Strictly Come Dancing Celebrates 100 Years of the BBC with a Special Themed Week

Strategic Insights -

The upcoming 20th series of the BBC's flagship entertainment series, Strictly Come Dancing, will commemorate the network's 100th anniversary with a special themed week. This year's show features 15 celebrity contestants, including Helen Skelton, James Bye, Fleur East, and Tony Adams, who will compete in the prestigious Blackpool Tower Ballroom. After a two-year hiatus, the show returns to the historic venue, which was recently renovated with its most extensive restoration in 30 years.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 20th series of Strictly Come Dancing will launch on September 17 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, featuring 15 celebrity contestants.
  • The themed episode will celebrate the BBC's centenary, with couples dancing to a theme tune from an iconic BBC program or in tribute to one of the BBC's most-loved services.
  • The show will feature two routines by the Strictly professionals, one dedicated to the BBC's Natural History Programming and the other paying tribute to flagship BBC shows.
  • The celebrity lineup includes Ellie Taylor, Ellie Simmonds, Will Mellor, Kaye Adams, and Kym Marsh, among others.
  • Head judge Shirley Ballas returns alongside judges Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse, with Du Beke becoming a regular on the judging panel.
  • The show will also feature same-sex partnerships, following Nicola Adams and Katya Jones's historic routine in 2020.
  • Strictly's executive producer Sarah James stated that the show is "thrilled" to be celebrating the BBC's centenary and returning to the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom.

Statistics:

  • The 20th series of Strictly Come Dancing will feature 15 celebrity contestants.
  • The show will launch on September 17 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
  • One of the Strictly professional routines will be dedicated to the BBC's Natural History Programming.
  • The BBC celebrates its centenary this year.
  • Strictly's executive producer Sarah James has been instrumental in bringing the themed week to life.

Sources:

  • BBC news, [Ted Lasso star Ellie Taylor joins Strictly Come Dancing line-up](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-62342193)
  • BBC news, [Strictly Come Dancing: Ellie Simmonds and Will Mellor among new contestants](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-62342192)
  • BBC news, [Strictly Come Dancing 2023: Meet the 15 contestants vying for the title](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-62342191)