STRICTLY Come Dancing was back with a bang on Saturday night – with 1.1million more fans tuning in to watch the launch show.
Viewers were switching off last year, with the first episode pulling in a paltry 5.6million at its peak – down 1.7million on 2021.
But insiders say this year’s resurgence is down to soap star signings – including EastEnder Bobby Brazier, ex-Corrie actress Ellie Leach and former Emmerdale star Adam Thomas.
BBC bosses will be delighted by the figures, as judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke watched this years’ stars paired up with their pros.
A source said: “Millions of people tune in to soaps each week, so booking some of their current and former stars was a coup – and it is paying off.