Overview

• The BBC released a 30-second pool‑party teaser featuring the professional dancers and head judge Shirley Ballas, previewing a fuller routine for the pre‑recorded launch show.
• The launch episode will reveal celebrity–pro pairings and include a group dance, a routine from reigning winners Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell, and a performance by Jessie J.
• Live shows begin on 27 September, with the first Sunday results programme scheduled for 5 October on BBC One and iPlayer.
• Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman return as hosts, the judging panel remains Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke, and the pro lineup adds Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon.
• Preseason narratives include Vicky Pattison speaking about emotional strain and seeking therapy, tabloid reports of possible GLP‑1 drug use that the BBC has not confirmed, and early betting odds naming Lewis Cope as a favourite and Ross King as most likely to exit first.