The documentary maker, 26, dazzled in white for the cha-cha-cha with her partner Graziano Di Prima, 29, during her first routine on the BBC competition.
She scored 19 points out of a possible 40 with judge Anton Du Beke, 57, commenting: “I think you will be one to watch.”
Meanwhile former newsreader Angela Rippon, 78, won a standing ovation from judges Shirley Ballas, 63, and Motsi Mabuse, 42.
And judge Craig Revel Horwood, 58, described the routine as ‘jaw-dropping’ after she raised her leg up to her head during her routine with pro Kai Widdrington, 28.
Meanwhile EastEnders actor Bobby Brazier, 20, scored 29 despite admitting to never watching the show before signing up.
He danced the foxtrot with his partner Dianne Buswell, 34, to McFly’s All About You, and brought a tear to the eye of his dad Jeff Brazier, 44, who was in the audience.
Shirley said: “Your energy is endearing, your posture, it was absolutely beautiful, we were in shock about your footwork.”
But it was Casualty actor Nigel Harman, 50, who ‘stole the show’ with his Pasodoble as he topped the leaderboard with 32 points alongside his alongside partner Katya Jones, 34.
Craig said: “I wouldn’t want to be in the competition with you around darling, that was the dance of the night.”