Overview

• The launch airs tonight at 6.40pm on BBC One and iPlayer, unveiling the 15 celebrity–pro pairings before live competition begins on 27 September.
• Ellie Goldstein becomes the show’s first contestant with Down’s syndrome, marking a notable step for inclusion on the primetime series.
• Reigning champion Dianne Buswell performs in the pros’ showcase while pregnant, a first for the programme, with preview images placing her center stage.
• Jessie J features as the musical guest for the launch episode, following her recent disclosure of an early breast cancer diagnosis and surgeries.
• The BBC outlines strengthened welfare support in rehearsals and confirms a shift to online-only public voting, with Thomas Skinner’s recent personal admission and press‑event incident drawing early scrutiny.