BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans distracted by Claudia Winkleman's 'bizarre' outfit

Strictly Come Dancing fans were immediately distracted by host Claudia Winkleman's outfit as the BBC show kicked off on Saturday night, comparing her to Star Wars icon Princess Leia

With the return of Strictly Come Dancing and its Saturday night spectacle, viewers were left rather bemused just moments into the live show.

Claudia Winkleman donned an outfit that captured the audience's attention as she and Tess Daly presented the latest season's celebrations on September 21. Her choice of a voluminous cream pantsuit with oversized sleeves, cinched at the waist by a belt, topped with a high neckline, sparked immediate reactions fans likened her striking ensemble to that of Star Wars' Princess Leia.

Amused and quick to voice their opinions, fans flocked to social media. One viewer quipped: "Hey Claudia Princess Leia wants her dress back! " Another tweeted jestingly: "Claudia is serving MONK in that dress!"

The comparison continued, with another fan asking: "Why is Claudia Winkleman dressed like she's in Star Wars?" Further amusement was shared online as someone commented: "The force is strong with Claudia tonight!" while yet another person paired her co-host Tess Daly in theme: "Claudia is Princess Leia and Tess is an imperial guard tonight. And Paul Merson has been truly shafted with the song and costume choices."

In its inaugural week for 2024 after an exciting launch, Strictly has commenced its dance fever. The couples have taken to the stage for the first opportunity to impress the judges and secure a place on the leaderboard, reports the Mirror.

While scores and comments will be given, no eliminations occur this week, with the 'true' competition starting only from second week when, inevitably, one star will take their final bow.

Viewers will have the opportunity to participate when the lines open in week two next Saturday (September 28), and the first elimination of the series will air the following night (Sunday, September 29). All the action tonight will commence at 7pm on BBC One, but there will be no results show this weekend.

Currently leading the betting odds are X Factor victor Shayne Ward and JLS star JB Gill however, former professional dancer Erin Boag has cautioned that Miranda star Sarah Hadland is also a contender to keep an eye on.