STRICTLY COME DANCING: LAUNCH SHOW PRE-RECORD DATE REVEALED

Presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will be back in the ballroom overseeing proceedings each weekend as a host of brand new celebrity contestants take to the floor in a bid to lift the coveted Glitterball Trophy.

The launch show will record on Wednesday 6th September at Elstree Studios. It's been revealed that the professional group routines, which open every results show on Sunday nights, will be pre-recorded this August. Audience tickets are available here. For the latest rumours, click here.

Professional dancers returning to the Strictly ballroom are Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Graziano Di Prima, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk.

Plus Giovanni Pernice, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vita Coppola all take to the floor once more, promising viewers an abundance of spectacular routines.

Behind the judges desk once again will be the acid tongued adjudicator Craig Revel Horwood, Let’s Dance Germany judge Motsi Mabuse, NTA Award winning judge Anton Du Beke and The Queen of Latin Shirley Ballas who will return as head judge.

In addition to all this, Dave Arch and his wonderful band will once again provide the soundtrack to Saturday and Sunday nights all across the UK once plus there is so much more for viewers to look forward to, including unforgettable group routines, world class music acts, theme weeks and of course the much anticipated annual trip to the iconic and much loved Tower Ballroom in Blackpool.

Sarah James, Executive Producer, BBC Studios says: “Excitement is already building for the 21st series of Strictly and we are so lucky to have the best team in the business both on and off camera. Our amazing presenters, incredible panel of judges and world class professional dancers are ready to bring the sparkle back to your screens this Autumn. We can’t wait!”

Further announcements, information and broadcast details regarding the 21st series of Strictly Come Dancing will be confirmed in due course.