Strictly Come Dancing BBC
News

Strictly launch date for 2018 confirmed!

Put it in your diary!

Put it in your diary – the new series of Strictly Come Dancing launches on Saturday September 8th.

The show will start with The Launch Show, which will see hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman welcome this year’s contestants and introduce them to their professional dance partners.

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman return to host the new series (Credit: Flynet)

Read more: Strictly reps DENY Brendan Cole has been banned from the set

The stars will then show what they’ve got for the first time, in a lavish group performance.

This series sees a returned of Shirley Ballas as head judge, with Dame Darcey Bussell, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood making up the rest of the panel.

The Launch Show will feature performances from Craig David, Stefflon Don – joining Nile Rodgers and Chic who’ll be performing their new single.

As well as announcing the date, the BBC released a magical teaser trailer to mark the upcoming series.

Strictly Come Dancing BBC
The BBC released a magical new trailer (Credit: BBC)

The trailer shows an tattered, abandoned pair of brogues given a new lease on life by a pair of red dance shoes – with the two pairs dancing through a rainy street.

The celebrity line up this year boasts a broad range of talent, who are already preparing to strut their stuff on the dance floor.

Presenter and philanthropist Katie Piper was the first contestant announced – and Susannah Constantine rounded out the list as the final announcement just this week.

Lauren Steadman BBC Strictly Come Dancing
Paralympian Lauren Steadman is one of the celebrity contestants (Credit: BBC)

Don’t miss out: Three steps to ensure you see all ED!’s latest news on Facebook

Blue singer Lee Ryan is set to compete, as is Red Dwarf star Danny John-Jules.

Paralympic athlete Lauren Steadman is set to compete – and after winning a silver medal in Rio in 2016, she’s used to taking home the prize.

Also competing this season are radio DJ Vick Hope, journalist Stacey Dooley, comedian Sean Walsh, and Casualty star Charles Venn.

Rounding out the list are Faye Tozer, Joe Sugg, Graeme Swann, Dr Ranj Singh, Ashley Roberts and Kate Silverton.

Who will you be backing in the new season? Let us know what you think of this story by leaving us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix!


Nancy Brown
Associate Editor