TV

BBC confirms MASSIVE shake-up for Strictly’s first weekend

It's going to be an epic year

Strictly Come Dancing 2017’s series proper will kick off with a major change.

Since 2010, the first weekend has been split in two, with a Friday and Saturday night show.

Half of the contestants would perform on the Friday, the other on the Saturday.

But this year the performances will all take place during a single mega-episode – on Saturday 23rd.

The show kicks off at 6.25pm and runs through to 8.45pm – that’s two and a half hours.

You might want to get more wine and cheesy puffs in!

We’ve all had a taster of what’s to come this series, of course, following the launch series last weekend, which matched the celebs with their pro partners.

The extravaganza also featured a stunning tribute routine to Sir Bruce Forsyth, who passed away last month.

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The post-show end plate which read, “Sir Bruce Forsyth, 1929-2017 – was nice to see (to see nice). And now, as consummate pro Brucey would have wanted, it’s on with the show. RIP. You’re our favourite” ensured there wasn’t a dry eye for anyone – in studio or at home.

Strictly’s It Takes Two host summed up the feeling with a lovely tweet.

Host Tess Daly introduced the tribute, saying: “Strictly is back but sadly somebody very very close to our hearts is no longer with us.

“As you know the host of this show for 11 years, the showbiz legend and our very dear friend Sir Bruce Forsyth passed away just a few weeks ago.”

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Emotion then got the better of her and she broke down.

Doubtless this new run will do the show’s legend proud.


Kaggie Hyland
Editor-in-Chief

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