Strictly Come Dancing launch date 'revealed' as show's running time is cut

It will only air for nine weeks!

Author: Alex RossPublished 8th Sep 2020

With many of the nation's favourite TV shows falling victim to the Coronavirus pandemic, not many people thought the 2020 series of hit BBC show Strictly Come Dancing would ever go ahead.

However, after doing everything they could to ensure safe filming for both the cast and crew, bosses have now confirmed which 12 celebrities will be taking part in the upcoming series, with fans VERY excited!

However, as part of the changes implemented in this new Coronavirus world, Strictly will only run for nine weeks this year, in comparison to the usual 13, and only 12 contestants will take part, instead of the usual 15.

Another change for 2020 means the show will not begin until the end of October, with the Daily Mirror reporting a start date of Saturday 24th October.

Check out the official 2020 Strictly Come Dancing line-up below:

Caroline Quentin

Actress Caroline Quentin will take part in the 2020 series. She's most famous for roles in popular shows such as Men Behaving Badly and Jonathan Creek.

Max George

Former The Wanted star Max George will be hoping he can follow in the footsteps of his band mate Jay McGuiness, after Jay won the show back in 2015.

Jason Bell

Former American footballer Jason Bell will be showing off his moves on the dance floor! He's also the ex-boyfriend of Girls Aloud singer Nadine Coyle.

Ranvir Singh

Good Morning Britain presenter will be mixing early morning and grueling rehearsals as she's signed up for the 2020 series.

Nicola Adams OBE

Olympic boxing champion Nicola Adams will make history on the show as she's set to be part of the first ever same-sex pairing on Strictly Come Dancing.

Clara Amfo

Radio and TV presenter Clara Amfo has also been confirmed for the 2020 line-up!

Bill Bailey

Comedian Bill Bailey revealed he decided to take part in the show for a new 'challenge', admitting his late mum would have loved watching him on the show.

JJ Chalmers

Scottish TV presenter JJ Chalmers has also joined the line-up! The former Royal Marine is best known for being a public speaker and an Invictus Games medallist.


JJ suffered some life-changing injuries in a bomb blast in Afghanistan in 2011.

Jamie Laing

After being forced to quit the show in 2019 due to injury, Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing is back to show off his moves in 2020!

Maisie Smith

EastEnders actress Maisie Smith, who plays the role of Tiffany Butcher on the BBC soap, has also been announced in the line-up.

HRVY

Pop star HRVY, real name Harvey Leigh Cantwell, is the 11th celebrity to join the line-up.

Jacqui Smith

The line-up is completed by former Home Secretary Jacqui Smith.

Meanwhile, according to new reports, the show has now been thrown into chaos after a crew member reportedly tested positive for COVID-19, meaning five other members of the team were sent home to self-isolate.

Despite these rumours, the BBC haven't commented, but a source told the Mail Online, "The crew member is no longer on the production and has had a negative NHS test result.

"Procedures were followed and stringent protocols have been put in place just in case, but recording isn't due to happen until later this week so there is minimal impact."

Strictly Come Dancing is expected to begin in October.

For great music, brilliant banter and incredible competitions tune into Northsound 1 on 96.9, 97.6 or 103.0 FM, online, on our Northsound app, your DAB digital radio, or say ‘Play Northsound 1’ on your Smart Speaker. We give you the biggest hits from the world’s hottest artists. You’ll find new favourites every day and hear the songs you've missed from the last few years.