Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One this weekend, following months of scandal surrounding its pro dancers.
Sherlock actor Amanda Abbington, who lifted the lid on the scandal with a set of allegations against Giovanni Pernice, has claimed there are “50 hours” of rehearsal footage that left BBC producers “horrified” by her former dance partner’s alleged behaviour.
Pernice has denied all claims and, on 29 July, learnt the result of the BBC’s investigation into the accusations. The findings are yet to be made public.
Graziano di Prima has also been at the centre of controversy because of alleged behaviour in his rehearsals with Zara McDermott. Both di Prima and Pernice have left the show.
This year marks Strictly’s 20th anniversary, and the new contestants will be hoping their fancy footwork can make headlines for the right reasons.
You can get to know the celebrity contestants here.
Their professional dance partners will be revealed in Saturday’s (14 September) opening episode, which airs tonight on BBC One at 7.20pm.
Follow for live updates below…
The Strictly stars with previous dance experience, from Tasha Ghouri to JB Gill
Featuring a professionally-trained commercial dancer and theatre school graduate…
VIDEO: Watch the Strictly Come Dancing 2024 trailer
What time is the Strictly Come Dancing 2024 launch show on tonight?
Strictly Come Dancing returns to our screens tonight, albeit under a cloud of controversy.
This year marks the hit BBC show’s 20th anniversary, meaning showrunners are likely to be pulling out all the stops.
Hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, and with Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse on the judging panel, the 2024 series returns with a launch show on Saturday 14 September at 7.20pm on BBC.
In tonight’s episode, fans will get to meet all of the celebrity contestants and find out which professional dancers they’ll be paired up with.
Strictly’s Nick Knowles shares gruelling training update ahead of first live show
‘This year’s Strictly Come Dancing line-up might just be secretly brilliant’
After weeks of scandal, there was a lot riding on the 2024 ‘Strictly’ line-up, but the initial reaction from fans has been lacklustre. However, it’s too early to write off this year’s contestants, argues Rachel McGrath – and they might just surprise us
Strictly Come Dancing to return under a cloud of controversy
Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s Strictly Come Dancing liveblog!
We’ll be bringing you the latest news, commentary and updates as the BBC’s embattled dancing competition returns to our screens, with a brand new cast of celebrities and their professional dance partners.
If you have no idea who’s competing this year, Ellie Muir’s interview feature with the 2024 cast is probably a good place to start:
Meet Sarah Hadland, the comedian and Miranda star taking to the dance floor
The actor is best known for her role as Stevie in the BBC sitcom ‘Miranda’
Shayne Ward’s journey from X Factor audition to Coronation Street and now Strictly
‘No promises on my dancing ability,’ warned the actor and singer