I've always always wondered this and find it really weird .. on the launch show when the celebrities get matched with their professional partner .. have they already been partnered and made sure everythings okay weeks before the show to rehearse? or are they totally finding out for the first time? .. its always seemed quite strange...

I think they are finding out for the first time based on some of the reactions. With some it is probably quite obvious though, i.e. Audley and Natalie last year.

During the rehearsals for the group dance (which is on the launch show), they dance with all the pros to try and prevent them from knowing.

This "live" pairing up launch show has only been the case the last couple of years. Before that, the pairings were done individually (with the pro usually going into a room where the celeb was).

I quite like this "live" pairing up show - but it must be pretty tortuous for the pros (especially those that are left to the end - poor Vincent has been the part of the last 2 male pro pair ups and Flavia has been part of the last two lady pro pairings up so hopefully they will both get a break and know earlier in the show this year).