THE hit BBC One show Strictly Come Dancing will be back on TV screens soon.
The hotly anticipated 2021 season kicked off on Saturday, September 19, 2021, with a glitzy launch show.
When is Strictly Come Dancing on TV next?
Hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will present their first live show of the series on Saturday, September 25 from 7pm.
The 140-minutes episode will see 15 new celebrity contestants and their professional partners perform their first dancing routine.
They include Olympian Adam Peaty, rugby star Ugo Monye and TV presenter Judi Love.
Also competing is EastEnders actress Nina Wadia, TV presenter AJ Odudu, Dragons’ Den investor Sara Davies, McFly star Tom Fletcher, Coronation Street actress Katie McGlynn, TV presenter Tilly Ramsay, comedian Robert Webb, CBBC host Rhys Stephenson and actor Greg Wise.
EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis is also be the first deaf contestant to appear in the series.
They’re being judged by Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and former pro dancer Anton Du Beke, who replaces Bruno Tonioli on this year’s panel.
On September 17, 2021, the show was rocked ahead of its season premier after two pro dancers refused to get Covid jabs – leaving celebrities reluctant to be paired with them.
The pair are the only professionals out of 18 to not be vaccinated for the latest run of the BBC hit.
It has left Beeb chiefs fearing a spate of show-wrecking Covid cases. A source said: “A proper outbreak that takes out half the cast would be curtains for the show.”
Concerns have also been raised about the return of a live studio audience.
Hundreds of fans will have front-row seats for Strictly’s star-studded 19th series.
BBC chiefs are already dealing with a Covid crisis after a pro tested positive earlier this week. They have been rushed into isolation with their celeb pairing likely to get a new partner.
The source added: “Strictly already has to jump through hoops just to be able to broadcast.
“The dancers who won’t get vaccinated have been a topic of conversation among cast and crew for weeks — even before the positive test.
“There were vocal protests from celebrities that they didn’t want to be paired with them.
“It’s a headache for bosses but employers cannot force workers to get jabbed.
“Their stance has also miffed other pros, some of whom did not want to get jabbed but did so for the good of the show.
“Throw in one dancer already in isolation, and anxiety is at an all-time high.”
What is the theme of the next show?
Strictly are yet to drop what theme September 25th’s show will take but it’s understood the show will sport a new theme every week.
The prime-time series is likely to come to an end on December 18, with the final taking place the last Saturday before Christmas.
Last year’s series was cut short due to Covid-19.
How can I watch it?
You can watch the show live from 7pm on Saturday, September 25 on BBC One, or watch it later on iPlayer for free.
