The Strictly Come Dancing launch date has been postponed by a week following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The new series was due to launch on Saturday, September 17 but will air at a later date, the BBC has confirmed.
Following the death of the Queen, broadcasters have adjusted or removed shows from the schedule to air special coverage as the nation continues to mourn its longest-reigning monarch.
Strictly Come Dancing will now launch on Friday, September 23, followed by the first live show on Saturday, September 24.
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The show's original launch date fell within the period of official National Mourning. In line with government guidance, there is no obligation to cancel or postpone events and sporting fixtures, or close entertainment venues during the National Mourning period, but it is suggested as a mark of respect at the discretion of individual organisations, reports The Mirror.
The BBC has now confirmed its schedule between September 15 and 23. In a statement they wrote: "Following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, special programming and news coverage continues, including HM The Queen: The Vigil, The Eve of the State Funeral of HM Queen Elizabeth II, and full coverage of The State Funeral of HM Queen Elizabeth II."
The Strictly Come Dancing line-up was confirmed earlier this year and includes soap stars Will Mellor and Kym Marsh, TV and radio presenter, Richie Anderson, Loose Women star Kaye Adams, comedians Jayde Adams and Ellie Taylor, five-time Paralympic champion, Ellie Simmonds, and broadcaster Tyler West.
Also taking part is singer Matt Goss, singer and actress Molly Rainford, who appeared on Britain's Got Talent when she was just 11, football legend Tony Adams, singer/songwriter Fleur East, presenter Hamza Yassin and actor James Bye. You can read more about the full Strictly 2022 line-up here.
The first official trailer, which stars Welsh professional dancer Amy Dowden, as well as Diane Buswell and reigning champion Giovanni Pernice, aired after The One Show on Tuesday, September 6. Fans couldn't get enough of the "stunning" trailer which was dubbed the "best ever" on social media. You can see it here. For more showbiz and television stories, get our newsletter here.
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