We always knew that Strictly Come Dancing would be returning to our screens soon, and now the release date for the exciting launch show has been officially announced by the BBC.
With the help of a glitzy new trailer that shows the Strictly judges, professional dancers and new presenters dancing the night away on a studio backlot, it's been confirmed that the launch show will air on Saturday 19 September at 7:25pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
This year's launch show is said to feature more dancing than ever before – and will shake up the beloved format in a major way.
In a return to how the show used to unveil celebrity pairings, each celebrity and pro will only discover the identity of their partner in front of the Strictly studio audience – but for the first time ever, they will be revealed via three specially-choreographed group dance routines.
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As per the BBC's description: "Expect high energy, surprises and a whole lot of dancing as this year’s celebs are tested like never before!"
It continues: "Strictly Come Dancing: The Launch Show will also take viewers behind the scenes as the celebs begin their dance rehearsals; plus the return of last year’s champion Karen Carney, who will dance her iconic football jive with Carlos Gu."
The buzzy new trailer gives us a taste of what's to come, also showing us the show's first ever trio of hosts in action as Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe all look excited to take on their new roles.
But the dancing in the trailer is only a snippet of what's to come, with the BBC teasing that the full routine of what appears in the clip will actually open this year’s launch show.
The new series will air every weekend up until Christmas, with fans not only excited to see how the new line-up gets on with their dance routines, but also how the new hosts will follow in the footsteps of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
It was previously reported that Willis, Widdicombe and Radebe were learning a dance routine ahead of the series, so colour us excited to see more of the big number from the trailer.
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Strictly Come Dancing launches on Saturday 19 September at 7:25pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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