Strictly Come Dancing fans are in for a treat this week, as not only does the main show return for a brand new season, but it has just been announced that a new spin-off show is being launched too.
Titled Strictly Pro Dance Off, the new “interactive” series is geared towards families and children and will be broadcast on CBBC on Saturday mornings.
The new series, which will consist of seven-minute episodes, will be hosted by Strictly veteran Dianne Buswell and is the first new spin-off of the UK franchise in 22 years.
Each episode will feature three Strictly professionals; one will teach the other two a dance, who will then face off in a dance battle.
All of the Strictly professional dancers will be involved over the course of the series, including newcomers Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby and Mark Karmalita.
The five are replacing Karen Hauer, Gorka Márquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas, whom the BBC announced would not be returning for the upcoming season.
The first episode, which will be shown on CBBC and BBC iPlayer at 9.00am, will feature Buswell, who had her first baby this year with former Strictly partner Joe Sugg, teaching as the lead pro.
Kai Widdrington and Lauren Oakley will join her for a Jive lesson, before battling it out in a dance-off.
The BBC said the series will deliver some "behind-the-scenes fun", as well as help viewers get to know the professionals.
“Strictly Pro Dance Off brings everything children love about Strictly into a short, energetic new format made especially for them”, said Sarah Muller, Senior Head of Commissioning for BBC Children’s and Education 7+.
"Viewers will see the professional dancers learning, teaching and getting competitive, while discovering more about the different styles and techniques that bring the ballroom to life."
It premieres just hours before the launch show kicks off, with new presenting trio Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdecombe making their debuts, following the exit of Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.
The launch show will reveal which celebrities are teamed up with which pros.
