Strictly Come Dancing 2024 FIRST LOOK: Craig Revel Horwood shows off his new beard as he poses alongside Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke

Strictly Come Dancing has now given a first look at the judging panel as the popular BBC show prepares for its return on September 14.

Judge Craig Revel Horwood, 59, showed off a new look as he sat alongside fellow judges Motsi Mabuse, 43, Shirley Ballas, 64, and Anton Du Beke, 58.

The dancer and choreographer, who has been involved with the BBC show since its launch in 2004, looked very different to usual as he showed off his new facial hair.

Craig sported a thick black beard and looked handsome in a black tuxedo, beaming as he held up a scoreboard showing 10.

Meanwhile, Motsi exuded glamour in a white cut-out jacket with structured shoulder pads and a V-neck.

Judge Shirley also makes her comeback to the panel and the ballroom dancer looked absolutely sensational in a red lace dress.

Meanwhile, fan favourite Anton looked dapper in a black and white tuxedo and proudly held up the number 10.

The First Look photo comes after Craig said he believes the series can “rise above” the bullying allegations when its 20th season airs.

The current scandal has led to numerous allegations of misconduct and forced professional dancers Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice to quit the long-running Saturday night program.

Following the scandal, the BBC has issued new guidelines for the programme, hoping that it will disappear from the radar.

But judge Craig has now told Woman’s Weekly that he always looks forward to the series and has ‘become part of the furniture’.

He said: ‘I think the show can rise above what’s happened, I really do. It’s got a certain verve to it and people would be so sad if it meant the show didn’t go ahead. I always look forward to a new series. I’ve become part of the furniture in a way.’

It comes after BBC bosses slashed Strictly’s budget for the upcoming 20th season amid a series of scandals that could lead to payouts for former stars.

According to sources at the Corporation, the casting budget for the flagship show has been slashed following the Strictly bullying scandal.

Instead, money has been made available for better welfare measures for the dance performance.

Bosses are concerned about further financial problems as former stars line up to claim they were mistreated during their time on the series.

A source said: ‘Money had to be found to pay chaperones and welfare producers, and we still don’t know how much all these allegations are going to cost the show. It won’t be cheap. A decision has been made to cut back on the cast.’

The reduced casting budget was noticeable, with many Strictly fans left disappointed when this year’s celebrity cast was announced earlier this month.

The audience was left with questions as they struggled to recognise little-known TV doctor Punam Krishnan and former Love Island contestant Tasha Ghouri.

The source said the only big money contenders this year are DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles and football analyst Paul Merson.

They added: ‘The line-up is one of our cheapest ever. We know audiences will be disappointed, especially given the quality of our celebrities over the past five years.’

It is a further setback for Strictly bosses, who had high hopes for the 20th anniversary series.

The latest series will see a team of new production staff working to mentor the celebrity stars, who will be present at all times in the rehearsal room training to monitor for any signs of inappropriate behavior.

BBC bosses have been forced to take “decisive steps” to improve protections for celebrities on the show after allegations of abuse were made by contestants including actress Amanda Abbington and former reality star Zara McDermott.

Giovanni Pernice, Strictly’s longest-serving male pro, was accused of bullying during rehearsals by Abbington last year and a BBC investigation is ongoing. The 33-year-old Sicilian has vehemently denied any wrongdoing.

The Mail on Sunday revealed that Giovanni would be acquitted following Amanda’s allegations. BBC insiders told the paper that there was no evidence he had bullied her.

However, the actress is said to be so determined to win her case that, according to Giovanni’s friends, she is ‘rolling the dice one last time’, she tells the BBC about a short video he sent her via WhatsApp.

Sources within the organisation say it was ‘sex-related’ but that in nature it was ‘very much a tease’.

A source said: ‘This is literally the last thing Amanda has, so of course she’s hoping it sticks. It’s the only thing that’s tangible against Giovanni in any way.’

The report’s findings are not expected until next month.