The new sequinned series of Strictly Come Dancing is set to launch later this month, and while the BBC are yet to reveal the exact air date, head judge Shirley Ballas appears to have let it slip.
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Speaking on The One Show on Thursday night, Shirley confirmed that Strictly will launch on 17 October – in just two weekends!
"Well our launch show is the 17th, and I believe our first live show is the 24th of October," said the Queen of Latin. "We're all ready to go, everything's in place – a great cast, it's very, very exciting. We'll be going into these cold winter months with baubles, bangles and beads and lots of joy."
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The pre-recorded launch episode sees the celebrities find out who their professional dancers are for the first time.
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This year's stellar line-up is made up of EastEnders favourite Maisie Smith, actress Caroline Quentin, NFL sportsman Jason Bell, The Wanted's Max George, Good Morning Britain presenter Ranvir Singh, DJ Clara Amfo, boxer Nicola Adams OBE, comedian Bill Bailey, TV presenter JJ Chalmers, Made in Chelsea's Jamie Laing, and former Labour MP and Home Secretary Jacqui Smith.
TV star HRVY, whose real name is Harvey Leigh Cantwell, is also part of the line-up although he is currently in self-isolation after testing positive for coronavirus.
© Photo: Getty ImagesShirley appeared to confirm Strictly will air on 17 October
The BBC previously revealed that the launch episode will be filmed on 12 October, although they never confirmed when it would air, but judging by Shirley's latest interview, we'll be seeing the return of sequins and sparkles on our screens on 17 October.
According to the BBC's shows and tours website, the first live show will air on 24 October, and will run for nine episodes until the week before Christmas on 19 December. Due to the pandemic, this year's series has a slightly shorter run than normal.
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