Strictly announcement made as launch date finally revealed
Strictly's launch date has finally been revealed, putting an end to speculation, as rehearsals for the big moment kick off.
Strictly Come Dancing will return to the nation's TV screens next Saturday September 14, it has been revealed.
The first BBC one show is set to air that evening, while the first live show will follow on September 21. To fuel the excitement, pros including Dianne Buswell - who recently won a Reality TV Award for Best Female Personality - could be seen heading to rehearsals at Elstree Studios today.
The Aussie star looked sensational even in minimal makeup as she left her hotel earlier, wearing high-waisted jeans and a black sleeveless top. She was joined by ex-Coronation Street star Shayne Ward, who will be known to fans of the soap as his character Aiden Connor.
Former TOWIE star Pete Wicks looked laden down with luggage as he appeared on his way to rehearsals, carrying a heavy case in each hand. He donned tracksuit trousers splattered with paint drops, paired with a leather biker jacket, while he shielded his eyes from the last of the summer sunshine in a pair of dark sunglasses.
Toyah Wilcox looked younger than her years as she stepped out in an elegant all-black sportswear outfit without a trace of makeup on her face. Dr Punam Krishnan looked excited to be part of the show preparations as she flashed a huge grin in leggings and a denim jacket.
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Aljaz Skorjanec looked ready for action, flashing photographers a thumbs up sign as he stepped out wearing a Paris 2024 Olympics t-shirt.
He'd seemingly been so keen to leave his hotel and get started with rehearsals that he didn't so much as wear a pair of shoes, donning a pair of backless hotel slippers instead.
The pro confirmed his dramatic return to the show earlier in the year, following Giovanni Pernice's announcement that he'd quit.
Nancy Xu, who partnered Will Mellor back in 2022, was also photographed dressing down as she clutched a cup of coffee on her way to rehearsals this morning.
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Others not pictured this morning but who will be returning to Strictly for 2024 too are Nikita Kuzmin, Vito Coppola, Gorka Marquez, Neil Jones, Carlos Gu and Johannes Radebe.
Meanwhile, Amy Dowden, Nadiya Bychkova, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal and Michelle Tsiakkas are also set to return.
Lauren Oakley will be in the show this year too, following her UK tour with Giovanni Pernice and Anton du Beke.
With just days to go before the celebs and pros hit the dancefloor, excitement has already started to build - and you can check out the trailer for this year's show here.
