Strictly Come Dancing fans will be delighted to know that the BBC's much anticipated dance contest is set to return in a matter of weeks. Strictly has been at the centre of our screens since 2004 airing on Saturday night's from autumn right up until Christmas.
Each year a bunch of famous faces put their dancing skills to the test alongside a professional dancer in a bid to win the ultimate Strictly Glitterball trophy. The line-up of celebrities taking to the dance floor this year is now officially complete with a mix of Corrie actors, an 80s music legend and a former Britain's Got Talent child star all preparing to put on their dancing shoes.
And it has now been revealed that Strictly will return for its twentieth series with a launch show on Saturday, September 17, with live shows expected to begin shortly after. Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will be back to host the show as well as judges Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood and head judge Shirley Ballas.
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The news was confirmed by professional dancer Johannes Radebe during an appearance on Channel 4's The Big Breakfast on Saturday morning (August 20), a show fronted by Mo Gilligan and former Strictly 2021 star AJ Odudu, reports The Mirror.
Joahnnes shared his excitement for the show to return, following the news of who would be on this year's lineup.
AJ began: "We do have the exclusive that the launch of Strictly Come Dancing 2022 is gonna be on September 17!"
Johannes replies: "It is exciting – you would know! Everyone is waiting for it, I know.
"You can't face winter without Strictly, so I'm excited to have it back on our screens." AJ replied: "Exactly, me too!"
It follows the news that a pre-recorded launch show would be filmed on Wednesday, September 7, as the celebrities are paired up with their professional dance partners.
Earlier this month the complete line-up was officially announced with Corrie star Kym Marsh, Hollyoaks' Will Mellor and TV presenter Helen Skelton were confirmed to be taking part.
Joining them are James Bye, Tony Adams, Hamza Yassin, Fleur East, Molly Rainford, Ellie Taylor and Matt Goss.
Also on the bill are Tyler West, Ellie Simmonds, Jayde Adams, Kaye Adams and Richie Anderson.
There's a big change to the pro line-up this year, with pro dancers Oti Mabuse and Aljaz Skorjanec having left the series.
The BBC show announced that four new professionals would be joining the show including European cup winner Vito Coppola , Chinese National Champion Carlos Gu , former Under 21 British National Champion Lauren Oakley and Latin dance champion Michelle Tsiakkas.
Meanwhile, Bruno Tonioli announced in May that he was leaving the show after 18 years as a judge on the panel. He has been replaced by former pro and last year's judge Anton Du Beke.
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