BBC Strictly Come Dancing 2024 return date confirmed and it's days away

Strictly Come Dancing star's four-word warning to pros

Strictly Come Dancing fans have only a few days to wait as the return date for the popular BBC One dance contest has been confirmed. The 22nd series of the show is set to grace our screens next month.

This year marks a significant milestone for the beloved dance show as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. The inaugural episode of Strictly, first aired on May 15, 2004, featured Tess Daly and Sir Bruce Forsyth as presenters, with Len Goodman, Craig Revel Horwood, Arlene Phillips, and Bruno Tonioli forming the judging panel.

The debut season, two decades ago, saw famous faces such as David Dickinson, Lesley Garrett, Verona Joseph, Natasha Kaplinsky, Martin Offiah, Erin Boag, Christopher Parker, Claire Sweeney and Jason Wood take to the dance floor.

It has recently been announced that Tess will once again lead the show alongside co-host Claudia Winkleman, with Craig returning to the judging panel alongside Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke.

Strictly fans will finally find out which of this year's celebrities will be paired with which professional dancer when the launch show airs on Saturday, September 14, reports the Manchester Evening News.

For use in UK, Ireland or Benelux countries only Undated BBC handout photo of Claudia Winkleman (left) and Tess Daly, during their appearance on the live show on Saturday for BBC1's Strictly Come Dancing. Issue date: Saturday October 28, 2023. PA Photo. See PA story SHOWBIZ Strictly. Photo credit should read: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: Not for use more than 21 days after issue. You may use this picture without charge only for the purpose of publicising or reporting on current BBC programming, personnel or other BBC output or activity within 21 days of issue. Any use after that time MUST be cleared through BBC Picture Publicity. Please credit the image to the BBC and any named photographer or independent programme maker, as described in the caption. (Image: PA)

The launch date was revealed on Friday (August 30) when Strictly posted the first of its official countdown videos on social media. The video featured reality star and podcast host Pete Wicks holding up two paddles to reveal '15' for the camera.

The excitement is unfurling as #Strictly's official countdown gets underway only 15 days until @p_wicks01 adds sizzle to the Tango, or so heralded the show's teasing post. Strictly enthusiasts are in raptures.

@bethcollardx could hardly contain her joy, exclaiming: "It's time it's time it's TIMEEEEEE the most wonderful time of the yeaaaaaaaar."

Another fan shared: "YES! I AM SO EXCITED! 15 DAYS, CANNOT WAIT! " while @ame. lia3641 couldn't resist adding: "Literallly can't wait!!! " and @buswellsbrazierx chiming in with a resounding "Omg I'm so excited! ".

Joining Pete Wicks on this year's star-studded Strictly cast are Olympic champion & TV icon Sam Quek, football legend Paul Merson, DIY guru Nick Knowles, track and field powerhouse Montell 'Fire' Douglas, aquatic hero Tom Dean, Eastenders' heartthrob Jamie Borthwick, comedy gem Sarah Hadland, vocal powerhouse Shayne Ward, and several other luminaries.

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Tasha Ghouri, from Love Island fame, Dr Punam Krishan of BBC Morning Live, the rocking Toyah Willcox, melodious Wynne Evans, pop sensation JB Gill, and the hilarious Chris McCausland round out an eclectic mix.

Back in June, the pro dancers for Strictly 2024 were also unveiled, featuring the likes of Vito Coppola, Amy Dowden, Dianne Buswell, Gorka Marquez, Johannes Radebe, Karen Hauer, and Aljaz Skorjanec ensuring that the dance floor will be ablaze with talent.

BBC Strictly Come Dancing 2024 return date confirmed and it's days away

BBC Strictly Come Dancing 2024 return date confirmed and it's days away

BBC Strictly Come Dancing 2024 return date confirmed and it's days away

BBC Strictly Come Dancing 2024 return date confirmed and it's days away

BBC Strictly Come Dancing 2024 return date confirmed and it's days away