BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans say 'great surprise' as they declare 'best opening ever'

Strictly Come Dancing fans have declared the start of tonight's live show 'the best ever' as the professionals were joined by 'music royalty' for their opening number.

Strictly fans were delighted to see the Pet Show Boys performing a medley of their greatest hits live as the pro dancers performed an energetic futuristic number in the first minutes of Saturday's live show.

Tonight, the BBC dance competition returns to the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom, where the eight remaining couples are performing their routines for the judges.

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Viewers tuning into the Blackpool special were hooked within just minutes of the show starting as the Strictly professionals took to the dancefloor, before being joined by their celebrity partners. The Pet Shop Boys performed snippets from their hits including It's A Sin, West End Girls and Always On My Mind.

Some fans declared the opening number the 'best ever' and plenty of people took to social media to share their excitement at the Pet Shop Boys making an appearance.

One viewer said: "Best opening to an episode in a long time. The Pet Shop Boys were absolutely brilliant." Another added: "Now that's a very cool Strictly opening number with the forever-cool Pet Shop Boys."

A third said: "Best Strictly opening EVER," while a fourth agreed: "That might just have been the best opening to a Strictly show EVER!"

Another went even further saying they thought the dance was the "highlight of the entire series". Another person said: "One of the best opening dances ever. Brilliant performance and musical ROYALTY."

"Knew they were doing a Pet Shop Boys number, but didn’t think they were there, what an opening!!!," another commented, while somebody else wrote: "Such a great surprise to see Pet Shop Boys on strictly bbc... A melody of all their hits brilliant."

"What a back catalogue the Pet Shop Boys have!! Great opening to the show!" another added, with somebody else adding: "Pet Shop Boys live on strictly What a great surprise!"