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A glittering dance floor stage lit up for a Strictly Come Dancing television launch
Reality TV

'Strictly Come Dancing' Teases Glamorous Launch Show As Stars Meet Their Pro Partners

A fresh first look at the premiere episode reveals big debuts from Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe.

By Dee AlvarezPublished Updated 2 min read

The ballroom is officially reopening, and glitter fever is sweeping back onto the television landscape. A freshly released sneak peek into the upcoming launch show of *Strictly Come Dancing* offers fans their very first glimpse at the glitz, glamour, and high-energy drama set to unfold on the dance floor. With the premiere just around the corner, anticipation has reached a fever pitch as viewers prepare to watch this year's celebrity contestants step out in their finest sequins. The launch event serves as the official kickoff for the season, serving up high-stakes routines and emotional moments before the formal competition even gets underway.

When Does Strictly Come Dancing Return?

The opening broadcast is traditionally one of the most exciting episodes of the entire series. It marks the exact moment where the star-studded cast finally discovers which professional dancers will be guiding them through weeks of intense ballroom training. Chemistry is everything in the competition, and fans will be scrutinizing every smile, hug, and reaction to see which pairs look ready to waltz their way toward the top of the leaderboard. First-look images and clips from the set showcase a shimmering arena packed with bright lights and elaborate costumes. From nerve-wracking backstage introductions to dramatic ensemble dance numbers, the premiere lays out a clear promise: this season is pulling out all the stops to keep audiences hooked from day one.

Who Is Featured In The Strictly Launch Show?

Adding extra buzz to the season premiere, notable television personalities including presenter Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdicombe, and fan-favorite professional Johannes Radebe are making their long-awaited debuts as part of the launch festivities. Their inclusion brings fresh energy to the studio, alongside the roster of brave celebrities preparing to swap their everyday routines for tango steps and quicksteps. As the famous contestants finally meet their pro partners, the stage is set for months of grueling rehearsals, live show pressure, and brutal panel feedback. For the prospective dancers, the journey from complete novice to glitterball champion officially begins right now—and viewers are eagerly waiting to see who steps up to the beat.

The backstory

Verified moments, in order.

Strictly Come Dancing: the milestones behind the ballroom

From its 2004 launch to landmark partnerships and disputes over life in the training room, these are the moments that shape Strictly’s story.

  1. The ballroom opens

    Strictly Come Dancing — The ballroom opens

    Strictly Come Dancing launches on 15 May, with Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly presenting celebrities paired with professional dancers. Natasha Kaplinsky and Brendan Cole win the first series that July, becoming the show’s first champions.

  2. Bruce leaves the weekly show

    Strictly Come Dancing — Bruce leaves the weekly show

    Bruce Forsyth steps down from presenting the regular series after a decade. Claudia Winkleman joins Tess Daly as a main host, establishing the presenting partnership that carries the programme into its next chapter.

  3. Johannes enters the line-up

    Strictly Come Dancing — Johannes enters the line-up

    South African dancer Johannes Radebe joins Strictly’s professional cast. His arrival marks the start of his career on the British programme, not his first television ballroom job: he has already competed as a professional on South Africa’s version.

  4. 2018-10Flashpoint

    A kiss takes over the conversation

    Strictly Come Dancing — A kiss takes over the conversation

    Photographs of contestant Seann Walsh kissing his professional partner Katya Jones trigger a public backlash. Both apologise. Jones is married to fellow Strictly professional Neil Jones at the time; Walsh’s girlfriend Rebecca Humphries announces that their relationship is over.

  5. Nicola and Katya make history

    Strictly Come Dancing — Nicola and Katya make history

    Olympic boxing champion Nicola Adams and Katya Jones become the main competition’s first same-sex partnership. Their run ends in November when Jones tests positive for COVID-19 and the pair must withdraw.

  6. 2021-12-18

    Rose wins a landmark final

    Strictly Come Dancing — Rose wins a landmark final

    Rose Ayling-Ellis, Strictly’s first deaf contestant, wins with Giovanni Pernice. Runners-up John Whaite and Johannes Radebe make history of their own as the competition’s first all-male partnership.

  7. 2024-09-30Flashpoint

    The training room faces scrutiny

    Strictly Come Dancing — The training room faces scrutiny

    An internal investigation upholds some of Amanda Abbington’s complaints about Giovanni Pernice and rejects others, including allegations of physical aggression. The broadcaster apologises to Abbington, who withdrew from the 2023 series. Pernice denies abusive or threatening behaviour. The dispute puts treatment of contestants under scrutiny.

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People also ask

What happens during the Strictly Come Dancing launch show?
The launch episode introduces the celebrity lineup and reveals which professional dance partners they will be paired with for the season.
Who is appearing on the Strictly Come Dancing launch episode?
Alongside the celebrity contestants and pro dancers, television personalities Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe are featured in the broadcast.