Strictly Come Dancing 2022: Release date, how to get tickets, judges, line up and more

The ramp-up to Strictly 2022 has well and truly begun and fans are keen as mustard to find out everything they can about getting tickets to the BBC show. More importantly, which contestants are in the line-up this season and is Adam Thomas actually appearing?

In some ways, the Strictly Come Dancing 2021 final feels like a million years ago, and in others - it seems like only yesterday. Die-hard fans don't really care when the last season ended and are, understandably, more concerned about when Strictly 2022 kicks off!

When does Strictly Come Dancing start?

Although the precise premiere date has yet to be confirmed, the Strictly 2022 producers have revealed that they're going to kick off filming on September 7, 2022,  but that it will be a prerecorded show. 

This means that it's likely the show will be broadcast the following weekend, the weekend of September 10 - but watch this space for any updates and woman&home will let you know!

How to get tickets to be in the Strictly 2022 audience

Just like previous years, the show is operating a random draw and you're able to apply for tickets for the Launch Show at any time until 10pm on Sunday, August 7. 

Show bosses confirmed on the BBC, "Registration is now open to be part of the exciting Launch Show, which is recording in advance of this year's live shows on Wednesday 7 September."

As well as that, Registration is now open to be part of the audience as the Strictly pros record a special number celebrating the BBC's 100th anniversary, in advance of the main series on Wednesday, August 24. The bosses said of the prerecord, "There may well be a surprise or two as well, with special guests and fun tributes to some of your favorite BBC shows."

As if competition for tickets isn't tough enough already, Strictly 2022 will see the return of a studio audience - which means people will be extra eager!

Owing to the anticipated demand, the show's bosses are restricting the number of tickets that you are eligible for, to a maximum of one pair of tickets and you can only apply if you're the intended ticket holder. 

Tickets for the main series will be allocated in another random draw, that you'll need to enter again. Excitingly for those lucky enough to attend the launch show - that doesn't mean you can't apply for the live shows too!

Who are the judges on Strictly 2022?

The BBC have been dropping breadcrumbs of information about the Strictly 2022 judges and back in May 2022, they finally revealed who'll be judging this year.

Popping back behind the panel for another season are the head judge Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, and Motsi Mabuse. Former Strictly professional dancer Anton Du Beke will be returning as well, after standing in for Bruno Tolioni, who stepped down from Strictly 2021 owing to COVID-19 travel restrictions.

When will the line-up of Strictly 2022 be announced?

It's unclear when this year's celebrity line-up will be confirmed but the rumor mill has, of course, been doing overtime. One potential contestant is Adam Thomas who appeared to confirm he'd appear on the show. Speaking to the Daily Mail, he said, "Bring it all on I love a bit of glitz and glam. I was going to say something then, but it might get blown out of context… I just want to experience the Strictly curse!"

It has, however, been confirmed that this season will see four new professional dancers. The new professionals are  Chinese National Champion Carlos Gu, Latin dance champion Michelle Tsiakkas, European Cup Winner Vito Coppola, and British National Champion Lauren Oakley.