Why is Strictly Come Dancing on Friday this week? The reason behind the change
Wonder why Strictly Come Dancing is on Friday this week? Here's the explanation behind the change in schedule
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

As the six remaining couples (opens in new tab) prepare to compete in the Quarter Finals to be in with the chance of reaching the final of Strictly Come Dancing 2022 (opens in new tab), some fans are wondering why is the show on Friday night this week?
Nerves must be getting high, with just a few more shows left until the finale, for one unlucky couple, this week's show will be their last as viewers prepare to vote another celebrity pairing off the show (opens in new tab).
But if you're hoping to tune in for your weekly fix of ballroom dancing action then you might want to put the new date in your diaries along with the date of the Strictly Christmas special (opens in new tab)....
Why is Strictly Come Dancing on Friday this week?
Strictly is on Friday this week because BBC has made changes to its normal scheduling in order to air the next game of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 (Group C winners v Group D runners-up) which is taking place at the same time. Instead of Strictly airing on Saturday and its results show on Sunday, fans will have to tune in on Friday, December 2nd at 8pm on BBC One to watch the live show and the results show will air on Saturday, December 3 at the earlier time of 5.40pm instead of Sunday, December 4th. The football match will air from 6.20pm (7pm kick-off) on Saturday and on Sunday Group B winners play Group A runners-up with coverage airing from 6.20pm (7pm kick-off).
Host Tess Daly told viewers, "We will be back at 8pm next Friday. Yes, you heard right, Friday." The change is being made for the World Cup and will also see the quarter final results moved to Saturday, December 3 at the earlier time of 5:40pm."
And the show has reminded fans on its social media channels, "We're on your screens on Friday and Saturday this week, so set your reminders for Strictly now!"
The Strictly semi-final will take place on Sunday, December 11th but it is not yet known when the results show will air.
And the final is scheduled for Saturday, December 17th.
A Strictly spokesperson previously confirmed to the Independent, “Strictly Come Dancing will continue to bring glitter, glamour and glorious dancing to homes across the nation throughout the 2022 FIFA World Cup.”
A post shared by BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) (opens in new tab)
A photo posted by on
But some fans aren't happy with the move that means Strictly couples have one less day to rehearse their routines.
One put, "I can't believe our strictly stars, who have been working so hard for the past 3 months, get a day less of rehearsal time just 'cos of the bloomin' football. What's up with BBC2???"
Another fan added, "Don't understand why they couldn't put the football on BBC2 and leave my Saturday night viewing alone. Not all of us like football 🙈'
And a third chipped in, "Not everyone likes football. I for one can’t stand it yet it’s rammed at you even if you try and avoid it. Just stick the sport it on BBC2, or put Strictly on BBC2 Saturday."
Related Strictly features:
- Who is Hamza Yassin on Strictly Come Dancing? (opens in new tab)
- Strictly the Professionals Tour 2023 (opens in new tab)
- Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour 2023 (opens in new tab)
- Where is Strictly Come Dancing filmed? (opens in new tab)
- Who is Will Mellor and who is his wife? (opens in new tab)
Video of the week
Selina is a Senior Entertainment Writer with more than 14 years of experience in newspapers and magazines. She currently looks after all things Entertainment for Goodto.com, Woman&Home, and My Imperfect Life. Before joining Future Publishing, Selina graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2006 with a degree in Journalism. She is fully NCTJ and NCE qualified and has 100wpm shorthand. When she's not interviewing celebrities you can find her exploring new countryside walking routes, catching up with friends over good food, or making memories.
-
-
Is Consent on Channel 4 a true story? Cast and plot of the factual drama explained
Is Consent on Channel 4 a true story, as the fact-based drama raises important themes about the way boys talk about, and describe encounters with girls.
By Lucy Wigley • Published
-
BBC's 24/7 Pet Hospital: Where is it filmed and how many episodes?
All you need to know about the new reality TV series that responds to emergency cases.
By Selina Maycock • Published
-
Is Consent on Channel 4 a true story? Cast and plot of the factual drama explained
Is Consent on Channel 4 a true story, as the fact-based drama raises important themes about the way boys talk about, and describe encounters with girls.
By Lucy Wigley • Published
-
BBC's 24/7 Pet Hospital: Where is it filmed and how many episodes?
All you need to know about the new reality TV series that responds to emergency cases.
By Selina Maycock • Published
-
Happy Valley season 3 ending explained: Everything that happened in the finale of the BBC crime drama
Happy Valley season 3 ending explained: It was the moment viewers have been waiting for, as the flawless BBC drama reached an epic conclusion
By Lucy Wigley • Published
-
Who is on Loose Women today? The stars on today's panel
Who is on Loose Women today? This is who to expect on the panel...
By Selina Maycock • Published
-
Why has Tom Jones' Delilah song been banned?
The 60s hit record has been banned from Welsh Rugby stadiums after eight years of controversy
By Selina Maycock • Published
-
Who was voted off Dancing on Ice last night?
ITV viewers are wondering who left Dancing on Ice 2023 on Sunday night
By Selina Maycock • Published
-
Dear Edward true story: Who was Ruben Van Assouw, who inspired the Apple+ TV series with Taylor Schilling?
Dear Edward true story: Apple+ TV brings the imagined aftermath of a real life plane crash to life, with Taylor Schilling at the helm.
By Lucy Wigley • Published
-
Will there be a season 2 of Lockwood & Co? Speculation and everything we know so far about the return of the Netflix mystery thriller
Will there be a season 2 of Lockwood & Co? We take a look at current speculation over the return of the show riding high in Netflix's top 10.
By Lucy Wigley • Published