Entertainment
Strictly Come Dancing fans shocked and caught off guard by celebrity line-up announcements: ‘It’s officially the beginning of Christmas season’-Meghna Amin-Entertainment – Metro
How is it already time?!
Is it that time already?! (Picture: PA)
First there was the news that Strictly Come Dancing is back in September, starting the countdown to the next series of glitz and glamour.
Then came the highly-anticipated announcement of Will Mellor and Kym Marsh kicking off the celebrity line-up for this year’s milestone 20th series.
While Love Island has only just ended, excitement for the next dramatic competition has already begun and fans are pretty thrown by the shock of it all.
Strictly Come Dancing usually begins mid-September and runs through Halloween nearly all the way to Christmas, so with the countdown having already started and the excitement brewing, fans can barely keep it together.
One fan wrote: ‘Can’t believe it’s officially the beginning of Christmas season (Strictly Come Dancing cast reveal.’
Another penned: ‘Omg we’ve had the 1st #Strictly celebrity announced!!!! That means I should start my Christmas shopping soon right?’
Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps star Will Mellor was revealed as the first contestant to be taking to the ballroom floor earlier today.
‘I’m honestly so chuffed to be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this year!’ he enthused.
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‘Not going to lie, it’s totally out of my comfort zone and I know it will be a huge challenge but that’s what life is all about.
‘This is also my Mum’s favourite show and she’s had a really tough few years so I’m doing this for her as well. Bring it on!’
Corrie legend Kym Marsh joined the line-up next, saying: ‘I’ve considered doing Strictly for years but the timings never worked out.
Kym and Will have started the line-up! (Picture: BBC/ Rex)
‘I’m so delighted that this year they have! I’m a huge fan of the show and can’t believe I’m going to go from watching at home in my pyjamas to actually dancing in front of the judges in a glittery dress, it’s unreal!’
What we know about Strictly Come Dancing 2022 so far
Who are the judges?
Head judge Shirley Ballas will be joined once again by fellow judges Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse.
Anton Du Beke will also be returning to judge, after it was confirmed that he would be officially replacing Bruno Tonioli.
Who are the new professional dancers?
There are four new pros joining the line-up: Vito Coppola, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley and Michelle Tsiakkas.
Which professional dancers have left?
After the 2021 season, it was announced that fan-favourite pros Oti Mabuse and Aljaž Škorjanec would not be returning for the 2022 series.
Will there be a studio audience?
Yes – following past restrictions put in place due to the pandemic, the full studio audience is set to return this year, while the see-through dividers between the judges will also be removed.
When is the show returning?
The BBC has revealed that the launch show for the 2022 series is due to be recorded on Wednesday September 7.
Therefore, it’s likely that it will air a few days later on Saturday September 10, although the exact date of the first episode is yet to be disclosed.
More: Trending
Fans saw Rose Ayling-Ellis lift the Glitterball trophy back in 2021, alongside partner Giovanni Pernice.
But who will end up following in her footsteps?
Strictly Come Dancing returns September 10 on BBC One.
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