Strictly Come Dancing fans seriously distracted by Shirley Ballas’ outfit on launch show – but can you spot why?

STRICTLY Come Dancing fans were left seriously distracted by Shirley Ballas' outfit on launch show tonight.

The BBC dancing show returned for a brand new series with the latest batch of celebrities being paired with their professional dance partners.

The launch show opened with an epic performance from the pros before the judges were introduced.

Shirley, 63, pulled out all the stops in a bright yellow figure hugging gown which featured voluminous feather cuffs on the sleeves.

But it prompted some Strictly viewers watching at home to compare her to a Sesame Street character.

Taking to X - formerly Twitter - one wrote: "Shirley’s come as big bird."

Another shared a gif of the character and tweeted: "Big bird springs to mind #shirley."

A third commented: "Shirley is dressed like an emu #Strictly."

A fellow viewer joked: "Is Shirley wearing a canary?"

Meanwhile another shared: "Shirley has come in full Big Bird drag."

Die hard fans of Strictly also felt it was a call back to Ann Widdecombe's iconic outfit when she danced with Anton Du Beke in 2010.

Sharing a snap of Anton holding Ann's leg and wrist during their infamous Blackpool routine, they joked: "Will Anton be swinging Shirley round by the ankle for a bit of nostalgia?"