Strictly Come Dancing reveals 2025 competition start date...

The wait isn't long!



The return date for Strictly Come Dancing has been confirmed, with fans not having to wait too long.

The long-running BBC series is gearing up for its 23rd season, with 15 celebrities set to take to the dancefloor and get their hands on the famous Glitterball Trophy while impressing the judging panel and audience.

Fresh from the cast announcements over the past fortnight, the BBC has confirmed (via The Independent) that the series will return on 20 September with the pre-recorded launch show.

The opening episode sees the contestants discover their professional partners and their opening dance, with the judging panel also offering their thoughts. The first live show will take place on 27 September, where the 15 couples will perform their first routine.

The series will once again be hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, with the judging panel remaining unchanged as Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke all return.

The 15-strong line-up was gradually unveiled over the past couple of weeks, though there was a late alteration after former Emmerdale star Lewis Cope replaced Kristian Nairn, who withdrew following "unexpected" medical advice.

"With a heavy heart, I have to step back from this season of Strictly Come Dancing due to unexpected medical reasons," said Nairn, who is best known for playing Hodor in Game of Thrones.

"I was truly looking forward to the journey, and I’m deeply sorry to disappoint anyone who was looking forward to seeing me on the dance floor. Thank you all for your support, and I will be back on my feet very soon, in every sense. Love to all, Kristian."

Cope, who played Nicky Miligan on the ITV soap, confirmed his involvement in the series during an appearance on The One Show, with the actor telling hosts Roman Kemp and Clara Amfo about the moment he got the call.

"I was on the way to meet a friend, which was quite lucky as we could celebrate. I got the phone call as I was walking down Oxford Street and it was like 'right, I've got to do it.' Now, the excitement has just taken over and I'm just all in."