Strictly Come Dancing began a few minutes later on Saturday night after relegating Boris Johnson to another BBC channel so viewers could get their dancing fix.
The popular dancing series followed a press conference on BBC One during which the Prime Minister announced a new lockdown for England, which continued on the BBC News channel as the Saturday night favourite finally got under way.
Co-host Tess Daly opened the show saying: “On a tough night we are going to try our very best to keep you entertained.”
Kicks, flicks and plenty of tricks. Max and Dianne's Jive is a real treat. @MaxGeorge @dbuzz6589 💝 #Strictly pic.twitter.com/IozkiMi7aa
— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) October 31, 2020
The Wanted’s Max George and Dianne Buswell were the first couple to take to the dance floor as they performed a jive, scoring 20 out of a possible 30.
Radio DJ Clara Amfo and Aljaz Skorjanec performed a Viennese Waltz, during which Amfo’s black netted skirt got caught in her shoe momentarily, earning 17 points.
Comedian Bill Bailey, former Royal Marine JJ Chalmers and reality TV star Jamie Laing all later danced for the judges – Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas and Motsi Mabuse.
The first celebrity dancer will be eliminated on Sunday night.
Fans had earlier voiced their concerns on social media that Strictly would not start on time.
If this runs any later Boris Johnson could be in a Strictly dance-off.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) October 31, 2020
Match Of The Day host Gary Lineker quipped on Twitter: “If this runs any later Boris Johnson could be in a Strictly dance-off.”
Comedian David Baddiel added: “If this announcement holds up Strictly we may finally have a revolution.”
And BBC journalist Victoria Derbyshire said: “Downing St knows Strictly starts at ten past 7, yes?”
A statement on tonight's show. #LittleMixTheSearch pic.twitter.com/fl29NTmzTY
— Little Mix The Search (@LMTheSearch) October 31, 2020
The delay also caused the semi-final of Little Mix The Search to be postponed until next week.
The talent show, in which bands compete for a place on the pop group’s 2021 tour, was knocked from the schedule and will now air as part of a “big final event weekend”.
A statement on Twitter said: “Little Mix The Search has been postponed tonight for a BBC News special.
“The show will now become part of a big final event weekend, with the semi-final airing at 7pm on Friday 6th November and the final at 6.05pm on Saturday 7th November.”
Strictly Come Dancing continues on BBC One.