Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Record
Daily Record
Entertainment
Mark Jefferies & Jacob Rawley

Strictly Come Dancing kick off date confirmed by BBC ahead of show's 20th series

Strictly Come Dancing is set to kick off next month, as fans will likely know which celebrity is paired with which pro by mid-September.

The 20th series will come as a part of the BBC ’s 100th anniversary, with recording beginning on September 7. Familiar faces will be back with Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman hosting the Launch Show.

This season is set to be thrilling, with special guests and fun tributes for the 100th anniversary BBC celebration, making for must-see TV. And some will be able to see the pros up close even sooner, with lucky fans in for the chance to see the pro dancers performing a group number with “special guests” on August 24.

Fans can apply for tickets on the official BBC website at any time until 10pm on Sunday 7 August. Those who apply will be entered into a random draw.

This year there will be 20 pro dancers to mark the 20th series, making it the biggest line up that the show has ever run, reports the Mirror.

The BBC said: “Dust off your dancing shoes, 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.”

In May, the BBC confirmed Craig Revel Horwood, 57, Motsi Mabuse, 41, and Shirley Ballas, 61, will return to the judging panel alongside Anton Du Beke, 56, following his successful stint stepping in for Bruno Tonioli, 66, in 2021.

Anton, a former pro dancer on the show, said at the time: “This is brilliant news. I’m utterly delighted to be continuing as a regular judge.”

Shirley said: “Being a judge on Strictly is such a joy and honour for me and I can’t wait to be back at the studio waving my paddle.

“Every year the wonderful production team surpass themselves.”

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - sign up to our daily newsletter here .

READ NEXT:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.