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Strictly Come Dancing to celebrate 100 years of the BBC with TWO special routines that will see professional dancers ‘gatecrashing’ channel’s flagship shows
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Strictly Come Dancing will see its stars celebrate 100 years of the BBC with a special themed week this year.
To mark the centenary, the Strictly couples will either dance ‘to a theme tune from an iconic BBC programme or in tribute to one of the BBC’s most-loved services’.
The anniversary show is also set to feature two special routines by the professionals – one will honour the BBC’s Natural History Programming unit, while the other will see the dancers ‘crashing’ some flagship shows.
Coming soon: Strictly Come Dancing will see its professional stars celebrate 100 years of the BBC with a special themed week this year
The 20th series of the Saturday night dance competition, which kicks off on September 17, will also include the return to the Blackpool Tower ballroom after a two-year break due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Strictly’s executive producer Sarah James said: ‘We know how much viewers love the Strictly themed weeks so it’s fantastic to be able to announce a new one, celebrating the BBC’s centenary.’
In a recent statement, Strictly bosses said fans can enter a draw to watch a recording of the special centenary performance take place on August 24.
Success: Last year’s series was won by deaf EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis who was watched several times per week by at least two million viewers
They said: ‘Strictly Come Dancing is celebrating 100 years of the BBC! The professional dancers will be throwing a party like only they know how, with a group number full of all the usual sparkle and glamour.
‘There may well be a surprise or two as well, with special guests and fun tributes to some of your favourite BBC shows.’
The 15 contestants taking part in the forthcoming series of Strictly have already been confirmed.
Those taking part include presenter Helen Skelton, former Bros singer Matt Goss, actress Kym Marsh and retired Arsenal and England footballer Tony Adams.
Getting involved: Presenter Helen Skelton will be taking part in the forthcoming series of the hit BBC show when it returns on September 17
Last year’s series was won by deaf EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis who was watched several times per week by at least two million viewers.
It also saw Great British Bake Off star John Waite form the show’s first all-male partnership with pro Johannes Radebe – with the couple reaching the final.
The year before saw the show’s first ever same-sex pairing as boxer Nicola Adams was paired up with Katya Jones – however the duo had to withdraw from the competition in week three after Katya caught Covid.
In its first ten years, household names such as John Sergeant, Emma Bunton and Jerry Hall took part.