2004 (https://strictlydb.com/dance/tango-8/).

    COME ON TONY!!!!

    26 September 2022 at 3:01 pm