Strictly Come Dancing is celebrating a major milestone, having been on BBC One for two decades. Yet again, anxious celebrities will be waiting in the wings as they showcase their moves for the nation for the first time in tonight’s (Saturday, September 24) live show.
As well as the new celebrity line-up, there are going to be some additions to the Strictly professionals as well.
These are European Cup winner Vito Coppola, former Under 21 British National Champion Lauren Oakley, Chinese National Champion Carlos Gu and Latin dance champion Michelle Tsiakkas. Only time will tell how these Strictly newbies are going to get on in the competition.
There’s also been a permanent shake-up to the Strictly judges following Bruno Tonioli’s departure. Former Strictly professional Anton Du Beke became a judge to fill in for Tonioli but has now taken this role for good.
Once again, he is going to be sitting beside Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and head judge Shirley Ballas. And presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are also going to be on hand to welcome the celebrities to the Strictly stage.
1. Countryfile cameraman Hamza Yassin spoke to Rev Richard Coles for advice on the show who told him: “Enjoy every single moment. If you don’t normally wear Lycra – and they’re gonna ask you to wear Lycra – do it, because you’re gonna look sexy in it!”
2. Kym Marsh forgot a change of clothes for her first practice session – even her underwear!
3. James Bye is hoping to set the wheels in motion for colleague Steve McFadden, of Phil Mitchell fame, to take to the Strictly floor, saying: “Phil Mitchell in sequins would be the ultimate.”
4. Ellie Taylor is convinced Brad Pitt will “just slip into my DMs and say ‘I loved you!'” as he’s known to be a big fan of The Great Pottery Showdon, which she co-presents.
5. Richie Anderson’s mum is fuming that he won’t be able to host his usual Strictly launch night party, with his signature “Charleston cocktail, it’s like a blackcurrant liqueur”, he says.
Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday, September 24, at 6.45pm on BBC One.
