The return date for BBC's Strictly Come Dancing has been announced, and fans are already able to apply for tickets.
This follows a period of intense drama for the beloved show, during which Amanda Abbington made accusations against her former dance partner Giovanni Pernice during their training sessions, allegations he refutes.
Amid fears that the controversy might lead to the show being cancelled, the BBC has now confirmed its return and tickets are available. The BBC website proclaims: "Strictly Come Dancing is back! The stunning 22 series returns, bringing glamour and show stopping dancing back to Saturday nights on BBC One."
The show, hosted by the glamorous duo of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, and judged by Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse, will once again be broadcast live from Elstree Studios, with a special one-off episode from the Tower Ballroom in Blackpool.
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The dates for the shows, for which fans can secure tickets, are as follows: Elstree Studios: September, 21 and 28, October, 5, 12, 19, 26, November, 2, 9, 23, 30 and December 7 and 14. Tickets for the Blackpool show are available for Saturday November 16.
Strictly's first show typically airs a week before the live date to share the pre-recorded pairing up stage, meaning the beloved BBC series should return on September 14.
Tickets will be allocated via a random draw and applications can be made until September 2 at 10pm. Fans can apply for a maximum of one pair of tickets per recording and successful applicants will only receive tickets for one recording, reports the Mirror.
The application process also states that people should only apply if they intend to be the named ticket holder.
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Fears over Strictly not returning for 2024 were squashed last month when Tim Davie, BBC's director general, addressed the scandals surrounding both Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima.
He stated at the time: "Hundreds of people including professionals, contestants and crew have been part of it and thought it was a brilliant experience. At the same time if someone feels something is wrong and wants to talk about that experience they can raise that with us.
"I’m very sorry that anyone has had an experience that hasn’t been wholly positive. That is something we do reflect on and I am sorry about that."
He finalised his statement confirming that the show would be back with a bang, stating: "I was keen to ensure the team was responding in a way that I was satisfied so we could ensure that a show that is loved by millions can continue."
