Entertainment
Strictly confirms major new change ‘for first time’ ahead of 2024 series-Sabrina Barr-Entertainment – Metro
The BBC series is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
The BBC series is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year (Picture: BBC)
Strictly Come Dancing is gearing itself up for a big year during the 2024 series, as the BBC show celebrates its 20th anniversary.
With that in mind, a big change is making its way to the dancing competition to mark the milestone, and it’s going to make the new season ‘the most accessible yet’.
In an announcement made by the broadcaster at Edinburgh TV Festival, Strictly is set to be live-signed for the very first time.
The service will be available for audiences on BBC iPlayer and on the red button, allowing viewers to watch the programme with the inclusion of a British sign language (BSL) interpreter.
In addition to the addition of BSL on this year’s series, there will also be online resources and amterial provided to help people learn how to sign.
Join Metro’s Strictly community on WhatsApp
Want to be the first to get all the latest news and rumours from the Strictly dancefloor?
Join our Strictly Come Dancing WhatsApp channel to keep up to date with all the behind-the-scenes gossip about your favourite pros, judges and celebrities.
Simply click on this link, select ‘Join Chat’ and you’re in! Don’t forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we’ve just dropped the latest spoilers. Keep dancing!
This news comes three years after EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis became the first Deaf celebrity to compete on the show, going on to win with Giovanni Pernice.
Rose became the first Deaf contestant to take part in Strictly (Picture: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
Love Island star Tasha has joined the cast this year (Picture: BBC)
Love Island star Tasha Ghouri, who was born Deaf, is set to compete in this year’s celebrity line-up.
Kate Phillips, Director of Unscripted, expressed her excitement over Strictly introducing live signing as the announcement was made at the TV festival.
‘Strictly Come Dancing has always been at the forefront of inclusivity and representation and I’m delighted that our 20th anniversary series will be the most accessible yet for our audience,’ she said.
‘Introducing live signing, alongside audio description and subtitling, means that there are more options than ever for the whole audience to come together to experience the glitz and glamour of our Saturday and Sunday night shows.
‘This is a great launchpad for our exciting new BSL season next year which will feature special programming and online resources shining a spotlight on the beautiful language of BSL.’
More to follow.
Strictly Come Dancing will return this autumn on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
Entertainment – MetroRead More
