Let’s Dance scores with 6.5m viewers

The first heat of Let’s Dance for Sport Relief attracted 6.5 million viewers, the BBC has said.

The celebrity dance show kicked off on Saturday night with EastEnders double act Tameka Empson and Laurie Brett winning the heat after becoming Beyonce and Lady Gaga for the night.

The soap actresses performed the dance routine from the pop stars’ single Telephone. Comedian Terry Alderton, who danced to Proud Mary by Tina Turner and wore a short flapper-style dress, was sent through to the final by the judging panel after the girls’ victory.

The BBC said 6.5 million people – a 28.9 per cent share of the viewing audience – tuned in to watch the show. There will be three more heats before the final when eight celebrity acts will compete.