Strictly Come Dancing launch show 2021—official date and more details announced!

Strictly Come Dancing 2021 is one of the most hotly anticipated shows in the fall TV calendar. So, needless to say, fans will be utterly thrilled to hear that one of the contestants accidentally announced the date the latest season will launch!

The Strictly Come Dancing 2021 judges will soon be casting their eye over this year's performances. And for those who're wondering who will be competing this season, we got you covered. The Strictly 2021 lineup have been announced and the final 15 are sure to delight viewers from start to finish. 

Strictly Come Dancing will have its first same-sex male couple in latest series and it looks like the forward-thinking attitude has been echoed in the US version of the show. Dancing with the Stars 2021 will have its first same-sex pairing featuring JoJo Siwa.

What date does Strictly come dancing 2021 start?

Mark your calendars for September 18, 2021!

The BBC have remained fairly tight-lipped about the show's premiere date but one of its contestants accidentally let slip! Dan Walker revealed on his day job at BBC Breakfast that season 19 will begin on Saturday, September 18.

Dan made the revelation as he was putting the date of his co-anchor Louise Minchin's departure, from the morning show, into his phone calendar. He added with a cheeky grin, "I was just going to put your date in the diary. I meet and greet the partner in a couple of days time, and actually the first show is on the 18 and then the live shows start on the 25."

News that the first show will be prerecorded might surprise fans but season 19 is proving that the hit dancing show is still bringing all of the excitement as it has since day dot. 

Although we don't know which professionals have been paired with the contestants, we have had an insight into the costume department ahead of the show. One of this season's contestants Rhys Stephenson revealed his dream outfit for the show and if his dreams come true—it's going to be epic!

Strictly Come Dancing is one of the BBC's biggest success stories and despite challenges posed by the pandemic, the show was a huge hit in its last season which saw Bill Bailey and Oti Mabuse take the trophy home.

Strictly 2021 judges—who's on the panel?

This season will see the return of old faithfuls Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, and Craig Revel Horwood. 

Fans will be shocked not to see Bruno Tonioli, who's been on the show since 2004, replaced by former dancing professional Anton Du Beke. 

Discussing the news, Bruno said, "Whilst I am gutted to not be on the show this year there is one person and one person only that could take my place - it’s just a shame they weren’t available...haha! Darlings I’m kidding, I’m kidding!"

The cheeky former judge will be busy stateside as one of the Dancing with the Stars 2021 judges. He added, "Seriously though, I have to tell you, Anton IS Mr Strictly and if anybody is filling in for me, it has to be him. I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way and I am so excited to see him waggle his paddle."