It’s back and fabulous as ever! The first episode of Strictly’s 20th anniversary season did not disappoint, folks. I can tell we’re in for a great season this year, and that’s not just because I’m excited about how many (7!!) pieces of Toolally were featured on the launch show. 

If you read Toolally’s last blog, you’ll know how much we love strictly over here. The glitz, the glamour, the OUTFITS! It’s a feast for the eyes; Strictly’s there to brighten up our bleak autumn evenings. 

So, without further ado, let’s get into who was wearing their Toolally on Saturday night!

First to dazzle our screens in a pair of Art Deco Chandeliers in Royal Blue - Katya Jones! Partnered with a stunning gold ball gown adorned with big blue flowers, Katya already had her toes tapping to a bit of Tom Jones - no need for Wynn to be jealous, as he delightedly shared that he met the man himself once while he was having a wee!  

A “cockney russian” and a welsh opera singer… This pair seem like an absolute delight, I reckon they’re going to get along very well. 

Now let’s GO COMPAAAAARE (sorry) their competition.

It appeared to be team red or team blue for this episode, so, another flawless look, and contrasting wonderfully with Katya, Michelle Tsiaekkas was looking especially fiery with her Art Deco Chandeliers in Pink Mirror with an orange, red and gold dress. 

Her first year dancing with a partner on Strictly, Michelle expressed how being on the show is a “dream come true”. Paired up with Eastenders star Jamie Borthwick, they’ve already discussed naps and nicknames. 

Although we’re not quite here for Jamie’s invented names of “Boff” and “Chack” (eh?) we’re definitely here for them. They seem like a super fun pair and are definitely ones to watch this season! 

Changing up the game with a pair of Iridescent and Silver Crescent Hoops - Gladiator star and first ever Summer and Winter female Olympian, Montell Douglas (AKA, Fire) declares she is ready to set the dancefloor alight this year! 

As someone who can barely complete a Park Run, I will say I’m totally in awe of Montell. Partnered with the wonderful Johannes Radebe (and her Toolally, of course) she will be completely unstoppable this season. 

I must admit, I was most excited to see this gorgeous pair on telly (the earrings! I meant the earrings!) Because they’re my personal faves from the new collection. Our iconic Art Deco Chandeliers make yet another appearance, in gorgeous Tiger Shell. They look incredible on Jowita Przyatal with her orange dress and high pony. 

I’m very excited to see how their first dance to The Prodigy’s Firestarter goes, although it seems Pete is going to have to comply to Jowita’s strict yoga regime if he wants to get anywhere this year! 

Giving Ice Princess, Tasha Ghouri was looking absolutely flawless in her Island Blue and Arctic Blue Art Deco Chandeliers. Paired up with a sparkly light blue skater dress with ostrich feather trimming, and a hair ribbon to tie back her high pony, this look is just so much fun! 

It was cute to see her and her partner, Kai Widdrington, already matching up, as he sported bright sparkly blues next to her. They’ll get along just fine as long as Kai takes Claudia’s advice and keeps his shoes on! 

The Toolally Studio when we found out Toyah Willcox was wearing our Art Deco Chandeliers in Pink Mirror, but that we didn’t get to see them once:

Luckily, we have Toyah’ press photos to hand… 

I’ll let Toyah off, because that sandy blonde shag cut inspires me and deserves to take centre-stage.

Toyah’s beaded pink and red minidress looked gorgeous on her and she matched up so well with Neil Jones’ in more ways than one - they seem so chuffed to be partnered up together and if Toyah’s really going to abseil through the studio - I can’t wait to see it! 

Last to dazzle onscreen in her Toolally was the iconic Karen Hauer. It’s been Art Deco Chandelier city this episode, and it was great to see another pair of Crescent Hoops. This petite pair in Sienna Red complements Karen’s red, orange and purple sparkles and ombre updo gorgeously. 

I for one cannot wait to see Karen and her partner, former professional footballer and manager Paul Merson dancing the American Smooth to Vindaloo! 

It’s safe to say that everyone looked stunning on Strictly’s launch ep for season 21. They all seemed to be in great spirits, too. Instant connections are sparking between partners, and the camaraderie between everyone is just plain to see. The Brucie number plate on the ‘Strictly Vengabus’ brought a little tear - he would’ve loved this episode. It was so full of energy. 

We can’t claim the episode’s good vibes were completely down to the sprinkling of Toolally, but we’re certainly glad to have partaken in Strictly’s wow factor so far this year! 

Keep an eye out for more Toolally on ep 2! 

Daisy x