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Multi-award-winning Strictly Come Dancing returns to ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ One this autumn with a brand-new one-hour studio launch show on Saturday 11 September.

This year, filming commences 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. 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 a chance to pick out their favourites as well as the runners and riders and who needs a few more hours in the training room!

Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly return to host the series, as well as judges Len Goodman, Craig Revel Horwood, Alesha Dixon and Bruno Tonioli.

Mark Linsey, Controller of Entertainment Commissioning, said: "It's fantastic to be bringing Strictly back for it's eighth series with even more glamour and excitement than ever before. This year we have a fantastic line-up of celebrities and more spectacular dancing than ever before – a red carpet launch is the perfect way to start the show."

The Strictly launch show is on 11 September with the live shows starting on 1 and 2 October. Subsequent shows will be live on Saturday nights with a pre-recorded Sunday night results show.

SM4/DM/CK