It seems like just yesterday that we saw Jay McGuiness and Aliona Vilani lift the Glitterball Trophy on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, but a new series of the BBC ballroom show is now upon us.
The launch show has already taken place, and this series’ pairs are now busy practicing, before hitting the dancefloor for the first live show later this month.
So, here’s everything you need to know about the 14th season of ‘Strictly’...
When does it start?
The BBC have confirmed that the first live show will be on Friday 23 September. Six celebrities and their partners will perform that night, with the other nine pairs getting their dancing shoes on the following evening.
Who is presenting?
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have announced that they will be at the helm of the show when it returns.
It will be the pair’s third series hosting together since Claudia took over from Bruce Forsyth in 2014.
Who are the judges?
Craig Revel Horwood, Darcey Bussell, Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli will once again be on hand to rate the performances and give the contestants their critiques.
However, this year marks Len’s last series on the show, as he has announced he is stepping down from his role as Head Judge.
He said in a statement: “In 2004, I was asked to take part in a brand new BBC Saturday night show and who would have thought me, old Len Goodman, would still be part of this amazing series more than 10 years on.
“This adventure began when I was 60 and now that I’ve reached my 70s, I’ve decided after this year it’s time to hand the role of Head Judge to someone else.
“It is an honour being part of the wonderful ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ family and I’m looking forward to my last series very much and to whatever comes next.”
Who are the professional dancers?
This year’s professional dancing line-up has already been announced, with old favourites Anton du Beke, Brendan Cole, Joanne Clifton, Karen Clifton, Kevin Clifton, Pasha Kovalev, Natalie Lowe, Oti Mabuse, Janette Manrara, Giovanni Pernice and Aljaž Škorjanec all returning.
There’ll also be some new additions to the crew in the shape of Ukranian champion Oksana Platero, Spanish dance professional Gorka Marquez, World Champion Katya Jones, and undefeated four-time British National Champion Neil Jones, who is married to Katya.
So which ones have left?
Bad news for Gleb fans - Mr Savchenko (and his abs) has quit the show to spend more time with his family. But he’s not the only pro who won’t be returning.
Ola Jordan, Kristina Rhianoff, Aliona Vilani and Tristan McManus have all also announced their exits.
Who’s taking part?
The Class of 2016 contestants were confirmed in August, before then being paired up with their pro partners. Here are the celebs, and who they’ll each be dancing with...
- Louise Redknapp & Kevin Clifton
- Melvin Odoom & Janette Manrara
- Anastacia & Brendan Cole
- Greg Rutherford & Natalie Lowe
- Laura Whitmore & Giovanni Pernice
- Judge Rinder & Oksana Platero
- Naga Munchetty & Pasha Kovalev
- Danny Mac & Oti Mabuse
- Claudia Fragapane & AJ Pritchard
- Ore Oduba & Joanne Clifton
- Daisy Lowe & Aljaz Skorjanec
- Ed Balls & Katya Jones
- Lesley Joseph & Anton Du Beke
- Will Young & Karen Clifton
- Tameka Empson & Gorka Marquez
Who is the early favourite?
William Hill have named Claudia Fragapane as most likely to walk away with the Glitterball Trophy at this point, with odds of 7/2. She is closely followed Will Young at 5/1 and Danny Mac at 6/1.
At the bottom of the pile are Lesley Joseph at 50/1 and Ed Balls at 66/1, despite the fact we know that he has some moves up his sleeve.
Will ‘It Takes Two’ be back?
Yes! Zoe Ball will once again be fronting the popular spin-off show, which will air weekdays at 6.30pm on BBC Two once the competition kicks off properly.
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