Strictly Come Dancing future confirmed as start date 'revealed' after scandal

Tess and Claudia present the opening of Strictly

Strictly Come Dancing has confirmed the launch show will be recorded in just seven weeks despite the current furore surrounding it. The opening programme is always pre-recorded in advance and is the episode where the pro dancers meet their celebrity partners.

This year's launch episode of the BBC Saturday flagship show will be recorded on September 4 in the show's usual studio at Elstree. Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are confirmed to return as hosts while the judging panel also remains unchanged with Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood all back to share their opinions.15 celebrities will be introduced to their partners on the night however they won't be dancing until the live show the following week. Although the recording is on September 4, the first live show is likely to be Saturday, September 14.This would tie in with last year's schedule which saw the launch show record on September 6 and broadcast on September 16. This isn't the only pre-record the show will be doing prior to launch.As usual, the professional dancers will be pre-recording their group numbers prior to the live shows. They will be recording two to three dances in each session which take place across four dates in August - Wednesday 21, Sunday 25, Thursday 29 and Friday 30. Neither the celebrities nor the hosts and judges will be in attendance for these recordings.

READ MORE: Strictly contestant speaks out to address 'dark' side of show after scandal

Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly will be back for Strictly Come Dancing 2024 (Image: BBC) The announcement of the launch comes following a turbulent few months for the show. Both Giovanni Pernice and Graziano di Prima have had their past training methods called into question. Neither will appear in the upcoming season. The issues for the show began when Giovanni's 2023 celebrity partner Amanda Abbington quit the show. The Sherlock actress pulled out in week four of the competition due to "medical reasons" and it was later confirmed she would not be returning.

The BBC launched an investigation into Giovanni's alleged behaviour during rehearsals while Amanda was diagnosed with mild PTSD after her experience training with him. Giovanni has vehemently denied all allegations against him.

Most recently Graziano di Prima was dropped from this year's pro lineup after concerns were raised about his treatment of Zara McDermott in rehearsals for last year's show. Just three days ago (July 13) the Italian dancer confirmed the rumours of his axing were true in a statement on Instagram. 

He said he "regrets the events that led to his departure" but added "when the time is right I'll share my story".

Don't miss...
Clarkson's Farm Kaleb Cooper shares farming nightmare as he makes huge admission [INSIGHT]
Strictly Come Dancing needs to have 'huge reset' as 'tension' is ruining show [EXCLUSIVE]
Zoe Ball's heartbreak over Woody 'revelation' after comment left her 'so upset' [EXCLUSIVE]

Graziano di Prima was paired with Zara McDermott on last year's Strictly Come Dancing (Image: BBC) window.topArticlesScript="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/js/dist/article-top-articles20240709.min.js" SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Yesterday (July 16) a third male dancer was reportedly identified as a "person of interest". The dancer in question is understood to no longer be part of the show.

The BBC has announced it is introducing welfare measures on Strictly Come Dancing amid the slew of "gross misconduct" allegations.

They confirmed a member of Strictly Come Dancing production staff will be present in all future rehearsals and in a series of extra measures, the broadcaster will also introduce two dedicated welfare producers and provide further training for the production team and crew.

Express.co.uk has contacted the BBC for comment.

Strictly Come Dancing future confirmed as start date 'revealed' after scandal

Strictly Come Dancing future confirmed as start date 'revealed' after scandal

Strictly Come Dancing future confirmed as start date 'revealed' after scandal

Strictly Come Dancing future confirmed as start date 'revealed' after scandal

Strictly Come Dancing future confirmed as start date 'revealed' after scandal