When Does ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ 2016 Start? New Series’ Launch Date Confirmed

Suddenly the thought of summer coming to an end doesn’t seem so bad.

With the line-up for this year’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ still trickling through, producers have now confirmed the start date for the new series.

‘Strictly’ fans will be glued to their sets on Saturday, 3 September, when the new series’ launch show airs on BBC One, with the 14 celebrity contestants taking to the dance floor for the first time for a group number.

The launch show will also see the celebs discovering which of the 14 professional dancers they’ll be partnered with for the duration of their time in the competition, as well as a group number.

All four judges will be back to offer their critiques, though the new series will mark Len Goodman’s final year as Head Judge, while Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly will both be returning to take over presenting duties.

The ‘Strictly’ launch will air exactly one week after the new series of ITV’s rival show ‘The X Factor’, which kicks off on 27 August.

At the time of writing, 10 of this year’s ‘Strictly’ celebrities have been confirmed, with stars from all areas of the entertainment industry (and one politician) taking part.

Pop singers Will Young, Louise Redknapp and Anastacia will be joined by TV personalities Naga Munchetty, Melvin Odoom, Ore Oduba and Laura Whitmore.

Model Daisy Lowe, soap actor Danny Mac and yes — actual former MP Ed Balls complete the stars who’ve been revealed so far.