Everything you need to know as Strictly returns

The popular dance show, Strictly Come Dancing, is making its return to television screens, and fans are eagerly awaiting its arrival. Hosted by the dynamic duo of Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, this year's series marks a significant milestone as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. Karen Smith, the co-creator and first executive producer of the show, expressed her hopes that the program can move past some recent controversies that have cast a shadow over its reputation. In an interview with BBC News, she stated, 'I'm not going to say that once the show is on air, everyone will forget about it, but hopefully people can recover and move forward and learn from it. ' The show is known for its dazzling lights, vibrant costumes, and captivating performances, and it is set to return to Saturday nights with a bang. However, the road to this new season has not been without its challenges. In recent months, several former contestants have come forward with allegations regarding their treatment while participating in the show. In response to these complaints, the BBC has implemented changes behind the scenes to ensure a safer and more supportive environment for all involved. This year, chaperones will be present in all rehearsal rooms, and two new dedicated welfare producers have been appointed to oversee the well-being of the contestants. The BBC has emphasized its commitment to taking any issues seriously and acting promptly when made aware of inappropriate behavior. Despite the controversies, Strictly Come Dancing remains a beloved staple of Saturday night television. Karen Smith noted that the show's familiarity is one of the key reasons for its enduring popularity. She remarked, 'The hosts might change or the judges might change, the celebrities are new, but Strictly is always the same. People look forward to the series coming back. ' This year, the hosts remain unchanged, with Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman at the helm, while the judging panel also stays the same, featuring Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, and Head Judge Shirley Ballas. However, the lineup of celebrities competing in the 2024 season is entirely new, including names like Chris McCausland, Jamie Borthwick, and Tasha Ghouri. During the launch show, viewers will discover which professional dancers the celebrities have been paired with. Following the pairings, the contestants and their partners will perform a group routine, setting the stage for the live shows that will commence the following week. As always, this year's series will feature a variety of themed weeks, including Halloween, Musicals, and the highly anticipated Blackpool week. Culture journalist Olivia-Anne Cleary highlighted the importance of the autumn season for the show's success, stating, 'It's the countdown to Christmas. Can you imagine Strictly without the Halloween episode, without the costumes, without the music? ' These seasonal moments contribute to the show's charm and excitement. While many aspects of Strictly remain unchanged, the professional dancer lineup will look different this year. Two dancers have been dropped from the show following complaints about their behavior and teaching methods during rehearsals. Giovanni Pernice will not be returning for the new series after his former dance partner Amanda Abbington made serious allegations against him. Giovanni has denied any claims of abusive or threatening behavior, and an investigation launched by the BBC is expected to conclude soon. Another professional dancer, Graziano Di Prima, has also exited the show after allegations surfaced regarding his conduct during rehearsals. Former contestants, including TV presenter Laura Whitmore and paralympian Will Bayley, have also spoken out about their experiences on the show. Recently, there have been reports of a 'toxic culture' from some former junior staff members, although others have shared positive stories about the kindness and respect shown by the dancers and crew. Amanda Abbington, who danced with Giovanni, withdrew from the competition last October. Olivia-Anne Cleary pointed out that prior to this year, the most controversial topic surrounding Strictly was the so-called 'Strictly curse,' which suggests that participating in the show can jeopardize relationships. Amanda's decision to speak out has encouraged other former contestants to share their stories as well. Cleary believes that these claims should not be forgotten and that it is essential for Strictly and the BBC to learn from them to prevent similar issues in the future. As the new contestants prepare for their journey on the show, they are excited to share their own experiences. Tasha Ghouri, a former Love Island contestant, expressed, 'It's about our own experiences really. ' Earlier this week, Strictly Come Dancing proved it still holds a special place in viewers' hearts, as it was voted the best talent show. Karen Smith emphasized, 'Strictly is the best of what the BBC does, and people value it. ' Many fans schedule their weekends around the show, demonstrating its significance in their lives. She also acknowledged the distress caused to everyone involved, including the production team and viewers. The new season of Strictly Come Dancing is set to premiere on Saturday, September 14, at 19:20 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Fans can also watch and follow the show live on the BBC News website. With excitement building, everyone is looking forward to the return of Strictly Come Dancing and the dazzling performances that await.