BBC insist Strictly pairings were done on the launch show

Some of us have been a bit sceptical about whether the celebrities genuinely were allocated their partners during the launch show when it was recorded last Wednesday, especially given that the couples ended up together at the end of the Group Dance.

The consensus has been that they must have known before.

Not so, says the BBC.. Apparently it was all in the choreography. The professionals apparently rehearsed seven different endings to get them to their celebrities.

Then,

 Just before the routine was performed, the choreographer was able to quickly remind the dancers which ending they had to dance - but as professionals they could adapt easily."

Hmmm. An awful lot of variables in there. Sounds very complicated even for fantastically skilled professionals. I still think they knew beforehand, even if the celebrities didn't.