Dust off your dancing shoes as Strictly Come Dancing have confirmed when they’ll start the filming this year’s series.
The BBC ballroom stalwart will record a pre-recorded launch show on Wednesday, 7 September, in advance of this year’s live shows.
Show bosses announced the filming date and encouraged fans to apply for tickets in a statement, which read: “Strictly Come Dancing is back!
“The stunning 20th series returns, bringing glamour and show-stopping dancing back to Saturday nights on BBC One – and we’re extremely excited to be able to welcome an audience back to the studio for this year’s shows.
“Hosted by the very talented and glamorous Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, the show will once again come live from Elstree Film and Television Studios.
“Registration is now open to be part of the exciting Launch Show, which is recording in advance of this year’s live shows on Wednesday, September 7.”
To add to the excitement, the professional dancers will be performing an extra special group routine on 24 August to celebrate the BBC’s 100th anniversary.
In another statement, they said: “Strictly Come Dancing is celebrating 100 years of the BBC! The professional dancers will be throwing a party like only they know how, with a group number full of all the usual sparkle and glamour.
“There may well be a surprise or two as well, with special guests and fun tributes to some of your favourite BBC shows.”
The news comes mere weeks after they revealed four new pros will be joining the series as they confirmed their biggest line-up of professional dancers in the show’s history.
Returning for its landmark 20th series, it is set to welcome European cup winner Vito Coppola, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley and Latin dance champion Michelle Tsiakkas to the ballroom for the first time.
The foursome’s arrival to follows the exits of fan favourites Oti Mabuse and Aljaž Škorjanec who announced their departure from the entertainment series in February and March.
The new pros join returning dancers Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Graziano Di Prima, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Cameron Lombard, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Giovanni Pernice, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Kai Widdrington and Nancy Xu.
Previously, Anton Du Beke confirmed he was permanently taking over from Bruno Tonioli on the judging panel after standing in for the Italian on last year’s show due to Covid-19 travel restrictions.
Former professional dancer Du Beke joins Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Shirley Ballas on the panel.
Strictly Come Dancing will air later this Autumn on BBC One.
