Strictly Come Dancing 2022 launch date officially confirmed and we are ready for the show’s glitz and glam to return-Sabrina Barr-Entertainment – Metro

The Strictly Come Dancing 2022 launch date has finally been officially announced – and there’s less than a month to go!

Over the past few weeks, fans of the BBC competition have discovered which celebrities are going to be in the line-up, with stars including EastEnders actor James Bye, singer Fleur East and England footballing legend Tony Adams joining the ranks.

The professional dancers are in the midst of rehearsals, with group dances being choreographed before the new series begins.

And now, we confirmation of when the show is going to start – thanks to fan-favourite Johannes Radebe, who made an appearance on Saturday’s Big Breakfast on Channel 4 with Mo Gilligan and AJ Odudu.

AJ, who made it to the top three last year with Kai Widdrington but had to pull out because of a foot injury, excitedly revealed that the new season will commence on Saturday September 17.

‘It is exciting, you would know!’ Johannes said to AJ, having finished in second place with John Whaite in the 2021 competition.

Johannes was on hand to make the big reveal (Picture: Channel 4)

Which celebrity will walk away with the Glitterball Trophy? (Picture: Rex)

‘We can’t face winter without Strictly, so I’m just happy it’s back on our screens,’ he added.

We completely agree!

It was previously rumoured that the show would be starting a week earlier, after it emerged that the launch show was to be recorded on Wednesday September 7.

However, while there might be an extra seven days more to wait… we know it’ll all be worth it.

Who will follow Giovanni Pernice and Rose Ayling-Ellis as the next winners of the competition? (Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA)

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Strictly, having first hit our screens in 2002.

As such, those in charge of the programme have hinted that this year’s series will be particularly special to mark the milestone.

‘Dust off your dancing shoes, Strictly Come Dancing is back!’ they wrote in a recently-released 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.’

The pro dancers are also set to perform what we know will be a stunning routine to mark 100 years of the BBC.

This year’s series will see a lot of change, as Anton Du Beke officially joins the judging panel to replace Bruno Tonioli, sitting alongside Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and head judge Shirley Ballas once more.

There are also four brand new pro dancers joining the ranks: Vito Coppola, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, and Michelle Tsiakkas.

While fan-favourites Aljaž Škorjanec and Oti Mabuse will not be returning this year, Oti recently delighted fans by revealing she was helping out with choreographing a number.

Strictly Come Dancing is set to launch on Saturday September 17 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

The Big Breakfast returns next Saturday at 10am on Channel 4 and All 4.

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