Thank you and a glittery goodnight
Very much appreciated your company and sage comments during this curtain-raiser, everyone. Let’s reconvene right here for the first live show, which starts at 7pm next Saturday. In the meantime, I’m @michaelhogan on Twitter, so do come and say hello.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend, Guardian glitterati. And, it almost goes without saying, keeeeeep dancing! Night.
Scandal? What scandal?
No mention of The Great Unpleasantness, which was perhaps no surprise, nor references to the show’s new welfare measures. Perhaps we’ll see that more when the training rooms come into play over the coming weeks.
Instead this was a launch show which definitely tried to put the fun back into Strictly. Lots of bright colours, camaraderie and start-of-new-school term excitement. A soft reboot. If you’d somehow missed all the scandal this summer, you probably wouldn’t have noticed much difference – bar a couple of mysteriously absent male pros.
Strictly is back and after several months of relentless scrutiny, it felt good to be reminded of its joys again. Maybe we are allowed nice things after all.
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Gardener Maidhc says: “Team MoJo already look to be living up to the potential.”
Aine183 says: “Chris McCausland does have rhythm. I am crossing my fingers for him.”
And finally, RegWhelk adds: “Well, that was an interesting, if over-stimulated, start to the series. Loving Chris and Annoyah, but I think Sarah might be the one to watch.”
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Craig Revel Hairwood causes a stir
whistledownthewind says: “Despite all the problems, Strictly at its best is still one of the most entertaining things on TV. Here’s hoping the biggest scandal this season is the amount of Just For Men beard dye Craig has on his face!”
Pancake01 adds: “Craig looks like a long-lost Windsor. Uncle Craig, who had to be exiled Down Under for kicking a corgi.”
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emilyscatnaps says: “Amidst all the drama, it’s good to know we can still rely on certain things:
- Claud and Tess look A-MAY-ZING
- Tess’s one shoulder outfits
- Dave Arch and The Wunnerfuls bringing it.”
On Chris McCausland’s quip about the modern-day miracle of getting in the same room as a doctor, SecretPuddleJumper says: “Ha, the HIGNFY and Strictly crossover I never knew I needed. No going back now.”
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Strictlygirl06 says: “I love these pairings! Chris and Dianne is so perfect.”
Pancakeo1 agrees: “I like Dianne with Chris. Katya and Wynne should be good too. It seems to be more about fun so far, which I think it’s what they are aiming for.
fihema says: “I think I know five of the celebs. Nice to see Amy in her own Marilyn/Madonna/Ken choreo with Nikita in a kilt (grin). This is the pink ribbon in human form.”
davidargile says: “Aww, fantastic Amy is back. Things like this and Chris, highlight what Strictly is all about, not the summer shenanigans and media frenzy. I for one am glad it’s back on our screens.”
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Readers’ verdicts
A swift round-up of some wise words from the glitter gang down below. GreatIsMyNewt says: “So Shayne and Nancy = Shancey? Too early?”
In other nickname news, ReclinedPotato says: “I see your Shancey and raise you with Petita.” Pete and Jowita, obv.
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Early days, obviously, but on this evidence, who do we think might dance deep into the contest? I liked the look of Tasha Ghouri, Jamie Borthwick, Sarah Hadland, Montell Douglas and Shayne Ward.
Paul Merson, Chris McCausland, Nick Knowles and Toyah Willcox should be fun to watch. The field is full of intriguing pairings. Are they enough to help the Strictly “brand” bounce back?
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More Strictly action on TV tonight
TV viewers can now stay on BBC1 for Last Night of the Proms, flip to BBC2 for music compilation Songs of Survival or, in a sly piece of scheduling, Channel 5 is airing documentary Strictly Come Dancing: Secrets, Sex & Scandals.
Film-wise, just starting are The Northman on Channel 4 or Notting Hill on Film4. Altogether now: I’m just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her…
In loving memory
A closing card pays tribute to former Strictly favourites Dave Myers and Robin Windsor. Classy touch. RIP.
Credits roll
“Staaaaaart dancing,” trill Tess and Claud. As the glitter confetti settles and the newly formed couples waltz off to the training rooms, their new chaperones in hot pursuit, please stay with us for analysis, reaction and a round-up of your comments.
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Phew. Pick the bones out of that, sparkly squadron.
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Wynne Evans looks like he could be a Welsh Ed Balls. Up for fun. Respectable hip action from Pete Wicks.
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Dad dancers Wynne Evans, Nick Knowles and Paul Merson relying on comedy factor at this early stage, doing more pose-striking than dancing.
Sarah Hadland seems to be dressed as a Ribena berry that’s gone to Las Vegas but looks great. It’s crayon-coloured pandemonium out there.
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They’re back in primary coloured outfits, like a Skittles-fuelled fever dream. The song is 1980 disco anthem Dance Yourself Dizzy by Liquid Gold.
Tasha Ghouri leading the charge and almost looks like a pro already. Cynics might grumble that with her prior hoofing experience, she kind of is.
Shayne Ward, JB Gill, Montell Douglas and Jamie Borthwick also look promising. Chris McCausland giving it some welly and surprisingly decent.
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Class of 2024 hit the floor for the first time
As per annual tradition, we finish the launch show with all 15 celebrities and 18 pros cramming onto the dancefloor for a slightly chaotic group routine. Pay close attention, we’re about to get our first look at the new crop’s hoofing abilities.
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So our Strictly 2024 line-up is complete. Thoughts? Feelings? Fears? Early favourites? (That’s probably enough questions for now.)
It’s Paul and Karen!
Paul Merson is thrilled to be paired with the longest-serving pro, Venezuelan-born firecracker Karen Hauer. “I’m well happy,” grins the ex-Gooner. “You’ve put the two oldest together. And I’m one of them!”
Karen says: “I just want him to enjoy himself because this is one of the greatest experiences.”
She then announces that their first dance will be an American smooth to Vindaloo by Fat Les. Scarily, I don’t think she’s joking. It will be a Strictly first, if nothing else. Eng-land!
It's Nick and Luba!
Nick Knowles is paired with Russian-born pro Luba Mushtuk.
“We’ll be a good match,” says Nick. “I wanted someone patient. She’s a world-class dancer, so how can it possibly go wrong? Although, it’s a bit like taking an F1 world champion and putting them in a beaten-up old builder’s van. I have had a bit of bodywork done, though. A spray paint, literally.”
Luba said: “I’m pretty sure with some time and a lot of practice, I will make you into a Maserati.” We seem to have accidentally changed channels to Top Gear. And on that bombshell…
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It’s Tom and Nadiya!
They were always likely to put the big ’uns together. Tom Dean, who stands 6ft 4in, is paired with Nadiya Bychkova, the tallest female pro.
Go easy on his tootsies because Tom says: “We don’t do any land stuff, so I’ve never really gone against gravity in my sporting career. Running, jumping and twisting are all totally new to me, so I’m trying to build up strength in these delicate feet of mine.” Better stock up on Dr Scholl products and Body Shop peppermint foot lotion. (Other brands are available.)
Nadiya says: “I’m super happy. He’s not just a swimmer, he’s a winner!” Nice to see Ukrainian pro Nadiya back in the main cast after being benched last year.
Adorable home video footage of tiny Tom doing ballet in boyhood. He’s a ringer! Kidding.
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And finally of our famous 15, it’s this year’s youngest contestant: Olympic swimmer Tom Dean. He goofed in July by accidentally announcing himself as the first participant, blurting it out poolside in Paris. The chlorine had clearly gone to his head.
Send out a DIY SOS. It’s toolbox-wielding TV presenter Nick Knowles.
Former footballer Paul Merson is the next squad member to come off the sequin-spangled bench. Who will be man-marking Merse the magic man?
Choreographic accompaniment comes from pros Jowita Przystał, Lauren Oakley, Kai Widdrington and Carlos Gu.
The later three have been benched this series, meaning they have no celebrity partner. Instead they will be ensemble dancers and provide injury cover. A shame, especially in Kai’s case.
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Musical interlude from Clean Bandit and Anne-Marie
Their hit Symphony soundtracked Rose and (whisper his name) Giovanni’s Couple’s Choice in 2021, complete with its spine-tingling silent interlude. Now electro-classical crossover band Clean Bandit are in the ballroom, joined by Essex popstrel Anne-Marie to perform their new single Cry Baby, produced by David “heart hands behind the decks” Guetta.
This is Clean Bandit’s third collaboration with Anne-Marie and the song started life in 2020, written remotely over Zoom during lockdown. You can almost taste the banana bread and hear the doorstep clapping.
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It’s Punam and Gorka!
Dr Punam Krishan is paired with Spanish pro Gorka Márquez, who Claudia reminds us has scored more 10s than any other pro currently on the show.
Punam says: “I’m absolutely buzzing. I feel honoured, because you’ve got so many years of experience. I can’t wait to take you up north to bonnie Scotland.”
Gorka the Corker gamely replies: “I can’t wait. I love Glasgow and I love haggis.” Neeps and tatties with that, McGorka?
It’s Tasha and Aljaž!
Well, he needed a promising partner upon his Strictly comeback and he’s got one. Tasha Ghouri is paired with smiley Slovenian pro Aljaž Škorjanec
“Dance is my pure joy,” gushes Tasha. “It’s where I found my inner confidence and I’m doing this for all the Tashas out there. Disability or not, it’s about celebrating dance and putting smiles on faces. That’s what I’m here for. I am absolutely ecstatic to be paired with Aljaž. He’s so fun. I love a bit of chaos energy. We mesh so well. He’s already teaching me little move. I’ve got a good one here.”
Aljaž adds: “Enjoy and embrace every single step of it because it’s the most special show you could ever do.” Welcome back, Mr Manrara.
It’s Sarah and Vito!
Sarah Hadland is paired with reigning pro champion Vito Coppola. A couple that could go a long way. “I’m a Strictly superfan,” says Sarah. “I’d be taking it very seriously if I was at home. Depending on which WhatsApp group I was with, you wouldn’t be able to talk during the dances. That’s a very strict rule.” Much like Liveblog Towers, Sarah. Ahem.
When Claudia ask Vito if he can win again, he says: “I live in the moment and the present. Sarah and me have the same energy. I see Sarah as sparkling water. We are going to live this journey as a bubble!” So that’s totally clear, then.
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It's Toyah and Ginger Neil!
Toyah Willcox is partnered with homegrown pro Neil Jones. She says: “I met Neil and I was in heaven. All of you are beautiful boys but not as beautiful as Neil!”
On Toyah’s plans to be “the first pensioner to abseil through this studio”, Neil says: “I’m scared of heights but I’m up for it.” Good to see the carrot-topped cult hero get a partner after two years on the bench.
Sarah Hadland makes everyone laugh with a reference to “slow growers” (cheeky) and shows off her reaction face to Craig criticism. Such fun.
Bear with, bear with. Our last celebrity female is Miranda Hart’s best mate Stevie, aka actor Sarah Hadland.
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Time for our youngest celebrity female, Love Island alumna and disability campaigner Tasha Ghouri. Who happens to be an ex-girlfriend of jettisoned pro Giovanni Pernice. Spicy.
As Strictly’s second ever deaf contestant, she’s bidding to follow in the footsteps of glitterball winner Rose Ayling-Ellis. And judging by her dance pedigree, don’t rule it out.
The doctor will see you now. Next into the Elstree waiting room is media medic Dr Punam Krishan, who is the resident health expert on Morning Live, as well as a practising NHS GP. Which pro will be experiencing her bedside manner?
Let’s get back to the pairing up. Who will 80s pop-punk popstrel Toyah Willcox be paired with? For now, it’s a mystery.
Afterwards, Ellie gives this year’s contestants some words of wisdom: “Take in every minute, it goes so fast, so enjoy it, guys. It’s the best time ever.”
Ellie and Vito’s victory dance
Welcome back, 2023 glitterball winners. Reigning champions Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola are back in the ballroom, reprising their fiery, rave-tinged paso doble to 2WEI’s stripped-back cover of Insomnia by Faithless and reminding us exactly why they won nine months ago.
When they first performed it in week five, Motsi hailed it as “the best dance of the series so far”. Vito was thrilled with Shirley recognising their fregolina steps, which baffled Claudia up on the balcony. They scored their first 10 and Ellie accidentally bashed Vito in the teeth with sheer excitement. It was also their Judges’ Pick in the grand final, where they increased their score from 37 to 39 points (no prizes for guessing which judge declined to raise his perfect 10 paddle).
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It’s JB and Amy!
JB Gill is paired with much-loved Welsh pro Amy Dowden, making her Strictly comeback after recovering from cancer.
Amy says: “I’m delighted to be back in the ballroom. It feels like my first year all over again. I just want JB to have the best time and fall in love with dancing.”
JB admits he had his sights set on Amy as his professional partner,: “She’s brilliant, plus she’s got experience with popstars, so I know I’m in good hands!” He means Tom Fletcher from McFly, who she partnered in 2021.
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It’s Sam and Nikita!
Sam Quek will be partnered by Ukrainian pro Nikita Kuzmin, who reached last year’s final with Layton Williams. He also came runner-up in Celebrity Big Brother earlier this year.
Sam says: “I’ve never felt nerves like it. It’s the unknown. Look at me, this isn’t me. I didn’t recognise myself in the mirror!”
“Everybody spoke of Sam so well,” says Nikita. “She’s so lovely and she’s so caring, I cannot wait to start.” Another couple who could go far.
It’s Montell and Jojo!
Montell Douglas is paired with popular South African pro Johannes Radebe. Lucky her. Montell says: “How can you not be happy? I don’t think there’s a person on this earth who doesn’t want to be partnered with Jojo. I’m over the moon!”
And they’ve already coined a team name. “Strictly Come Dancing, bringing the MoJo,” says Johannes. “She’s Fire and I’m Water.”
He’s been on a hot streak in recent years, reaching the final with John Whaite and the semi-final with Annabel Croft. MoJo rising indeed.
It’s Pete and Jowita!
Pete Wicks is coupled up with Polish pro Jowita Przystał who won with wildlife presenter Hamza Yassin two years ago. Asked by Claudia if having Jowita by his side makes it all worthwhile, Pete replies: “Oh, 100%! The little pocket rocket? I’ve got this in the bag now, I’m going to win it.”
Jowita reveals that their first dance will be a paso doble to The Prodigy’s Breathe. Pete looks puzzled and asks: “What’s a paso doble?” Don’t be fooled. I think they could be dark horses.
Time for a Quekstep, as Olympian-turned-TV presenter Sam Quek prepares to find out who’ll be playing jolly hockeysticks with.
Mewwy Cwistmas! The next celebrity into the sparkly sorting hat is JB Gill from boyband JLS.
The only way is spray tan. It’ll soon be the turn of TOWIE alumnus and reality TV rent-a-face Pete Wicks to meet his professional partner. Who’ll be trying to tame the lionine bad boy?
Over to the female celebrities now and first up is Montell Douglas, he Olynpic athlete who’s now on Gladiators as “Fire”. Gladiator ready? Pro partner ready? You will go on my first whistle…
It’s Jamie and Michelle!
Play the doof-doofs! Jamie Borthwick, aka Jay Mitchell from EastEnders is paired with Cypriot pro and Latin champion Michelle Tsiakka in her first series with a celebrity partner.
Jay says: “I don’t quite know how I managed to win the Christmas special but this is a whole different ballgame. I don’t think I can blag it for a whole 13 weeks.”
Michelle adds “It’s a dream come true to finally get on that dancefloor with a partner and who better than Jamie to dance with? I’m so happy!”
Ones to watch, I reckon. He won the Christmas special and she’ll be keen to impress in her debut series proper.
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It’s Shayne and Nancy!
A promising pairing, not to be confused with Sid and Nancy. Shayne Ward says: “Nancy is a phenomenal dancer and I feel so blessed that she’s with me on this journey.
On matching Shayne’s competitive spirit, Nancy Xu says: “I will try. Since that’s your goal, that’s my goal!”
X Factor winner Shayne will face the music and dance. Who’s the more intimidating judge, do we reckon? Simon Cowell or Craig Revel Horwood?
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It’s Wynne and Katya!
Wynne Evans is paired with St Petersburg-born pro Katya Jones, a former glitterball winner who was a semi-finalist with Nigel Harman last year. Wynne calls her “the cockney Russian!”
Katya says: “This man was born to Wynne!” and reveals that their first dance will be the samba to Help Yourself by Sir Tom Jones. Hip action ahoy. Anton mops his brow with relief that it’s not him.
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It’s Chris and Dianne!
This should be a highly entertaining couple. Chris McCausland is paired with Aussie pro Dianne Buswell, who reached the final last year with Bobby Brazier.
Chris quips: “She is absolutely over the moon having me because she really wants November off. You’ve got a holiday booked, haven’t you?”
Dianne says: “I’m so excited and honoured to be your partner.I’m not sure myself how it’s going to work but we’ll figure it out together.”
Chris replies: “We’re going to make mistakes and have a laugh about them. Then we’re going to turn up here and show you all of the mistakes that we’ve learnt.”
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Her fellow pros crowd around to embrace her emotionally at the end and lift her shoulder high. Lovely moment. I might have something in my eye.
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It’s set to a dance-pop medley, climaxing with Jungle’s Keep Moving. Jazzy styling. Elements of tango, Charleston and quickstep. A classic Strictly number. Frothy and fab-ew-lous. Amy takes centre stage in a hot pink feathered dress.
Welcome back, Amy
She’s making a cheering return to the ballroom after being forced to pull out of last year’s series as she battled stage three breast cancer. Now Strictly celebrates the happy return of popular pro Amy Dowden with a show-stopping group number.
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Gio Compario in funny shocker. Wynne Evans is quite amusing. Who knew? Chris McCausland quips that he’s “only here for three weeks”.
Let’s meet some celebs!
First into the mirrorball breach is comedian Chris McCausland, Strictly’s first ever blind contestant. When he was confirmed as part of the line-up, Chris said: “What could possibly go wrong? OK, don’t answer that. If anybody out there is thinking ‘How the hell will that work?’, rest assured that I’m thinking exactly the same thing. I just hope the BBC can afford the insurance. I’ll take out three cameras per week.” But who’ll be his glittery guide?
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Pete Wicks seems to be wearing my nan’s old net curtains.
Time to meet our Strictly stars™
Bring on 15 frightened deers in the headlights. Lots of pastel-hued pleather. Toyah Willcox of 80s punk-pop fame! Nick Knowles of hard-hat and hi-vis tabard fame! Jay from EastEnders! The GoCompare bloke! Teeny poppers Shayne Ward and JB from JLS! Blind comedian Chris McCausland! Some slightly obscure sportspeople! The casting department threw darts at the phone directory, didn’t they?
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Tess reveals that Craig has awarded 10 scores of one in the past two decades. And six of them went to Anton.
Here comes the judges/Judges take to the floor
Aaaaaand we welcome the paddle-raising panel of Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and head judge Shirley Ballas. Craig looks rther dashing with his new beard. Sort of salty sea dog meet Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen.
Sound the Dave Arch klaxon
The long-serving Strictly bandleader is back, complete with his baton and slightly sheepish look to the camera.
Frockwatch
Here come our presenting pair, so time for our first fashion face-off of the series. Tess Daly is is in silver asymmetric with sash. Claudia Winkleman is in a white tuxedo with matching Essex girl stilletos. Claud wins but what a treat to see them both. It’s been a hot minute.
This is terribly high-concept. Unless I’m mistaken, it’s soundtracked by a Vengaboys medley, Technotronic, 2 Unlimited, Whigfield, Gina G and Steps. Retro.
Gorka’s got his shirt off. Nice nod to dear old Brucey with the bus numberplate. And finally, the action moves into the ballroom Barbie Movie-style primary coloured outfits all round. Cameos from the judges and presenters. Claudia clearly LOVED telling Dave Arch she loves him.
And we’re off!
No new-look title sequence yet. That has to wait until after the pairings are announced. Instead we start the series in style with a spectacular routine from the professional troupe, encouraging us to get aboard the Strictly Bus. It’s got tiger-print seats and everything.
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Take your sofa seats and charge your glasses, glitterati. We’re about to go over to the Elstree Studios ballroom for the first time this year. Squeal!
Last knockings of name-that-pop-tune gameshow The Hit List on BBC1 now. Hurry up, the Humeses, we’ve got Latin and ballroom pairings to unveil…
How are we feeling about this year’s celebrity line-up? For me, it lacked a big name or three - but we often think that before the series starts and within weeks, such gripes are forgotten and we’re fully invested.
Here’s my initial reaction when the cast was announced. Mere minutes now until showtime…
Shortest show until November, anyone? With a running time of a tight 100 minutes, tonight’s launch show is the briefest we’ll get for a good few weeks, until the 15-strong field is whittled down.
Next week’s first live show is an epic 145 minutes. These early weeks are a real test of sparkly stamina. Ten minutes now until choreographic kick-off…
What else is on the ballroom bill?
The main business tonight, of course, is the pro-celebrity pairings being unveiled. But we’re also promised one last one last go around the floor for reigning champions Ellie and Vito, a musical performance from Clean Bandit featuring Anne-Marie, plus several group numbers.
Just 15 minutes until sequin o’clock….
Let’s play launch show bingo
As is traditional, here’s your weekly spotter’s guide to things we’re likely to see on-screen each week. Tick them off! Take a drink for each! Celebrate Strictly being back, back, back!
Comeback pros Amy Dowden and Aljaž Škorjanec don’t stop grinning for the entire episode
Shirley and Anton are billed as “Queen of Latin” and “King of Ballroom” respectively. Poor Motsi doesn’t get a regal title
Craig Revel Horwood is on jolly form, which will all change next week when his scoring paddles come out
There’s a pro you don’t recognise because they’re always on the subs’ bench/have grown a beard/had a haircut
Reigning champion Ellie Leach advises this year’s cast to “enjoy the journey”
Sarah Hadland and Toyah Wilcox look exactly the same, which could get confusing
Male celeb is “looking forward to being Strictlyfied”. The next time we seem him, he’s several shades more orange
Ginger Neil elbows his way to the front of a group shot
Obvi-gag about Nick Knowles sending out a “Dance SOS”/Wynne Evans “go comparing” his footwork
Claudia Winkleman mentions how she’s missing Krishnan Guru-Murthy’s son Jay
Not all bad news
All the negative press didn’t dent Strictly’s popularity at this week’s viewer-voted National TV Awards. Claudia and Tess picked up the Best Talent Show prize on behalf of the show and were so delighted, they conga-danced off the stage. Gloria Estefan would approve.
The elephant in the ballroom
It will be intriguing go see how events of recent months affect the show. New welfare measures have been introduced, including welfare producers for both the celebrities and pros. A member of the production team will be present at all times in the training rooms.
There has been speculation that the scandals might have affected the show’s casting process. The new series has the lowest percentage of female celebrities in Strictly’s 20-year history, with just six women out of 15.
To replace the departing pro pair, it was announced in July that Aljaž Škorjanec would be returning after a two-year hiatus. He’s a fan favourite and family man who is seen as a safe pair of hands.
What other differences might be made by this tumultuous period? BBC director general Tim Davie has said the show should be more fun and less competitive.
Will the ballroom curtain now be pulled back to embrace any drama, reveal the truth behind the feelgood platitudes and be open about exactly how hard the Strictly process can be? Will chaperones disrupt the dynamic and rapport between the couples? Will the controversy be explicitly mentioned on-air in tonight’s show? Has the glitterball lost its shine? I guess we’ll get our first clues shortly.
A summer of Strictly scandal
It’s been an annus horribilis so far for the BBC’s flagship entertaining franchise. The controversy was kickstarted by actress Amanda Abbington, who departed the last series early amid rumours of clashes with her professional partner Giovanni Pernice - a former glitterball winner, four-time finalist and one of the top pros. Early this year, Abbington made a complaint that she’d been subjected to “inappropriate, mean, nasty bullying” and had suffered mild PTSD as a result.
In June, it was confirmed that after “numerous serious complaints” regarding his teaching methods, thought to include testimony from some of his previous dance partners, Pernice would not be returning to the show. Pernice denied “any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour”. A BBC investigation is still ongoing. Since her complaint was made public, police have looked into death threats allegedly made against Abbington and her family.
Later that month, despite initially being confirmed for this series, it was announced that Pernice’s fellow Italian pro Graziano Di Prima wouldn’t be returning either, following allegations of misconduct towards his own 2023 partner, Love Islander Zara McDermott. Di Prima said he “deeply regretted his actions that led to his departure”, which included kicking McDermott in training. He reportedly ended up “under medical supervision and had “ugly thoughts” about suicide.
As the crisis deepened and vultures began to circle, further stories swirled about pros’ teaching methods and behind-the-scenes behaviour, some going back years. Ex-contestant Rev Richard Coles said “no one was surprised” in an “intensely competitive show with a dark heart”.
Accusations of bullying and abuse hit Strictly particularly hard, since they undermine its inclusive, supportive, wholesome, family-friendly image. The fallout even led to speculation that the series might be taken off-air this year. However, the show must go on and we’re back in the ballroom tonight.
You can read more about it all in our articles here and here.
Get set for the Strictly 2024 launch show
…And almost as importantly, our first sequin-spangled liveblog of the year. Good evening all and welcome to the 22nd series of Strictly Come Dancing. I’m Michael, your virtual dance partner in Strictly’s landmark 20th year. I hope you’ll join me for a celebratory autumn of twinkle-toed communal viewing.
Tonight’s pre-recorded launch show sees our 15 intrepid new celebrities paired up with their professional partners. This is followed by our first chance to check out their hoofing potential as everyone hits the fabled Elstree Studios floor for the traditional curtain-raising group number. It promises to be the usual chaotic cocktail of dad-dancing, disco moves and mugging for the camera.
You don’t need me to remind you that this is a momentous series for the BBC’s ballroom behemoth. So far its 20th anniversary has been overshadowed by a string of scandals that left the show in crisis - and even, for a while back there, its future in doubt. More on that shortly. Tonight is our first chance to see if the choreographic contest can keep its all-important sparkle.
It’s showtime at 7.20pm on BBC One. I’ll be liveblogging from 6.45pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, analysis, reaction and affectionate snark. So dig your dancing shoes out of deep storage and see you on the sofa. Strictly season is upon us again. Before we know it, it’ll be Christmas.
I’d love to hear from you, too. You can tweet me @michaelhogan, email me michael.hogan.freelance@guardian.co.uk and the comments section below is open for cha-cha-chat. I’ll rumba-walk down there every now and again to say hi and gauge your reaction to the show, so please share your thoughts.
Are we ready to set the glitterball spinning again? Nearly time to staaaaaart pro-celebrity pairing!
