BBC Strictly Come Dancing bosses have confirmed the series return date for 2022.
The popular show will return to our screens on Saturday, September 17 with the pre-recorded launch show where the celebrities are introduced and their professional dance partners are revealed.
The first live show will commence on Saturday, September 24 with the series spin-off, It Takes Two, returning on Monday, September 26.
Strictly bosses have also confirmed that professional dancer Janette Manrara and TV presenter Rylan Clark will be returning to co-host the spin-off programme.
Manrara, 38, said: “I am so thrilled to be back hosting It Takes Two alongside the amazing Rylan!
“I’m very excited to bring the audience more great conversations with our couples, a lot of fun weeknight television entertainment and, of course, to celebrate my favourite show on TV, Strictly.”
Clark, 33, will be returning as co-host for the fourth year after previously hosting alongside Zoe Ball in 2019.
He said: “I’m so thrilled that my television wife Janette is joining me for the ride and we can’t wait to bring you all the backstage gossip from this year’s Strictly extravaganza. We can’t wait to start.”
EastEnders actress Rose-Ayling Ellis and dancer Giovanni Pernice are the current Glitterball trophy holders and reigning champions of the 2021 series.
This year’s celebrity line-up consists of Kym Marsh, Fleur East, Ellie Simonds, Matt Goss, Helen Skelton, Will Mellor, Kaye Adams, Tyler West, James Bye, Ellie Taylor, Hamza Yassin, Jayde Adams, Richie Anderson, Tony Adams and Molly Rainford.
All judges from the last series, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke will be returning to the panel this year after Du Beke took Bruno Tonioli’s place whilst he remains on Dancing With The Stars in the US.
The upcoming series 20 will coincide with 100 years of the BBC, creating a special themed week for the stars and dancers.
To mark the occasion, the stars will dance “to a theme tune from an iconic BBC programme or in tribute to one of the BBC’s most-loved services”, according to reports.
