Originally scheduled to air on September 17, two days before the monarch’s funeral, bosses have now confirmed that the pre-recorded opening will be released just one day before the first live show on Saturday, September 24. The UK went into mourning on 8 September after Buckingham Palace announced the Queen’s death, with much of the BBC’s schedule filled with rolling coverage of the events leading up to her funeral on 19 September. On hold: First show of Strictly Come Dancing postponed to Friday 23 September following death of Queen Elizabeth II The Strictly launch show, which was filmed on September 7, will see this year’s contestants discover their professional partners for the first time. The couples have been training ahead of their first appearance, which will be a day after the release, in the scheduled slot of September 24. Government guidance has stated that entertainment events are under no obligation to cancel or postpone circumstances during the mourning period, although it has been strongly suggested as a sign of respect. On hold: The first show was originally scheduled to air on September 17, two days before the Queen’s funeral, but will now air four days after the historic event The Strictly launch was due to air just two days before the Queen’s funeral, a day when thousands are expected to queue at Westminster Hall to see Her Majesty in state. This year’s line-up includes presenter Helen Skelton, 80s singer Matt Goss, actor Will Mellor, broadcaster Kaye Adams and Paralympic star Ellie Simmonds. It comes just a week after the first trailer for this year’s Strictly was released, showing the professional dancers of the year Tragedy: Much of the BBC’s schedule is filled with rolling coverage of events leading up to the Queen’s funeral on September 19 following her death last week (pictured 6 September) It was previously reported that Prince Charles, 73, and the Duchess of Cornwall, 75, [Now King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla] were planning to host a live episode of Strictly at Buckingham Palace after secret talks with BBC executives. Camilla is said to be a ‘huge fan’ of the show and even ‘votes every week’ for her favorite dancing duo. However, the alleged plans have no doubt been shelved in light of recent events.
Change of plan: Reported plans for Queen Consort Camilla and King Charles III to host a live episode of the show from Buckingham Palace have no doubt been scrapped in light of the events This series has also seen the introduction of four new professionals, European Cup Winner Vito Coppola, Chinese National Champion Carlos Gu, former British Under 21 National Champion Lauren Oakley and Latin Dance Champion Michelle Tsiakkas. This series will be the first in three years to be broadcast without Covid measures, which have forced bosses to introduce restrictions including ‘bubbles’ for training and limited audience numbers. Series 20 will also include a return to the Blackpool Tower Ballroom after a two-year break due to the coronavirus pandemic. Coming soon: Strictly launch show, filmed on September 7, will see this year’s contestants discover their professional partners for the first time The upcoming series of Strictly will see its stars celebrate 100 years of the BBC with a special themed week this year. To mark the centenary, Strictly couples will either dance “to a theme tune from an iconic BBC program or as a tribute to one of the BBC’s best-loved services”. The anniversary show is also set to feature two special routines from the pros – one to honor the BBC’s Natural History Programming unit, while the other will see the dancers ‘smash’ some flagships. Rylan Clark and Janette Manrara will return to present Strictly spin-off It Takes Two, which airs weekdays on BBC Two, featuring interviews with the couples and judges, along with behind-the-scenes clips and fun segments. Meanwhile, Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke will return to the judging panel after Bruno Tonioli confirmed in July that he had left the show for good. Back: Meanwhile, Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke will return to the judging panel after Bruno Tonioli confirmed in July that he had left the show for good. Bruno was unable to appear in the previous two series due to his US filming commitments and Covid restrictions, with ex-professional Anton sitting on the panel in his place last year. Bruno told MailOnline that he found juggling the British show and the US version of Dancing With The Stars very unpleasant, saying: ‘Well, I’ll always miss them, they’re my family, but I mean we’ll always be friends and you never know . what is going to happen.’ Strictly Come Dancing will return on Friday 23 September, followed by the first live show on 24 September.

STRICTLY COME DANING 2022: WHO ARE THE CONTESTANTS?

KYM MARSH Age: 46 Occupation: Coronation Street star and presenter Kym says: “I’m so glad they have it this year! I’m a huge fan of the show and I can’t believe I’m going from watching at home in my pajamas to dancing in front of the judges in a sparkly dress.” Richie ANDERSON Age: 34 Occupation: Radio presenter Richie says: “This is a dream come true! I can’t wait to step into those sparkles, sequins and sparkles on the most famous runway in the world!” ELLIE SIMMONDS Age: 27 Occupation: Former athlete Ellie says: “Being asked to join the Strictly family is just so exciting and I can’t wait, it’s going to be so much fun.” TYLER WEST Age: 26 Occupation: Radio DJ Says Tyler, “It’s a show that means so much to me and my family and I can’t wait to seriously shake a leg on that shiny dance floor…with a side of sequins.” ELLIE TAYLOR

Age: 38 Occupation: Comedian Ellie says: “So cover me in fake tan and roll me in sequins! I’m absolutely over the moon to be a part of Strictly 2022!” TONY ADAMS MBE Age: 55 Occupation: Retired footballer and manager Tony says: “To say I’m excited is an understatement – the lure of sequins and the call of salsa has me swapping my battered old football boots for a set of strictly soft shoes.”

JAMES GOODBYE Age: 38 Occupation: EastEnders actor James says “I’m not known for my shiny toes – in fact my kids regularly laugh at my dad dancing, but I’m honored to be asked and I’ll give it my all.” HELEN SKELTON Age: 39 Occupation: TV and radio editor Helen says: “I’m really excited to get stuck into a fun adventure. My family and friends have always loved the show and can’t wait for me to start.” WILL MELLOR Age: 46 Occupation: Actor Will says: “I know it’s going to be a huge challenge, but that’s what life is all about. This is also my mom’s favorite show and she’s had a really tough few years so I’m doing this for her too. Come on!’ KAYE ADAMS Age: 59 Occupation: TV presenter Says Kaye: “I said I wanted to make the last year of my fifties one to remember and I can’t think of a better way to do that than to show the world my two left feet. Pray for me!’ JAYDE ADAMS Age: 37 Occupation: Comedian Jayde says: “I’ve been a huge fan of the show for years. I feel like I’m seeing myself in a dream and I can’t believe I’ve manifested this.’ MATT GOSH Age: 53 Occupation: Singer Matt says: “I’ve been isolated, I come and work and then come back to America. I thought, time to go home and get out of my way.” MOLLY RENFORD Age: 21 Occupation: Singer Molly says: “I already know it’s going to be an experience of a lifetime and I can’t wait to meet the rest of the Strictly family to share it with.” FLEUR EAST Age: 34 Occupation: Singer Fleur says: “I’m equal parts nervous and excited to be part of this year’s Strictly line up. I am excited to learn new skills and want to enjoy every moment of this magical experience.’ HAMZA YASIN Age: 35 Occupation: Wildlife operator and presenter Hamza says: “I’m absolutely over the moon to be on Strictly 2022. Never in a million years did I think I’d be on such a cool show.”