We can't deny Strictly Come Dancing season is one of our favourite times of the year – and we're counting down the days until it's back on our screens.
The dancers are officially in rehearsals, and now the cast and start date has been announced, we can almost see the glitterball dazzling in front of us once again!
It's promising to be bigger and better than ever – with the return of Blackpool confirmed as well as a special nod to the BBC's 100th birthday with a centenary special as well.
(That's on top of the Movies, Halloween and Musicals weeks, you lucky lot.)
But there's also some big changes in the air considering two major favourites have sashayed out of the ballroom this year – first two-time champion Oti Mabuse left the series after seven years, and then Aljaž Škorjanec quit after nine years too.
That's before we get into what's going to happen on the judges' panel, including Bruno Tonioli and Anton Du Beke's futures.
There's a lot to be get straight ahead of this changing season. Thankfully, that's why you have us!
Here's everything we know so far about Strictly's cast of 2022.
Strictly Come Dancing 2022 start date: When's the launch date?
Typically, Strictly Come Dancing gets pride of place in the autumn/winter schedule on BBC One.
This year will be no different, with pro-dancer Johannes Radebe confirming on Channel 4's The Big Breakfast that the show will be back on Saturday, September 17.
"We can't face winter without Strictly, so I'm happy it's back on our screens," he told host AJ Odudu, who competed in last year's series, only to be forced to drop out of the final when she suffered an injury.
The BBC's also confirmed the new series will record the launch show on Wednesday, September 7 in a callout for audience members, meaning viewers will likely see the celebrity contestants paired up with their dance partners that weekend.
The contestants then get time to practice ahead of the first live show, with weekly episodes (main show on Saturday, results on Sunday) then continuing until the finale in a usual series.
At the end of July 2022, it was revealed pro rehearsals had officially begun, with the cast sharing selfies from the dance studios – meaning the countdown was officially on.
Strictly Come Dancing 2022 cast: Which celebrities have been confirmed for this year's series?
The official cast of Strictly 2022 started dropping right from the beginning of August – and finally, we now know the full list of who will be heading to the dancefloor during the cooler months of the year.
So let's meet them, shall we?
Will Mellor
Who? Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps star
What did they say? Will became the first announced contestant on August 4.
"Not going to lie, it's totally out of my comfort zone and I know it will be a huge challenge but that's what life is all about.
"This is also my mum's favourite show and she's had a really tough few years, so I'm doing this is for her as well. Bring it on!"
Will has since been declared the early favourite of judge Craig Revel-Horwood, who said of the actor "he's got a real charm about him and I think he'll be able to bring that onto the dancefloor.".
So no pressure Will!
Kym Marsh
Who? Morning Live host and former Corrie star
What did they say? The former Hear'Say star said of her participation: "I've considered doing Strictly for years but the timings never worked out. I'm so delighted that this year they have!
"I'm a huge fan of the show and can't believe I'm going to go from watching at home in my pyjamas to actually dancing in front of the judges in a glittery dress. It's unreal!"
Jayde Adams
Who? Stand up comedian, Alma's Not Normal star and TV host
What did they say? Jayde was confirmed as the fifth contestant on August 6.
"Since I watched the first series in 2004, I feel like every step I've taken in my career over the last 11 years was to be on Strictly," she said.
"I cannot begin to express the emotions I am feeling, this means so much to me and my family. I've always watched it, apart from a brief hiatus in 2011 as I was relentlessly gigging every weekend (to try and get on Strictly).
"I've been a massive fan of the show for years. I feel like I'm watching myself in a dream and I can't believe I've manifested this. Holding this in has been torture for me!"
Kaye Adams
Who? Loose Women panellist
What did they say? Kaye became the latest Loose Women star to sign up to the series and announced her participation on the ITV chat show on August 5.
Her co-stars Judi Love and Ruth Langsford have been among previous contestants.
She later said: "I said I wanted to make the last year of my fifties memorable and I can't think of a better way of doing it than showing the world my two left feet. Pray for me!"
Richie Anderson
Who? Former Sunday League footballer and BBC Radio 2 star
What did they say? Richie surprised former It Takes Two presenter Zoe Ball by announcing his participation on Strictly during her radio show.
It was also confirmed he would appear in an all-male pairing for this year's competition.
"This is a dream come true! I cannot wait to get in those sparkles and sequins and shimmy across the most famous dance floor in the world!" he said.
"Strictly is the ultimate feel good show, as soon as I hear that iconic theme tune it’s just pure escapism. I'm going to have to cancel my legendary Strictly launch night kitchen party that I throw every year, I'm sure my friends and family will understand."
Ellie Simmonds
Who? Five-time Team GB Paralympic champion, presenter and documentary-maker
What did they say? "To be asked to be part of the Strictly family is just so exciting and I cannot wait, it's going to be so much fun," she said in her announcement. "I'm counting down the minutes until it starts; learning to dance, meeting my partner and everyone else involved in the show. Plus wearing the sequins and all that, it's going to be a blast.
"I've been watching Strictly from as far back as I can remember; it's a traditional lead up to Christmas with my family and it's a genuine privilege to be part of it."
DJ Tyler West
Who? KISS FM Radio DJ
What did they say? Tyler was announced on August 8 during the Kiss breakfast show, hosted by Diversity stars Jordan Banjo and Perri Kiely.
"I am SO gassed to be joining the Strictly family. As I started writing this I already got cramp. It's going to be one crazy incredible journey which will no doubt be SO far outside my comfort zone," he said.
"It's a show that means so much to me and my family and I can't wait to seriously shake a leg on that shiny dance floor… with a side of sequins."
Shortly after the announcement, Tyler scared fans by sharing pictures of him in a hospital waiting room.
However, he quickly cleared up the issue and said: "Everything is A-OK, A-OK, it weren't me it's family stuff but thank you all for checking in. Good vibes, nothing wrong."
Matt Goss
Who? Bros singer and '80s legend
What did they say? Matt appeared on This Morning to confirm the news he has finally been talked into appearing on Strictly.
He joked that he was on a diet that was "Lycra-friendly" in preparation. "I'm extremely nervous and excited, but I’m optimistic because I'm very supple from the knees down," he said in a statement.
Ellie Taylor
Who? Ted Lasso actress, Mock The Week star and comedian
What did they say? Ellie's place on the Strictly line-up was confirmed on August 9 during a chat on Lorraine.
In a statement, she said: "Well, cover me in fake tan and roll me in sequins! I'm absolutely over the moon to be a part of Strictly 2022!
"I've watched the show for years so to be able to take to the dance floor is a dream come true, for both me and mum who is a Strictly superfan! At the moment I'm focusing on the excitement and glitter and choosing to ignore the fact that I have the dancing ability of a newly born giraffe. Bring it on!"
Molly Rainford
Who? CBBC star and former Britain's Got Talent finalist
What did they say? Molly became the 10th confirmed contestant on August 10, and is best known to young viewers as an intergalactic pop star on CBBC series Nova Jones.
"I'm so excited to be part of Strictly Come Dancing," she said in a statement as she was announced.
"I've watched it for years and can't wait to meet the pros and the others taking part! I can't wait to learn the moves and get dancing!"
Tony Adams
Who? Former Arsenal and England footballer
What did they say? "To say I'm excited is an understatement – the lure of the sequins and the call of the salsa has me swapping my battered old football boots for a set of Strictly soft shoes," he said in the announcement statement.
"Am absolutely thrilled to be giving it my all on this year's 20th anniversary of Strictly Come Dancing. I can't wait to meet my partner – god help her – and start the dancing."
Fleur East
Who? X Factor star, singer and radio DJ
What did they say? Fleur announced her participation on August 11 during her Hits Radio show, before appearing on Lorraine. She also revealed the sentimental reason she decided to take part.
"I hope I get to dance to some of my songs… for me it's quite emotional. My dad who passed away in 2020, Strictly was his favourite show," she told Ranvir Singh, who previously appeared on the show.
"I'm going to be doing it for him. I'm just gutted he can't see me do it, but I'm going to keep him in mind during the show… I'm excited, my family, just for that reason, will be buzzing. I wasn't expecting to get this emotional about it."
Hamza Yassin
Who? CBeebies and Countryfile TV presenter
What did they say? "I am absolutely over the moon to be joining Strictly 2022. Never in a million years did I think I'd be on such a cool show. I've been watching it for years and I can't believe I'll actually be there dancing live in front of the British public.
"My dance skills are currently at the level of '1970s disco vibe' but I'm ready to work hard and will be shaking it every time I get the chance – shake it 'til you make it!"
James Bye
Who? Actor, best known as Martin Fowler in EastEnders.
What did they say? "I'm not known for my shimmy or my twinkle toes – in fact my kids regularly laugh at my dad dancing but it's an honour to be asked and I'm going to give it my best shot.
"There are some huge dance shoes to fill and it's truly exciting to follow in the footsteps of some amazing EastEnders talent. I'd love to do everyone proud."
Helen Skelton
Who? TV and radio broadcaster, Countryfile presenter
What did they say? "I'm really excited to get stuck into a fun adventure. My family and friends have always loved the show and can't wait for me to get started.
"I literally only said yes the other day... I did the Christmas one years and years ago and the hair, makeup and costumers were incredible. Who gets to go to work and be made to look a bit like Beyoncé and have a fun time? So I just thought: 'This is madness to not do it, of course I should do it, it'll be so much fun."
She later elaborated to The Mirror: "I just want my kids to believe they can do anything they want. I want to show them that if Mummy can do it, then they can do it too. I just want to be a good role model and lead by example."
Strictly Come Dancing 2022 judges: Who will be in the hot seats?
The Strictly Come Dancing judges panel has had a bit of a change up this year, with Anton Du Beke taking a permanent spot on the team alongside Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood and head judge Shirley Ballas.
The long-standing member of the Strictly team moved away from the competition and over to the judges' desk to temporarily replace Bruno Tonioli in the 2021 series, after Bruno's commitments with Dancing With the Stars in the US made it impossible to travel and keep within Covid guidelines.
Before 2020, Bruno would commute back and forth between LA and London every week, but with a close cohort environment in place to keep Strictly on-air, plus a requirement to quarantine after international travel, his involvement became a logistical nightmare.
While Bruno has appeared in video messages, he's been largely absent for the past two years. In 2020, the judges panel was simply reduced, with Anton stepping in for an episode when Motsi was forced to return to Germany for a family emergency. But when Bruno was unavailable again in 2021, Anton was given a full trial away from the dancefloor.
Anton is an original member of the Strictly cast, having been with the show throughout its entire run. After the one-off stint on the panel in 2020 (he was eliminated from the competition in week two with Jacqui Smith), his 2021 appearance as a full-timer proved to be a trial run and a hit.
In May 2022, Bruno confirmed on The One Show that he will no longer be a permanent judge, wishing Anton well as he takes over in an official position.
However, he added on the BBC chat show fans should "never count [him] out" of returning to the show at a later date, or taking part in the live tour.
"Anton, you've done a fantastic job, you deserve it. It's a 10 from me," Bruno said while holding up a glittery judging paddle. "Carry on, do me proud – but you've already done that anyway."
Anton's permanent move to the judges' table has also been supported by long-time judge Craig Revel Horwood.
"There are only so many years you can be front-row dancing, then the second row, then the third and fourth," he told The Sun. "Then the only place left, darling, is a dancer's sheer death – in the wings. I was pleased they got him off the dancefloor and then put him where he belongs."
However, in September 2022 Anton was forced to deny there was a rift between him and his predecessor, after Bruno joked that the pro dancer "needed the money".
He told The Sun: "I think he was just mucking around. I can imagine him saying it. I think it looked more punchy than it was. So I didn't get the hump over it at all. It actually made me laugh."
Strictly Come Dancing 2022 professional dancers: Who is back?
Get ready, folks – Strictly Come Dancing is ramping things up this year with its biggest ever professional line-up. 20 dancers will be hitting the series, including four new faces.
This year, the announcement of who would remain on the show came at the end of March, when the 2022 professional line-up was confirmed on Morning Live.
Returning to the series are: Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Graziano Di Prima, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Giovanni Pernice, Johannes Radebe and Nancy Xu.
Nikita Kuzmin, Jowita Przystal and Kai Widdrington, who all joined the show last year will also be returning to the line-up, while South African dance champion Cameron Lombard has also been confirmed.
Executive producer Sarah James said of the line-up: "We could not be more proud of the Strictly professional dancers and we are so happy to have so many returning for 2022.
"The world-class skill and extraordinary care they bring to everything they do, from working with their celebrity partners to choreographing and performing remarkable and unforgettable routines, never ceases to amaze us.
"They really are the best in the business and we can’t wait to see what they bring to the Strictly ballroom for our twentieth fabulous series."
In July 2022, in the weeks running up to the celebrity line-up reveal, it was announced there was four more new stars joining the ranks.
Those newbies are: Vito Coppola, European cup winner; Carlos Gu, Chinese National Champion; Lauren Oakley, former Under-21 British National Champion; and Michelle Tsiakkas, Latin dance champion.
Vito had already let slip about his upcoming participation of the series on live TV back in his native Italy, after appearing on Ballando con le Stelle – the country's version of Strictly.
During the interview, he said (via The Sun): "It was a sudden thing, I'm putting my ideas in order, but I'm happy and I can't wait."
The new line-up additions come after the show lost two of its fan favourites – Oti Mabuse and Aljaz Skorjanec. Oti was first to announce her goodbye to the series, announcing her exit on Instagram in February 2022.
The two-time champion thanked members of the team and celebrated her love of the show, before announcing: "I'm honestly so grateful to The BBC and will always remember that Strictly and BBC brought me to the UK – which I now call home and I have learnt and grown so much. Thank You from the bottom of my heart.
"I can't put in to words how difficult this decision has been, but I have decided not to return for the next series.
"Dance will always be my first love and to everyone, my family especially, friends, Strictly fans and judges who have been my support throughout my Strictly journey, thank you for being incredible!
"You are irreplaceable in my heart and have made everyday unforgettable! I love you.
"I will always Keeeep Dancing! and I will never forget my amazing Strictly experience! Lots of Love Oti xxx"
A month later, Aljaž confirmed he would also be leaving the series after nine years, confirming rumours that had started in the previous year.
Sharing a statement on his Instagram, the 32-year-old uploaded a collage of photos from his time on the show and wrote that the show "changed his life forever".
"A little while ago I made the tough decision that Strictly 2021 would be my last," he said as part of the statement.
"The show has given me an opportunity and freedom to create and express myself in front of millions of people every weekend for the last 9 years. The love and support I got from the team of producers was second to none."
He went on to thank his wife, fellow former Strictly star Janette Manrara, as well as several members of the cast and crew, and all of his previous dance partners.
"Being a part of a group of professionals that inspire and push you to be better every step of the way is humbling and I will carry that inspiration with me forever," he concluded.
Strictly Come Dancing – It Takes Two: Will spin-off return and who's hosting?
Strictly wouldn't be the same without the daily debrief show letting us in behind the scenes on BBC Two.
It's been confirmed the show will be back, with Janette Manrara and Rylan Clark back in business as the hosts.
The duo will be back every weeknight from Monday, September 26 to discuss all things Strictly, from the backstage gossip and rehearsal room drama, to regular segments that include interviews with the contestants and judges.
"I'm so excited to be back at Strictly – It Takes Two for my fourth year," Rylan shared. "I absolutely love being part of the show.
"I'm so thrilled that my television wife Janette is joining me for the ride and we can't wait to bring you all the backstage gossip from this year's Strictly extravaganza. We can't wait to start."
Janette added: "I am so thrilled to be back hosting It Takes Two alongside the amazing Rylan! I'm very excited to bring the audience more great conversations with our couples, a lot of fun weeknight television entertainment and, of course, to celebrate my favourite show on TV, Strictly!"
Strictly Come Dancing starts on Saturday, September 17 on BBC One.
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