Entertainment
Strictly Come Dancing: Start date, contestants and all you need to know-Cydney Yeates-Entertainment – Metro
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There’s not long to go before Strictly Come Dancing is back in our lives (Picture: Rex)
It’s almost time to get your glad rags on as Strictly Come Dancing 2022 is right around the corner.
The BBC flagship programme, fronted by Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, is set to return in just a matter of weeks for its 20th year and unsurprisingly, there’s already been a mountain of buzz.
Already, we’ve had the professional dancers’ line-up revealed, with four newcomers on the bill, and the first batch of contestants are also coming in thick and fast.
From start date to which celebrities are competing, we’ve got everything you need to know about this year’s series.
When does this year’s Strictly Come Dancing start?
It’s time to clear your autumn schedule (Picture: BBC)
Strictly bosses revealed that the launch show will be recorded on Wednesday, September 7.
It’s likely that the show will return on Saturday, September 10 with presenters Claudia and Tess welcoming this year’s line-up.
‘Dust off your dancing shoes, Strictly Come Dancing is back!’ they said in a statement.
‘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.’
Who are the contestants for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing?
Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps star Will Mellor has been revealed as the first contestant to be taking to the ballroom floor.
‘I’m honestly so chuffed to be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this year!’ he enthused.
‘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.
Will Mellor is the first contestant confirmed for this year’s Strictly (Picture: PA)
‘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!’
The remaining line-up remains under wraps for now, but there have been a number of rumoured stars, including comedian Rosie Jones, Steph McGovern, and Tom Daly.
It won’t be long before the complete list of names is released.
How will Strictly Come Dancing celebrate its 20th anniversary?
This year’s Strictly is a big one, as the show prepares to mark its 20th anniversary in style.
It’s been reported that Prince Charles and Camilla are actually planning to host the beloved BBC programme for a live episode inside the walls of Buckingham Palace.
It’s also been claimed that producers are hoping to sign Mike Tindall and Lady Louise Windsor.
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‘The team are doing all they can,’ an insider said earlier this year. ‘In the year of the Platinum Jubilee, it has been a real priority.’
The source added to The Sun: ‘It would be an incredible coup to secure a royal.’
On top of that, the Strictly pros are set to perform a spectacular number celebrating 100 years of the BBC.
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.
Strictly Come Dancing returns September 10 on BBC One.
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