Strictly Come Dancing is set to return to its pre-Covid format for the upcoming series, with celebrity contestants discovering their professional dance partners live on the launch show's dance floor. This marks a departure from the video tape introductions that have been used in recent years.
TV dog trainer Graeme Hall, a contestant in the new series, revealed the change on Radio Northampton. "This year, they're doing it slightly differently. We don't find out until the launch show. You have no say in it, the pros have no say in it," Hall stated. The first show of the new series is scheduled to air on September 19, when the celebrity and professional pairings will be officially revealed.
The initial episode will be pre-recorded, with the first live shows commencing the following week. The first couple elimination is expected to occur after the second week's performances and public vote, on October 4. The series finale is confirmed to take place on December 19, just days before Christmas.
The lineup for the new series has drawn mixed reactions, with some viewers labeling it "the worst to date." Notable contestants include Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Jaime Winstone, Will Best, and Melanie Walters. However, many of the cast members have been described as unfamiliar to the general public, with some, like YouTuber John Nellis, reportedly lacking a Wikipedia page. Producers are said to be prioritizing contestants with significant social media followings, such as Chris Appleton, a stylist for celebrities like Kim Kardashian, who has four million Instagram followers, and John Nellis, who boasts 15.7 million YouTube subscribers.
While the show may aim to attract younger demographics like Gen Z, the primary viewership consists of Gen X and Baby Boomers. Graeme Hall commented on the public's reaction to the lineup, noting that while some may not recognize all the celebrities, past seasons have shown that unknown contestants can still become fan favorites. Hall also expressed his personal excitement, calling his participation a "dream come true."