When does Strictly Come Dancing 2021 start?

Strictly Come Dancing fans, it's time to lace up your tap shoes—the glitzy reality show is finally back. 

The BBC dance competition will grace our screens after nearly an eleven-month-long hiatus for its 19th season and by the looks of its teasers, the upcoming series could be its best one yet. 

With Strictly Come Dancing 2021's lineup promising a top-notch batch of beloved British celebrities and the Strictly Come Dancing 2021 judges having been announced, we couldn't be more excited for what's to come in the upcoming weeks. The popular show has also made history by casting its first same-sex male couple—a welcome (and long overdue!) move towards LGBTQ+ representation on telly. 

It hasn't been all roses and daisies though in the run-up to the highly-anticipated premiere. Strictly Come Dancing 2021 faced a Covid-19 nightmare earlier this week after one of its pro dancers contracted the virus and was sent into mandatory self-isolation. The participant, who remains unidentified, won't be allowed to interact with production or the cast (including their celebrity partner) for at least 10 days, which means they're likely to miss out on key rehearsal time—and possibly even one of the live shows. 

With the Strictly Come Dancing launch show 2021 fast approaching, the pressure is on for the dancer to make a fast recovery and return to the floor. 

When does Strictly Come Dancing 2021 start?

Strictly Come Dancing 2021 kicks off with a premiere at 7.45 pm on BBC on Friday, 18 September. The first episode, which has been pre-recorded, will see the celebrity contestants paired up with their professional dancing partners.  

Strictly Come Dancing 2021 trailer