Charlotte Hawkins and Mollie King steal the show as they promise to ‘make Bruce Forsyth proud’ at Strictly Come Dancing launch

Charlotte Hawkins and Mollie King dazzled as they donned the sequins to make their Strictly Come Dancing debut.

The stars joined their fellow contestants for the launch night – which also marked Shirley Ballas’ debut as head judge after replacing Len Goodman.

King twerked her way down the red carpet in a yellow flapper-style dress with Joe McFadden before hitching a ride on Brian Conley’s back.

Hawkins, who was dressed in blue, was all smiles as she was met with huge cheers while dancing her way through the crowds with Reverend Richard Coles.

Bruno Tonioli, Craig Revel-Horwood and Darcey Bussell were joined by Ballas, who looked stunning in a floor length black gown, while hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman walked hand-in-hand as they were reunited.

The class of 2017 promised to make the late Sir Bruce Forsyth proud when the series kicks off next month.

Forsyth, who died earlier this month, aged 89, hosted the show alongside Daly for a decade.

Speaking about the TV legend, King said: “As the class of 2017, we really want to make him proud.

“And we want to just dance our socks off, give it everything. He has been such a huge part of Strictly.”

Ruth Langsford, who is the favourite to be booted off first, said the news of his death “took the sheen” off her excitement at joining the show.

She said: “I don’t think he would want any of us to not be enjoying this. And he was such a fabulous dancer, so I think this year, he’ll be very much in our thoughts. All of us will really be doing it for him, as much for ourselves.”

Gemma Atkinson added: “There was a really weird atmosphere when everyone got the news because everyone’s got a bit of Bruce Forsyth throughout their life. I think there’s something special done for him. This show is him. You can’t watch Strictly without thinking of him.”

Louise Rainbow, the show’s executive producer, previously confirmed the professional dancers were planning a ‘heartfelt performance’ to pay tribute to Forsyth.

This year’s celebs include Alexandra Burke, Simon Rimmer, Jonnie Peacock, Debbie McGee, Susan Calman, Aston Merrygold, Chizzy Akudolu and Davood Ghadami.

Strictly Come Dancing is on BBC One, September 9 at 7:05pm.