BBC Strictly Come Dancing viewers spot Sarah Hadland's hidden nod as Vito Coppola partnership earns claim

Fans of Sarah Hadland were quick to spot a hidden nod in her first routine of Strictly Come Dancing to her much-loved sitcom role and her partnership with Vito Coppola quickly earned the same claim.

The actress and the Italian professional dancer were among the 15 couples performing as the BBC One dance show officially got underway with week one of the competition on Saturday night (September 21).

It was the first time fans had seen the new crop of celebrities and their pro dance partners perform in their couples following the pre-recorded launch show, which saw them paired for the first time last weekend.

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But all eyes were on their first performances and Sarah and reigning champion Vito were awarded 30 points after their dance to Dolly Parton classic 9 To 5.

Strictly co-host Claudia Winkleman said this was the highest score a quickstep had received in week one, leaving the new pairing open-mouthed, and head judge Shirley Ballas said Sarah had "great frame" and "great footwork" while Craig Revel Horwood gave them a one-word verdict: "Fantastic!"

But Strictly fans were distracted as Sarah and Vito performed their routine centred around a joke shop and for those who have watched Sarah as Stevie in hit comedy Miranda will know that in the BBC show, The Joke Shop is a boutique shop owned by Miranda and managed by her best friend Stevie.

Flocking to social media to point out the special nod. @lewisjsloman said: "The joke shop. The Miranda fans won tonight #Strictly." @emsth0ughts commented: "Sarah having her first routine set in a joke shop. Miranda fans unite x #Strictly." @Tazzie_x wrote: "The fact shes in a joke shop