Here’s Strictly Come Dancing news that will leave you spinning around in excitement: Kylie Minogue is set to open the 17th series of the BBC1 ballroom extravaganza.

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The Queen of Pop will perform a medley of her biggest hits on the Strictly stage as the dance professionals deliver a predictably dazzling dance routine.

After this, the 15 celebrity contestants – from YouTuber Saffron Barker to BBC Breakfast’s Mike ‘Swimming Pool’ Bushell – will take to the dance floor for the first time in a group routine.

It’s then hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will announce who the stars' professional dance partners will be.

The launch show will also welcome in new judge (and sister to professional Oti Mabuse) Motsi Mabuse, who replaces Darcey Bussell on the panel. She'll join regular judges Bruno Tonioli, Craig Revel Horwood and Shirley Ballas for a special group number with the pros.

Plus, the opening show will also feature musical performances from Mark Ronson and Grammy-award-winning artist YEBBA.

But when will we see this on TV? Judging by previous years, we can expect Strictly to launch in early September, with the show’s red carpet taking place in late August.

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So, although not confirmed, we’d advise getting your rhinestones ready for a 7th September start.

Authors

Thomas LingDigital editor, BBC Science Focus

Thomas is Digital editor at BBC Science Focus. Writing about everything from cosmology to anthropology, he specialises in the latest psychology, health and neuroscience discoveries. Thomas has a Masters degree (distinction) in Magazine Journalism from the University of Sheffield and has written for Men’s Health, Vice and Radio Times. He has been shortlisted as the New Digital Talent of the Year at the national magazine Professional Publishers Association (PPA) awards. Also working in academia, Thomas has lectured on the topic of journalism to undergraduate and postgraduate students at The University of Sheffield.

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