Strictly Come Dancing returns with 15 contestants for Series 23

The prerecorded launch of Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One on Saturday, 20 September, when the 23rd series will unveil 15 celebrity contestants and their professional partners in a glitter-strewn opening show. Hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will preside over the reveal at 6.40pm, with last year’s champions Dianne Buswell and Chris McCausland set to reprise their awardwinning waltz and singer Jessie J appearing as the musical guest.

The launch episode will also feature group numbers from the professional company and the return of judges Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke. The programme has added two new professionals to the lineup this year while welcoming back a large roster of returning pros. It comes after Strictly picked up recent industry praise, including a publicvoted memorable moment BAFTA for Buswell and McCausland and a National Television Award for most popular talent show.

This year’s celebrity line up blends soap and stage names with sports and reality stars. Competing are Dani Dyer, Alex Kingston, Balvinder Sopal, Stefan Dennis, Vicky Pattison, George Clarke, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Karen Carney, Chris Robshaw, Harry...