Overview

• The series returns with a pre‑recorded launch on Saturday, 20 September at 6:40pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with live shows starting the following week.
• Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman resume hosting as Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke return to the judging panel.
• Shirley Ballas hints at “exciting changes” and “twists and turns,” while two new pros, Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon, join the lineup.
• Craig Revel Horwood named Alex Kingston as his early favourite and said he now tags positives to critiques, reaffirming a frank but moderated judging style.
• Betway prices Ross King as a long shot to win before the launch, and BBC director general Tim Davie defends the casting of Thomas Skinner in remarks to MPs.