Strictly Come Dancing 2023: Who Made The First Exit?

The stage was set, the glitter had already begun to settle, and the latest season of Strictly Come Dancing 2023 🕺 had kicked off with an electrifying start. Fans tuned in with bated breath, eager to see who would dazzle and who might stumble. Who made the first exit from the grand ballroom this year?

The Glittering Start 🌟

<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Strictly%20Come%20Dancing%202023" alt="Strictly Come Dancing 2023 cast performing"></div>

This year, the line-up was filled with stars from various walks of life, each bringing their own flair to the dance floor. From actors to athletes, television personalities to musicians, the competition promised to be as diverse as ever.

The Exciting Line-Up

• Les Dennis: Known for his comedy and TV hosting.
• Angela Rippon: The oldest contestant at 79, bringing grace and experience.
• Nikita Kanda: A radio presenter with charm and energy.
• Krishnan Guru-Murthy: A serious journalist with a humorous side.
• Ellie Leach: An actress hoping to shine outside the Corrie cobbles.
• Annabel Croft: A former tennis player known for her elegance and drive.
• Zara McDermott: Reality TV star aiming to show a new side of herself.
• Layton Williams: An actor and West End star known for his dancing skills.
• Adam Thomas: The Emmerdale star ready to entertain.

The Opening Night: Dazzle or Disarray? 💃🕺

Debut Performances

Each contestant, paired with their professional dance partner, took to the floor, some for the very first time. The judges, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton du Beke, and head judge Shirley Ballas, had their keen eyes set on the rhythm and performance.

• Les Dennis and Nancy Xu delivered a Foxtrot that was light-hearted but lacked finesse.
• Angela Rippon and Kai Widdrington danced a Cha-Cha-Cha, showcasing Angela's impressive flexibility at her age.
• Nikita Kanda and Gorka Márquez twirled in a Jive that was fun but lacked control.
• Krishnan Guru-Murthy and Lauren Oakley showcased a Waltz that was gentle but understated.

The First Scores 🌟

After the performances, the judges gave their scores:

The Bottom Two 🥉

As the audience votes came in, tensions rose. The show moved to the results show where the fate of the contestants would be decided by the judges' scores combined with the public's vote.

Facing the Dance-Off

The two with the lowest combined scores and votes were:

• Nikita Kanda & Gorka Márquez
• Krishnan Guru-Murthy & Lauren Oakley

Both pairs had to perform once more in a dance-off to secure their place in the competition.

<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Dance-off%20Strictly%20Come%20Dancing" alt="Strictly Come Dancing dance-off"></div>

The Judges' Decision

The judges had to make a tough call:

• Craig Revel Horwood chose Krishnan, stating, "Nikita showed improvement, but Krishnan's dance was cleaner."
• Motsi Mabuse went with Nikita, saying, "I felt Nikita showed more potential."
• Anton du Beke supported Krishnan, praising his technique.
• Shirley Ballas, with the casting vote, decided in favor of Krishnan Guru-Murthy.

The First Exit: Nikita Kanda 💔

With the decision, Nikita Kanda and Gorka Márquez became the first couple to leave Strictly Come Dancing 2023.

<p class="pro-note">🗣️ Note: The departure of Nikita was emotional, but her journey was just beginning. Her vibrant energy will be missed on the dance floor.</p>

Looking Back at the First Night 🌃

The opening night of Strictly Come Dancing never fails to captivate audiences with its blend of glitz, glamour, and unexpected moments. Here's a quick recap:

• Elegant Couples: Angela Rippon and Kai Widdrington received the highest scores for their smooth Cha-Cha-Cha.
• Surprises: Les Dennis, with his comedic charm, managed to bring smiles despite lower scores.
• Underdogs: Both Nikita Kanda and Krishnan Guru-Murthy were in the bottom two, but it was Nikita's journey that came to a premature end.

<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Strictly%20Come%20Dancing%20audience" alt="Strictly Come Dancing 2023 audience"></div>

The Journey Ahead 🛤️

With the first elimination behind them, the remaining contestants and their partners now turn their sights to the upcoming weeks. Each week will be a chance to either shine or struggle, as they learn new dances, master techniques, and hope to avoid the dreaded dance-off.

Upcoming Challenges:

• Theme Weeks: From Latin Week to Halloween, each theme offers unique opportunities and challenges.
• Dances to Master: Quickstep, Rumba, Tango, and more, each requiring different skills and expressions.
• Public and Judges' Expectations: The pressure mounts as each contestant aims to outdo their previous performances.

Inspirations and Lessons from Nikita Kanda ✨

Nikita's short stint on Strictly Come Dancing left a mark:

• Never give up, even when the going gets tough.
• Embrace your uniqueness, as Nikita's energetic persona was a refreshing addition.
• Dance with passion, because it shows, even to the judges.

<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Strictly%20Come%20Dancing%20celebrity%20reaction" alt="Nikita Kanda's reaction to her exit"></div>

Conclusion

The first episode of Strictly Come Dancing 2023 has come and gone, leaving fans with excitement for what's next and the bittersweet farewell to Nikita Kanda. The competition is truly heating up with each contestant now more determined than ever to make it through the coming weeks. From dazzling routines to heartfelt farewells, the season promises more drama, dance, and dazzling sequins as it unfolds.

With the show well underway, the focus now shifts to who will claim the glitterball trophy at the end. As fans, we watch, cheer, and maybe even learn a step or two, appreciating the hard work and the spectacle that is Strictly Come Dancing.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Who was the first contestant to leave Strictly Come Dancing 2023?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Nikita Kanda, paired with Gorka Márquez, was the first to leave the competition.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Who was in the dance-off with Nikita Kanda?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Krishnan Guru-Murthy and Lauren Oakley were in the dance-off against Nikita Kanda.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What dance did Nikita perform in the dance-off?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Nikita performed her Jive again during the dance-off.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Who has the highest scores from the judges on the first night?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Angela Rippon received the highest scores for her Cha-Cha-Cha with Kai Widdrington.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How many contestants are left in the competition now?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>With Nikita's exit, there are still eight contestants left in Strictly Come Dancing 2023.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>