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Strictly Come Dancing returns to screens this autumn with a brand new one-hour studio launch show.

Filming of the show will commence with a red carpet event at ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ's Television Centre as celebrities, judges and professional dancers arrive before commencing the live show.

Inside the studio, for the first time ever, viewers will get to see the celebrities being paired with their professional dance partner on the Strictly set in front of an audience. Previously these "first meets" were filmed, often in a training room or work place. This year the identity of partners will be kept secret until they meet on the Strictly floor, giving audiences the chance to see each and every reaction.

As well as unveiling the new celebrities taking part, the launch show will also be a showcase of what's to come this series including larger, more spectacular group routines and a revamped set.

The professional dancers and celebrities will also perform a group dance giving viewers the chance to pick out their favourites as well as the runners and riders and who needs a few more hours in the training room!

Mark Linsey, Controller of Entertainment Commissioning, said: "In a series that features more excitement and glamour than ever before, a red carpet event is the ideal way to launch this year's Strictly. This, along with a fantastic line-up of celebrities, even more professional dancers and a revamped set, will see this series getting off to a great launch."

The launch show will be filmed on the 8 September for transmission on Saturday 11 September. Once the show is over, celebrities and their dance partners will go into training to prepare for the first live show three weeks later.

CS/SM4