Strictly Come Dancing 2024: Release date, cast and news

In the final are Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec, Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell, JB Gill and Lauren Oakley and Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola.

Last year saw former Coronation Street star Ellie Leach and her pro partner Vito Coppola come out on top, and no doubt this year's remaining celebrities will be vying to do the same in this year's show.

As we inch ever closer to the final episode, read on for everything we know about Strictly Come Dancing 2024.

Strictly Come Dancing 2024 release date: When does Strictly start?

Strictly Come Dancing officially began on Saturday 14th September on BBC One and iPlayer.

The news was confirmed on Strictly's Instagram page, which kicked off a countdown to the launch of the show's 20th anniversary season.

When is Strictly Come Dancing 2024 on TV?

The final episode of Strictly Come Dancing will air on Saturday 14th December on 6pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

Who are the contestants in Strictly Come Dancing 2024?

The full line-up of celebrities taking part in Strictly Come Dancing 2024 has been revealed! Read below for the confirmed Strictly contestants:

• Chris McCausland
• JB Gill
• Wynne Evans
• Toyah Willcox
• Dr Punam Krishan
• Tasha Ghouri
• Pete Wicks
• Shayne Ward
• Sarah Hadland
• Tom Dean
• Jamie Borthwick
• Montell Douglas
• Nick Knowles
• Paul Merson
• Sam Quek

Who won Strictly Come Dancing 2023?

Ellie Leach and pro Vito Coppola won Strictly Come Dancing in 2023.

Ellie found herself in the final alongside Bobby Brazier and Layton Williams, who all impressed the judges with their performances each week.

Reacting to the win, Ellie said she "genuinely cannot believe this", while Vito praised Ellie, saying she had made him "so proud".

"You have been so amazing – you are Strictly, you represent Strictly," he said.

Who will be the Strictly Come Dancing 2024 hosts?

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have been co-hosting the show since 2010 and show no signs of slowing down.

Tess stays by the dance floor and speaks to each couple once they've performed and Claudia spends her time in the gallery, speaking to the pairs once they've received the judges' comments.

Who will be the Strictly Come Dancing 2024 judges?

Strictly Come Dancing wouldn't be the same without Strictly judges to offer their guidance and criticisms to the stars each weekend.

Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke and Motsi Mabuse will all return as judges for the landmark 20th season.

As fans will know, Craig has been a part of the judging panel since the show's inception in 2004. Ballas replaced the late Len Goodman in season 15 as head judge, while Motsi Mabuse replaced Dame Darcey Bussell in season 17.

Former professional Anton Du Beke replaced Bruno Tonioli in season 18, after the former judge left the show.

Who will be the Strictly Come Dancing 2024 professionals?

Back in June, The BBC announced the Strictly pros that would make a return to the dance floor, with names that many know and love all performing once more with their celebrity partners.

It was confirmed that Vito Coppola, Nikita Kuzmin, Dianne Buswell, Amy Dowden, Kai Widdrington, Jowita Przystał, Gorka Márquez, Nancy Xu, Johannes Radebe, Karen Hauer and Katya Jones would all return.

Joining them are also Nadiya Bychkova, Neil Jones, Michelle Tsiakkas, Luba Mushtuk, Carlos Gu and Lauren Oakley.

In an exciting announcement, Strictly confirmed that Aljaž Škorjanec would be returning to the dancefloor after having previously left the show in 2022.

The announcement also confirmed that Giovanni Pernice would not be returning to Strictly in 2024, after nine seasons on the show.

The news of his departure from the series came shortly after the dancer denied allegations of "abusive or threatening behaviour" towards his former dance partners, following reports that the BBC had begun an investigation after complaints from ex-contestants.

Taking to Instagram, Pernice wrote: "To my dear fans, you will be as surprised as I am that allegations have been made about my dance teaching methods in the media this week.

"Of course, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name."

Another Strictly professional who will not be returning to this year is Graziano Di Prima, despite previously being announced as part of the 2024 line-up.

The BBC recently confirmed the dancer was "no longer part of the line-up of professional dancers for the upcoming series".

Following his exit, Di Prima said he "deeply regrets the events" that led to his exit, noting that his "intense passion and determination to win" may have affected his "training regime".

Zara McDermott, whom Di Prima was partnered with in 2023, released a statement that read: "So much of my Strictly experience was everything I could have dreamt of. The entire production team and everyone behind the scenes as well as my fellow contestants were so amazing to work with.

"However, my experience inside the training room was very different. Reports have been made about my treatment on the show and there were witnesses to some events, as well as videos of particular incidents which are incredibly distressing to watch…

"I would like to thank the BBC & BBC Studios for their swift action and incredibly high level of support, as well as everyone who has reached out to me - it really truly means a lot."

A representative for Di Prima declined to comment on McDermott's statement.

In a statement posted to social media, Di Prima said: "While there are aspects of this story involving external influences that I can't discuss at this time, I remain committed to being strong for my family and friends.

"I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success in the future. I also want to thank everyone who has supported my career, both professionally and personally. When the time is right, I will share my story."

Where is Strictly Come Dancing filmed?

Strictly Come Dancing is filmed at Elstree Studio, which is based in Borehamwood. However, the show hasn't always been filmed there.

Before moving to Elstree in 2013, Strictly was filmed at BBC Television Studio, as well as Tower Ballroom in Blackpool. It was also hosted in Wembley Arena in 2011 and 2012, before moving permanently to Elstree in 2013.

Will Blackpool Week return for Strictly Come Dancing 2024?

We sure hope so! Blackpool Week has been a key part of Strictly Come Dancing since the early days of the show.

During the famed week, Strictly moves from its usually space in London to Blackpool and gives the celebrities and their professional partners a chance to dance in the Blackpool Tower.

Strictly Come Dancing 2024 continues on Saturday 14th December at 6pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

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