New Hosts and Production Changes for the Upcoming Series
The upcoming season marks a major transition for the long-running dance competition. According to Digital Spy, the BBC audience ticketing website indicated that the first live show would air on Saturday, September 26, following a pre-recorded launch episode on Saturday, September 19. Daily Mail preview images show that professional dancer Dianne Buswell will wield the glitterball trophy while wearing a bejeweled tassel dress, and pop idol Jessie J will provide guest vocals for a theatrical ballroom routine.
Production changes extend beyond the hosting desk. According to contestant Graeme Hall speaking on Radio Northampton via Digital Spy, celebrities will discover their professional partners live in front of the studio audience rather than through separately filmed packages. “This year, they’re doing it slightly differently,” Hall said. “We don’t find out until the launch show. You have no say in it, the pros have no say in it.” Furthermore, contestant Will Best revealed on the Hits Radio Breakfast Show that producers held chemistry tests where female pros rapidly danced with male contenders in rotating circles. Daily Mail reported that returning judges Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood, and Anton Du Beke will all resume their judging seats for the new run.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for the launch show’s live partner reveal, which brings back a classic studio format not used in recent seasons due to pandemic-era restrictions.
Confirmed Celebrity Lineup and Backstage Traditions
A diverse array of famous faces will compete for the glitterball trophy this season. According to Digital Spy and Daily Mail, the confirmed celebrity bill features Lacey Turner, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer, Will Best, Dame Sarah Storey, Jaime Winstone, Bethany Antonia, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Lawrence Robb, Tabby Stoecker, John Nellis, Melanie Walters, Dani Dyer, Alex Kingston, Vicky Pattison, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, and Ellie Goldstein.
I get very, very nervous.” Meanwhile, incoming host Emma Willis noted on Magic FM via Digital Spy that the show’s signature trio embrace of saying “keep dancing” requires some choreography adjustments. “That is difficult with three. Right?” Willis said. “At the minute we’re having loads of like production days and we’re playing with kind of, who’s with who and where do we go and how does it work? But I imagine we’ll need to have something.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Strictly Come Dancing return to television?
According to Digital Spy, the pre-recorded launch episode is scheduled to air on Saturday, September 19, followed by the first live show on Saturday, September 26, on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Who are the new hosts of Strictly Come Dancing?
Who is on the celebrity lineup for this series?
According to Digital Spy and Daily Mail, the contestant roster features Dani Dyer, Will Best, Dame Sarah Storey, Lacey Turner, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer, Jaime Winstone, Bethany Antonia, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Lawrence Robb, Tabby Stoecker, John Nellis, Melanie Walters, Alex Kingston, Vicky Pattison, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, and Ellie Goldstein.
Did you know? Contestant Will Best revealed on his Hits Radio Breakfast Show that female professional dancers compared his facial expressions during chemistry tests to Jim Carrey in The Mask, according to Digital Spy.
Call to Action: Which celebrity pairing are you most excited to see take to the dance floor this autumn? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, and check out our Streaming Guide to see where to watch all your favorite television programs.
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