Strictly Come Dancing fans were left “screaming” as they spotted several former stars in the audience.

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The popular BBC dance show made its comeback on Saturday evening (December 13), with presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman welcoming back the remaining four couples to the dance floor for the semi-final.

The judging panel, consisting of Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse, and Craig Revel Horwood, were also prepared to assess the performances before next week’s grand finale.

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During the opening of this evening’s programme, Strictly enthusiasts became overwhelmed with emotion upon spotting former contestants Ellie Goldstein and Stefan Dennis seated in the audience, with AJ Odudu also in attendance.

“JUST SCREAMED FOR AJ ODUDU AND ELLIE GOLDSTEIN IN THE AUDIENCE,” one viewer posted on X (formerly Twitter), reports Wales Online.

Several former Strictly stars were in the audience

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Several former Strictly stars were in the audience(Image: BBC)

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Another commented: “So lovely to see Ellie in the audience!” whilst a third remarked: “Omg love to see Ellie and Stefan back!”

A fourth supporter echoed these feelings, stating: “I spotted Ellie and Stefan in the audience. We miss them,” with another similarly expressing: “It’s lovely seeing Ellie and Stefan in the sudience. AJ too!”

Strictly fans will remember that Stefan was compelled to pull out of this series following an injury, having been paired with professional dancer Dianne Buswell, whilst Ellie and her partner Vito Coppola became the fifth duo to face elimination.

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In contrast, AJ was forced to step back from the 2021 finale after sustaining a torn ligament in her right ankle, an injury which also resulted in her withdrawal from the programme’s live tour.

Ellie Goldstein was a fan favourite star this year

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Ellie Goldstein was a fan favourite star this year(Image: BBC)

This evening’s semi-final witnessed the remaining four couples each perform twice as they battled for a place in next weekend’s grand finale.

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During the previous weekend’s live programme, Amber and Nikita claimed the top spot on the leaderboard after achieving a flawless score of 40 for their Guys and Dolls-themed Charleston to You’re Rockin’ the Boat.

Nevertheless, once the judges’ scores were merged with the public vote, Amber and Nikita discovered themselves facing elimination alongside Lewis Cope and Katya Jones, who performed their Salsa to Dance at the Gym from West Side Story.

The judging panel unanimously chose to rescue Amber and Nikita, resulting in Lewis and Katya becoming the ninth pair to leave the competition. The outcome has been labelled as one of the “worst exits” in Strictly history.