SHOCK: Former Strictly Pro Delivers ‘Obvious’ Final Verdict After Launch Show Setback
Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Vincent Simone has already named the couples he believes could make a serious run towards the 2026 final following Saturday night’s launch show.
Series 24 officially kicked off on September 19, with up to 5.8 million viewers tuning in to see Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe make their debut as the BBC competition’s new presenting trio.
The pre-recorded launch also introduced this year’s celebrity contestants, revealed their professional partners and welcomed five new dancers to the Strictly line-up.
For the first time, the celebrities discovered their partners in front of the studio audience during three specially choreographed group routines.
Professionals swapped between contestants on the hosts’ instructions until each final pairing was revealed.
Now that all 15 couples have been confirmed, Vincent has shared his early thoughts on who could go furthest in the competition.
Vincent Backs Dani Dyer and Nikita Kuzmin
Vincent, who spent seven seasons as a professional dancer on Strictly, believes Dani Dyer and Nikita Kuzmin are one of the most obvious partnerships to watch.
“The obvious one for me is Dani and Nikita,” he told the Daily Express via Sky Vegas.
The pair already know one another after being partnered last year before Dani was forced to withdraw through injury.
Vincent believes that existing connection could give them an advantage.
“They already have that familiarity from last year, and I think they have a very good chance of making the final,” he said.
His comments are an early personal prediction rather than an indication of how the competition will ultimately unfold.
Bethany and Nancy Also Catch Vincent’s Eye
Vincent also highlighted Will Best and Dianne Buswell, as well as Bethany Antonia and Nancy Xu.
“I would also put Will and Dianne in there, and I think there’s something really interesting about Bethany and Nancy,” he said.
The former Strictly professional was particularly impressed by Nancy’s handling of her partnership with Bethany.
“Nancy is an amazing dancer, and, watching them together, you could see how well she was leading and taking charge,” he explained.
“That isn’t easy.”
Vincent also felt the pair’s personalities worked well together.
“They also looked quirky and fun together, so I wouldn’t be surprised if they made the final, too.”
All 15 Strictly Couples Confirmed
The launch show confirmed a full line-up of new partnerships.
Bethany Antonia was paired with Nancy Xu, while Cach Mercer teamed up with Maddie Ingoldsby.
Chris Appleton was partnered with Amy Dowden, Dani Dyer reunited with Nikita Kuzmin and Delta Goodrem was matched with Kai Widdrington.
Graeme Hall will dance with Lauren Oakley, while Jaime Winstone has been paired with Carlos Gu.
John Nellis will compete with Katya Jones, Lacey Turner with Vito Coppola and Shaun Wright-Phillips with Alexis Warr.
Tabby Stoecker was partnered with Mark Karmalita, while Will Best will dance alongside Dianne Buswell.
The remaining couples are Lawrence Robb and Jowita Przystał, Melanie Walters and Aljaž Škorjanec, and Dame Sarah Storey with Julian Caillon.
Dani and Nikita Taking No Chances After Last Year
Vincent’s backing of Dani and Nikita comes as the pair have already revealed how seriously they are approaching rehearsals following Dani’s injury nightmare last year.
Appearing on BBC’s Morning Live, Nikita explained that they are taking extensive precautions to reduce the risk of another setback.
“Oh, we are doing a lot of strapping,” he said. “We are strapping everything. Absolutely everything.”
Dani added: “I’ve got, like, my tape and everything, haven’t I?”
Nikita then detailed just how far they are going.
“We have a tape, then we have an ankle brace, then we have a shoe, we do exercises,” he said.
“We are going full out.”
Dani was originally due to compete previously but was forced out after suffering an ankle injury before her journey had properly begun.
This year, she has been reunited with Nikita and is determined to make it further.
That previous familiarity is exactly what Vincent believes could work in their favour.
With the first competitive dances still ahead, his predictions remain just that — early impressions.
But after the launch show, he already sees Dani and Nikita, Will and Dianne, and Bethany and Nancy as three partnerships with the potential to make a major impact this series.
