AJ Pritchard explains THAT near-miss with Lauren Steadman at Strictly Come Dancing launch

That was a close one!

Author: Daisy JordanPublished 10th Sep 2018
Last updated 10th Sep 2018

The launch of this year's Strictly Come Dancing didn't disappoint. From the incredible embellished gowns, to Nile Rogers and Chic getting everyone on their feet for the new series, many have branded it the 'best opening ever'.

But one moment that nearly stole the show - and not in a good way - was when AJ Pritchard almost dropped his dancing partner Lauren Steadman.

As their partnership was announced by hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, the professional dancer attempted to lift up the Paralympian in celebration.

He accidentally lost his grip and almost dropped her, causing Kevin Clifton to step in and save her from falling - but AJ managed to catch her just in time.

Swipe through to see all the confirmed celebrities for this year's Strictly Come Dancing...

Katie Piper

Katie Piper has been the first confirmed celebrity for Strictly Come Dancing 2018! Speaking in an interview with the BBC, the TV presenter and model said, "Thank you so much, it's been so hard to keep it secret!" before adding that she's struggled not to tell her friends who have invited her to events later in the year. The only person I told is my husband through text message and he thought I was joking!" she laughed, adding, "I don't have that natural rhythm but I like the fact there's a challenge."

AJ Pritchard explains THAT near-miss with Lauren Steadman at Strictly Come Dancing launch
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AJ took to Strictly Come Dancing's official Instagram to explain what had happened, telling the camera, "It was a controlled lowering, she went for it and then I realised she was really going for it and I’ll save her before she hits the floor.”

She added, "I'm in safe hands," before he joked that it was "spontaneous".

Luckily Lauren didn't take it too seriously and took to Twitter to share her excitement at the partnership.

"Over the moon that I'm partnered with @Aj11Ace such an amazing guy! We'll perfect our signature move".

The other contestants' partnerships were also revealed during the opening night, including Susannah Constantine and Anton Du Beke, Joe Sugg and Dianne Buswell, Lee Ryan and Nadiya Bychkova, and Faye Tozer and Giovanni Pernice.

Katie Piper was partnered up with Gorka Marquez, while Ashley Roberts found herself dancing with last year's winner Pasha Kovalev.

The former Pussycat Doll came under fire recently for having an advantage over the other contestants due to her dance background.

She defended herself, joking, "There’s a bit of pressure but the little booty smacks and booty popping I don’t think are allowed in the Latin / Ballroom world.

"It is still a new skill that I do not know, that I am going to have to learn, that I really passionately want to learn and get in there and hopefully do alright."

We can't WAIT to see more!

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