Strictly Come Dancing has set its return date for the upcoming series, with the first show scheduled to air on September 19. This premiere will introduce the celebrity and professional dancer pairings for the new season. The BBC program has undergone a substantial revamp, including new hosts and professional dancers, ahead of its comeback.
The initial episode will be pre-recorded, with the first live show taking place on September 26. This marks the celebrities' first opportunity to perform and receive judges' scores. Eliminations will begin after the subsequent weekend's performances and public vote, with the first couple expected to depart on October 4. The series finale is slated for December 19, just days before Christmas.
New Hosting Lineup
In a significant change, the main presenting duo Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who hosted for 21 years, have been replaced. The new main hosts for the series will be Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdicombe, and professional dancer Johannes Radebe. Willis confirmed her role and introduced the new host of the spin-off show, Strictly: It Takes Two.
Former contestant Ellie Taylor has been announced as the new host for Strictly: It Takes Two. Taylor expressed her excitement about returning to the Strictly world in this new capacity, stating her honor in following previous hosts.
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Johannes Radebe, previously a professional dancer on the main show, is now part of the new hosting team. The shake-up also includes changes to the professional dancer lineup, with several having been removed.
Audience and Lineup Reactions
The celebrity lineup for the new series has generated discussion, with some viewers describing it as potentially the 'worst ever'. Notable contestants include Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Jaime Winstone, Will Best, and Melanie Walters. However, many of the named celebrities have been described as unfamiliar to a large segment of the audience.
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While some celebrities may not be household names, producers have reportedly focused on individuals with significant social media followings. For instance, Chris Appleton, Kim Kardashian's stylist, boasts millions of Instagram followers, and YouTuber John Nellis has a substantial YouTube subscriber base. This strategy has led to some viewers questioning the choices, with comments on social media often asking for the identities of the celebrities rather than expressing excitement.
The show's demographic also plays a role in the reception of the lineup. While producers may be aiming to attract younger viewers, the majority of Strictly Come Dancing's audience comprises older generations, including Gen X and Baby Boomers. This potential disconnect between the casting strategy and the established viewer base has been a point of discussion.
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