'Strictly Come Dancing' 2021 fans have already named their winners — and here's why

By Claire Crick
published

Last night's Strictly Come Dancing launch show was the tonic we have all been waiting for — and fans are convinced they know who is going to win.

Strictly Come Dancing 2021 celebrity line up
Strictly Come Dancing revealed the celebrity pairings last night. (Image credit: BBC)

Strictly Come Dancing 2021 fans were treated to a spectacular launch show last night as the return of the dance competition brought some much-needed sparkle and glamour to our Saturday evening.

The show saw Tess and Claudia return to their presenting roles, and soon the celebrity/professional pairings were revealed - and fans couldn't be happier! 

But as we watched the celebrities meeting their new dance partners for the first time, fans have already predicted who they think is going to win the show. 

Rose and Giovanni Strictly Come Dancing

Fans are already loving the partnership between Rose and Giovanni.  (Image credit: BBC1)

Fans were loving the chemistry between EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis and her dance partner Giovanni Pernice, who was already learning sign language to support Rose in her training.

Fans will already know that Rose is the first deaf contestant to take part in Strictly Come Dancing, and they couldn't get enough of the trailblazing actress on last night's show.

Rose spoke to Tess and Claudia with the help of an interpreter, but Giovanni was also seen using sign language to chat to Rose, and fans are besotted with their blossoming friendship...

Next week's first live show will see Rose and Giovanni dancing the jive... which will really put the pair to the test for their first dance on screen. 

But with Giovanni admitting they were coming up with innovative ways to help Rose learn the dances and feel the music, they are clearly already well on their way to becoming a legendary Strictly Come Dancing couple. 

Rose and Giovanni Strictly Come Dancing

Rose was thrilled when Giovanni told her they would be dancing the jive next week.  (Image credit: BBC1)

With all the celebrities now paired up, the hard work starts and next week will put a spotlight on the contestants as they take to the dance floor in their first proper dance. 

But with Rose and Giovanni already firm fan favourites, we can't wait to see how they get on.

Strictly Come Dancing continues next Saturday evening at 7pm in BBC1. 

Claire Crick
Claire Crick
Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch

Claire is Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch and has been a journalist for over 15 years, writing about everything from soaps and TV to beauty, entertainment, and even the Royal Family. After starting her career at a soap magazine, she ended up staying for 13 years, and over that time she’s pulled pints in the Rovers Return, sung karaoke in the Emmerdale village hall, taken a stroll around Albert Square, and visited Summer Bay Surf Club in sunny Australia. 

After learning some tricks of the trade at websites Digital Spy, Entertainment Daily, and Woman & Home, Claire landed a role at What’s On TV and whattowatch.com writing about all things TV and film, with a particular love for Aussie soaps, Strictly Come Dancing and Bake Off. 

She’s interviewed everyone from June Brown — AKA Dot Cotton — to Michelle Keegan, swapped cooking tips with baking legend Mary Berry backstage at the NTAs, and danced the night away with soap stars at countless awards bashes. There’s not a lot she doesn’t know about soaps and TV and can be very handy when a soapy question comes up in a pub quiz! 

As well as all things soap-related, Claire also loves running, spa breaks, days out with her kids, and getting lost in a good book.