When does Strictly Come Dancing start in 2022? Confirmed launch show date

Strictly Come Dancing is back for a new series in 2022 and we've shared the all-important September start date.

2022's Strictly contestants (opens in new tab) aren't the only ones preparing to put their best foot forward on the Strictly dance floor, with the popular BBC One show additionally announcing a new mix of professional dancers (opens in new tab) for what will be the show's 20th anniversary this year, as well as a confirmed change to the judging panel.

Strictly Come Dancing was postponed (opens in new tab) following the Queen's death, leaving many unsure of when the new start date is, but we've got all the details on who's in and who's out, plus what date and time Strictly Come Dancing starts in 2022.

When does Strictly Come Dancing 2022 start?

Strictly Come Dancing 2022 will kick off on Friday September 23rd with its launch show, with the first live show hitting screens the following evening on Saturday.

The 2022 series was set to begin on Saturday September 17th, with a launch show ahead of the first live show the week after. However Strictly has postponed its first episode of the year following the death of Queen Elizabeth II (opens in new tab), with the Queen's funeral (opens in new tab) set to take place on Monday September 19th, two days after the original launch date.

The 20th anniversary of the show is not the only big celebration this year - as the BBC also marks its 100th broadcasting anniversary. In a statement, Strictly said: "Strictly Come Dancing is celebrating 100 years of the BBC! The professional dancers will be throwing a party like only they know how, with a group number full of all the usual sparkle and glamour. 

'There may well be a surprise or two as well, with special guests and fun tributes to some of your favourite BBC shows."

Who's on Strictly 2022 this year? Full contestants list

• TV presenter Helen Skelton
• EastEnders actor James Bye
• Wildlife cameraman and presenter Hamza Yassin
• Singer Fleur East
• Former captain and footballer Tony Adams
• BGT star Molly Rainford
• Comedian Ellie Taylor (opens in new tab)
• Singer Matt Goss (opens in new tab)
• DJ Tyler West
• Gold medal-winning Paralympic swimmer Ellie Simmonds OBE (opens in new tab)
• Comedian Jayde Adams (opens in new tab)
• Loose Women host Kaye Adams
• Radio and TV presenter Richie Anderson
• Actor Will Mellor
• Morning Live host Kym Marsh.

Actor Will Mellor was the first Strictly 2022 contestant to be confirmed on August 4, 2022. With the rest of the 'class of Strictly 2022' being announced in the days following. On August 13, the full line-up had been confirmed.

Countryfile Presenter Helen Skelton was the final contestant to be revealed. In an interview with the Mirror, she revealed her nerves ahead of the launch show.

"I can’t dance and I feel sick when I hear the theme tune. I just wanted to wear nice dresses. I work on farms. I watch cows give birth and stand in wellies," she said. "I can’t decide whether it’s the best or worst thing I have ever agreed to. And I haven’t even started yet."

Who are the Strictly pros this year? Full list

• Dianne Buswell
• Nadiya Bychkova
• Graziano Di Prima
• Amy Dowden
• Karen Hauer
• Katya Jones
• Neil Jones
• Nikita Kuzmin
• Cameron Lombard
• Gorka Marquez
• Luba Mushtuk
• Giovanni Pernice
• Jowita Przystal
• Johannes Radebe
• Kai Widdrington
• Nancy Xu
• NEW FOR 2022: Vito Coppola
• NEW FOR 2022: Carlos Gu
• NEW FOR 2022: Lauren Oakley
• NEW FOR 2022: Michelle Tsiakkas

The Strictly Pros have been announced with four new dancers - European cup winner Vito Coppola, Chinese National Champion Carlos Gu, former Under 21 British National Champion Lauren Oakley and Latin dance champion Michelle Tsiakkas. And they will be joining the dancers already confirmed. 

Former favourite Alijaz Skorjanec and Oti Mabuse, whose sister Motsi is a judge, quit the show earlier this year.

Strictly Come Dancing Judges 2022:

The judges confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2022 are Shirley Ballas (opens in new tab), Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke. Anton replaced Bruno Tonioli (opens in new tab) last year and was made a permanent addition to the judging panel for 2022.

Strictly Come Dancing 2022 tickets - how to apply

Sadly tickets for the Strictly Come Dancing launch and live shows are no longer available. The ticket ballot officially closed on Sunday 28 August 2022. 

Demand for Strictly tickets is always high and as in previous years, tickets were allocated after being drawn from a random draw. Those successful were then contacted via email. 

The good news is that the site which organises Strictly tickets stated "December dates coming soon". This means that fans will be able to apply for tickets to see the Strictly Come Dancing 2022 Christmas special being filmed at a later date.

Be sure to check the official Strictly ticket website (opens in new tab) regularly for news as to when to apply.

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