Strictly Come Dancing – The Launch is here!

Oh how we desperately need a little sparkle in our lives, if only to remind us that it’s not all doom and gloom out there.

Luckily for us, the 18th series of Strictly Come Dancing looks set to provide us with some, as well as copious amounts of fake tan, skin-tight clothing and glamour, even if it will be taking place over a shorter time period.

In recent years, Strictly has lasted for 13 weeks, but this time it takes place over just nine, with only a dozen celebrities invited onto the dance floor. But at least it’s happening at all – a few months ago, it seemed that, due to lockdown restrictions, there would be no 2020 series, which would have been a huge blow to the public as well as the BBC in its Saturday evening ratings war with ITV.

And if some of the celebrities are, well, not exactly household names, never mind – if they stick around long enough, they’ll be as familiar to you as members of your own family by the time they move on.

Perhaps the most noteworthy is Nicola Adams, the former Olympic and world champion boxer who will provide the show with a first – she will be participating in a same-sex couple.

“I’m a huge fan of the show and am thrilled to be part of something that holds such a special place in so many people’s hearts,” says the Leeds-born national treasure. “People might know me from work in the ring, but I’ll be every bit as passionate and dedicated on the dance-floor too. I also wanted to thank the BBC for supporting me and making me the first ever all female-pairing; and it’s amazing to be a part of the movement for change, diversity and breaking boundaries in the entertainment industry.”

Bill Bailey and Caroline Quentin are perhaps the most well-known of the class of 2020; internet and pop star HRVY may not be quite so familiar to Strictly’s core audience. He’s already had problems too, having tested positive for Covid-19; he immediately went into isolation and it’s hoped he will be fit enough to take up his place.

Former Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, broadcasters JJ Chalmers, Clara Amfo and Ranvir Singh, singer Max George, EastEnders star Maisie Smith and sports presenter Jason Bell are also among the line-up.

Finally, Jamie Laing returns to the show after missing out last year due to injury. His place was taken by eventual champion Kelvin Fletcher – it will be interesting to see if he’s paired with Oti Mabuse again, or if someone else will be putting him through his paces.

We’ll find out who he’ll be sharing the experience with during tonight’s launch show – it was at this point last year that he injured himself, so here’s hoping he stays safe this time.

As ever, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are the hosts, while judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse are on hand but won’t be offering any scores. Instead, they’ll be giving their opinions on the partnerships and admiring – or otherwise – the skills of the participants during a group dance, which is everyone’s first opportunity to see the celebs in action ahead of the start of the competition next week.

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