BBC bosses confirm 'Strictly Come Dancing' start date

BBC bosses have confirmed that Strictly Come Dancing will be back in just over two weeks.

The ballroom contest will begin on 18 September.

The news was announced on the show’s Twitter page, with a clip of 2021 contestant Tom Fletcher showing off his moves while holding a paddle with the number “15” on it.

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“The countdown is ON! Only 15 days to go until @TomFletcher and our #Strictly stars hit the dancefloor,” the tweet said.

The start date was confirmed shortly after BBC Breakfast star Dan Walker appeared to let the cat out of the bag.

The presenter, who is also a contestant on this year’s series, accidentally spilled the beans on air as he was talking about taking part.

"I meet and greet the partner in a couple of days time, and actually the first show is on the 18th and then the live shows start on the 25th," he said.

Fletcher and Walker face competition from the likes of Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty, EastEnders stars Nina Wadia and Rose Ayling-Ellis and former Bake Off winner John Whaite.

Comedian Robert Webb, actor Greg Wise and Gordon Ramsay’s daughter Tilly are also among the stars taking to the dancefloor in the hope of winning the coveted Glitterball trophy.

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Judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Shirley Ballas will be back, but Anton Du Beke will be filling in for Bruno Tonioli.

Tonioli is unable to take part because of the complications of travelling between the UK and the US, where he judges Dancing With The Stars, amid the COVID pandemic.

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