Strictly Come Dancing bosses have postponed this year's launch show, following the Queen's death, with a new transmission date confirmed.
Strictly is always the BBC's biggest show of the year and anticipation has been high for the new series, with the line-up featuring Will Mellor, Kym Marsh, Matt Goss and early favourite to win, Fleur East.
The pre-recorded launch show for 2022, where the celebs find out who their pro dance partners are, was filmed on Wednesday, September 7, just a day before the Queen's death at the age of 96. It had been due to air on BBC One on Saturday. September 17, but given that the Queen's funeral won't take place until Monday, September 19, those plans have now been scrapped.
The launch show will now take place on Friday, September 23, just a day before the live shows are due to start. This will be the first time that the launch and the first live broadcast of any series have aired in such close proximity, adding to fans' excitement.
READ MORE: Motsi Mabuse makes bold prediction on Strictly Come Dancing future
Other stars heading into the Strictly ballroom this time round include swimmer Ellie Simmonds, football legend Tony Adams and EastEnders actor James Bye. Shirley Ballas will once again be head judge, with Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel-Horwood and Anton Du Beke joining her on the panel.
Motsi appeared on This Morning last week and after Holly Willoughby remarked: "Twenty years of it! That's extraordinary," in reference to Strictly approaching its 20th anniversary, Motsi replied: "It's just amazing. I've spoke to some of the crew and they're like 'yeah I've been here from the beginning.'
"I'm like 'what does it feel like to be part of such a huge show that's changed lives and still has that energy? I personally think Strictly will stem the next 20 years. Because it's a show that brings us all together and we can kinda run away from what's happening."
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