Strictly Come Dancing 2020: Everything you need to know
The 2020 series will return later this year!
Since 2004, we've been entertained every single year by popular dancing show Strictly Come Dancing, and the 2019 series was no different! After a competitive show, former Emmerdale actor Kelvin Fletcher was crowned the winner, despite being a late addition after Jamie Laing was forced to quit due to an injury.
As rumours swirl about which celebrities will be taking part in the 2020 series, bosses have unveiled this year's professional dancers, so excitement is really building ahead of the new series which is due later in the year.
Here's everything we know about Strictly Come Dancing 2020:
When does Strictly Come Dancing start?
There's no official word on when the 2020 series of Strictly Come Dancing will begin, but if it's anything like past years, the show will air in late September.
Which celebrities are on Strictly Come Dancing this year?
Bosses are yet to confirm any celebs for the 2020 series, but the rumoured line-up is certainly looking amazing, with names like Alan Carr, Cheryl and Jane McDonald all in the pipeline.
Check out the full rumoured line-up for Strictly below:
Chris Whitty
Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty has been an integral part of the team during the Coronavirus pandemic, but if rumours are anything to go by, Strictly bosses are doing everything in their power to sign him up for the 2021 series.
Vicky McClure
Following the popularity and success of Line of Duty, main actress Vicky McClure has been linked to the 2021 series of Strictly. According to the bookies, Vicky is 11/10 to join the show.
Gregory Piper
Another Line of Duty star rumoured to switch the cop cars for the dancefloor is Gregory Piper, who played the role of PC Ryan Pilkington in the hit drama.
Perri Kiely
Diversity star and KISS FM Breakfast presenter Perri Kiely recently confessed he'd love to take part on the show. Speaking to Digital Spy, the former BGT winner said: "If it was on a technical level, that would be horrendous, so I'd definitely love to give it a go. But I'm not sure people would see that. They'd probably see an unfair advantage. People thought I was cheating on Dancing on Ice, let alone Strictly Come Dancing."
Tom Malone Jr
After leaving Gogglebox earlier this year, Tom Malone Jr has expressed his interest in appearing on Strictly. He told the Express: "If the opportunity came up to go on Strictly as a contestant, I've never done Ballroom in my life, so it'd be interesting to see how as someone who breaks."
Munroe Bergdorf
Model Munroe Bergdorf has revealed she wants to make history by becoming Strictly Come Dancing's first ever transgender contestant.
She told the Make It Reign podcast: "I've always said that 'Strictly' is the only one that I've got a desire to do. I've got a plan. I want to get everything done that I want to achieve, then I can start doing those shows. It's really exciting."
Carrie Symonds
Prime Minister Boris Johnson's partner Carrie Symonds has also been a name on the rumour mill. However, judge Shirley Ballas seemed to dismiss these claims recently, telling Metro.co.uk: "99.9999%, it is a family show, it's not a political agenda."
Cheryl
After jumping over to the BBC for The Greatest Dancer, following her stint as a judge on The X Factor, rumours have continuously linked Cheryl to Strictly Come Dancing, so will she appear in 2021?
Tommy Fury
After showcasing his 'moves' on his spin-off show The Boxer and the Ballroom Dancer with Love Island co-star Curtis Pritchard, fans have been urging Strictly to sign up boxer Tommy Fury.
Maya Jama
TV presenter Maya Jama was heavily rumoured for the 2020 series, but after she was a no-show in the line-up, fans are hoping she will make an appearance this year.
Alan Carr
Funny man Alan Carr would make a great addition to the show! Alan appeared on Loose Women last year where he confirmed he'd been asked to take part, so will we see him on the 2021 series?
Michelle Keegan
Since her husband Mark Wright made it into the Strictly final in 2014, every year rumours have been rife that actress Michelle Keegan will sign up.
But Mark set fire to the rumours even further when he took part in Christmas special back in 2019, telling the Radio Times, "Never say never, but I just think her nerves would go to another level."
Which channel is Strictly Come Dancing on?
As it has been since the show first launched in 2004, Strictly Come Dancing will air on BBC One on Saturday and Sunday nights, with the spin-off show Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two, broadcasting on BBC2.
Who are the Strictly Come Dancing judges?
Back in 2019, it was announced that Dame Darcey Bussell would be leaving the Strictly family after six years. She joined in 2012, but announced in April 2019 that she wouldn't be returning for the 2019 series.
Replacing Darcey on the judging panel last year was Motsi Mabuse, older sister of professional dancer Oti Mabuse.
It not yet been confirmed who will be on the judging panel for 2020, but we expect Motsi to return alongside Craig Revel Horwood, Bruno Tonioli and head judge Shirley Ballas.
Who are the professional dancers on this year's Strictly Come Dancing?
All of the professional dancers from the 2019 series are returning for 2020, expect Kevin Clifton and AJ Pritchard, who have both quit the show.
The professionals include, Aljaž Škorjanec, Amy Dowden, Anton Du Beke, Dianne Buswell, Giovanni Pernice, Gorka Marquez, Graziano Di Prima, Janette Manrara, Johannes Radebe, , Katya Jones Karen Hauer, Luba Mushtuk, Nadiya Bychkova, Neil Jones, Nancy Xu and last year's winner Oti Mabuse.
Why did Kevin Clifton quit Strictly Come Dancing?
After seven years on the show, Kevin Clifton decided to leave Strictly Come Dancing ahead of the 2020 series.
He told fans, 'To the entire Strictly family, The past 7 years have been some of the most wonderful years of my life. I am grateful to the BBC and Strictly Come Dancing for giving me the opportunity to have been a part of something truly special.'
He added, 'Since first being called ‘Kevin From Grimsby’ by Sir Bruce Forsyth in 2013 I have experienced the highs of 5 finals, winning a Guinness World record on It Takes Two, the Strictly Arena tour glitterball and then the ultimate of winning the 2018 series with Stacey Dooley. After finishing last series with the Children In Need trophy and the Christmas Special I want to leave on a high and have therefore decided the time has come to move on and focus on other areas of my life and career.
'I want to thank all of the pros for inspiring me every day as well as all of my celebrity partners. The whole team behind the scenes have made always made the Strictly family what it is and the loveliest show to work for.
'Thank you to anyone who has ever voted for me and my partners. It means the world. And a special thank you to Jason Gilkison for always believing in me.'
Why did AJ Pritchard quit Strictly Come Dancing?
Despite originally being named in this year's professional line-up, on Thursday 26th March, AJ announced on social media that he's made the decision to leave the show.
Sharing a photo of himself on social media alongside YouTube star Saffron Barker, AJ told fans, 'I have some news for you all. Please see the below statement from my team 💙 also sending my love to everyone in this difficult time, please keep safe. AJ x.' (sic)
The BBC also released a statement, adding, 'After four years on Strictly Come Dancing, AJ has decided the time is right to leave the show and follow his dreams to explore opportunities in the presenting world alongside his brother Curtis. AJ would like to thank the team at Strictly and everyone at the BBC for giving him such a brilliant opportunity. AJ would also like to send his love and gratitude to all who have followed and supported his career. He is excited for you all to join him on the next chapter of his journey.'
Who presents Strictly Come Dancing?
Popular hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are expected to return for the 2020 series. The pair have received great praise from both viewers and critics over the last few years.
After presenting the Sunday night results show for a number of years, Claudia took over Bruce Forsyth's role as co-presenter alongside Tess in 2014.
Who won Strictly Come Dancing in 2019?
After a tense final, involving Kelvin Fletcher and Oti Mabuse, Karim Zeroual and Amy Downden, and Emma Barton and Anton Du Beke, it was former Emmerdale actor Kelvin who received the most public votes, crowning him the 2019 winner!
How does the Strictly Come Dancing voting work?
The voting on Strictly Come Dancing combines both the judges scores and the public votes, meaning no couple is safe, even if they receive the top score of 40 from the judges.
After all couples have performed, phone lines open for the public to vote for their favourite couple, then the judges scores and the public votes are added together. The couple ranked the highest will be given a number of points equal to the number of couples competing that evening.