Strictly trailer FIRST LOOK: Aljaz Skorjanec steers the show in the right direction while Amy Dowden makes a delightful comeback as pro dancers make VERY bubbly return to BBC show

Strictly Come Dancing has released a cheerful trailer in preparation for the show’s return to the big screen this month.

After a bumpy ride in recent months following allegations of bullying, Aljaz Skorjanec steers the scandal-plagued series in the right direction.

In the short clip, the professional dancer is the driver of the pink bus, while his fellow actors dance to We Like to Party by Vengaboys.

Amy Dowden made a delightful comeback in the trailer after missing last year’s series due to her battle with breast cancer.

Dressed in feather dresses, pastel outfits and sequined gowns, the pros couldn’t stop smiling as they announced the show’s exciting 20th return.

Amy Dowden (right) made a delightful comeback in the trailer after missing last year’s series due to her battle with breast cancer

The BBC’s flagship programme has been plagued for months by allegations of ‘bullying’ and abuse by former professionals Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima, directed at their celebrity partners Amanda Abbington and Zara McDermott.

This year, last year’s winner Vito Coppola, Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Karen Hauer, Neil Jones, Katya Jones and Nikita Kuzmin are among those paired with professionals.

Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley and Michelle Tsiakkas complete the line-up.

Meanwhile, supposed fan favorite Kai Widdrington has not been paired with a celebrity this year despite his prominent role in the trailer due to a lack of women signing up this year.

Amy returns to the show after being diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2023. She discovered a lump the day before her honeymoon, missing out on the chance to have a celebrity partner on Strictly that year.

The 34-year-old announced in February that she would return to the show this year after a mastectomy and chemotherapy showed “no evidence of the disease” following tests.

The opening show of Strictly’s 20th anniversary series sees the dancers perform an ’empowerment’ routine to celebrate Amy’s return, as well as the celebrity contestants being paired with their dance partners.

Amy said of her return to Strictly: ‘I’m so excited about every aspect of returning to my Strictly family.

After a bumpy ride in recent months following bullying allegations, Aljaz Skorjanec is steering the scandal-hit show in the right direction

In the short clip, the professional dancer was the driver of the pink bus while his fellow actors danced to We Like to Party by Vengaboys

Dressed in feather bows, pastel outfits and sequined dresses, the pros couldn’t keep the smiles off their faces as they announced the show’s exciting 20th return

Amy returns to the show after being diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2023. She discovered a lump the day before her honeymoon, missing out on a celebrity partner on that year’s series of Strictly.

In the trailer we saw all the professionals dancing and singing along in a party bus

The professional dancers are prepared and ready for what is to come in the upcoming series

Nikita immediately started dancing in the cheerful trailer

The trailer for the 22nd season of the BBC show shows professional dancers, including Dowden, performing a routine to a medley

It includes songs like We Like To Party! (The Vengabus) by Vengaboys, Baby Baby by Corona and Get Ready For This by 2 Unlimited

Professionals paired with dancers this year include last year’s winner Vito Coppola, Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Karen Hauer, Neil Jones, Katya Jones and Nikita Kuzmin

“I’m so grateful to have this opportunity, especially since it’s such a special year for this legendary show. It feels like my first year.

‘I can’t wait to see the whole team, for costumes, for dance routines, to meet the celebrities, the judges. Everyone laughs at me because I just laugh all the time.

‘I want to dedicate this dance to my pink sisters who have supported me this past year and to everyone who is currently facing cancer.’

Viewers will also get a glimpse of the dancing skills of the Strictly class of 2024, when they perform a group dance on the show.

The case follows a storm of controversy surrounding the BBC dance programme over the alleged treatment of contestants.

The BBC has launched an investigation into allegations made about Giovanni by former contestant Amanda, the results of which have not yet been made public. Pernice denies the allegations.

Dancer Graziano has also left the show.

The launch trailer aired on Wednesday 4 September at 7.29pm on BBC One.

The BBC will announce a date for the first episode of the series in due course.

STRICT LINE-UP 2024

Chris McCausland

Age: 46

Occupation: Comedian

Chris says, “If there’s anyone out there who’s thinking, ‘How on earth is he going to do that?’ – I’m sure I’m thinking exactly the same thing.”

Doctor Punam Krishan

Age: Unknown

Occupation: general practitioner and announcer

Punam says: ‘I’ve watched Strictly every year and it feels extra special that this is the 20th year. I can’t believe I’m the one getting Strictly-fied.’

Toyah Willcox

Age: 66

Occupation: Singer, actor, presenter

Toyah says: ‘I’m super excited and loving this show. To be a part of it, the spray tan, the glitter. It’s a milestone year for me, I came in as a pensioner, Glasto and now I’m getting spray tans.’

Peter Wicks

Age: 36

Occupation: Reality star

Pete says: ‘Dancing live for the people every Saturday? Really scary.’

Shayne Department

Age: 39

Occupation: Actor and singer

Shayne says: ‘I’m no stranger to live TV, but Latin and Ballroom dancing in front of millions of people is a whole new level.’

Tom Dean

Age: 24

Occupation: Olympic medal-winning swimmer

Tom says: ‘Now I can officially say how excited I am to start something new, meet some brilliant people and go dancing’

Nick Kennes

Age: 61

Occupation: TV presenter

Nick says, ‘I’m going all in, I’m going for it 100 percent!’

JB Gill

Age: 37

Occupation: Singer

JB says, “A lot of the ballroom styles are very foreign to me — I didn’t do those dances growing up. I’m not a trained dancer.”

Wynne Evans

Age: 52

Occupation: Opera singer, presenter

Wynne says, “What I’m nervous about is the things that involve jumping. I don’t necessarily want to do the jive, I’m nervous about that.

Tasha Ghouri

Age: 25

Occupation: Model and reality star

Tasha says: ‘I’ve been watching the show since I was little. It’s a real Ghouri family favourite. So this is a dream come true.’

Sarah Hadland

Age: 53

Occupation: Actress

Sarah says: ‘I’m absolutely thrilled to be part of such an iconic show that’s been around for 20 years.’

Jamie Borthwick

Age: 30

Occupation: EastEnders star

Jamie says: ‘I had a great time doing the Christmas special so when I was asked to join in it was a no brainer!’

Sam Quek

Age: 35

Occupation: Former GB hockey player and presenter

Sam says: ‘I’m so relieved it’s out now, it was hard keeping it a secret! The rumours got out and I had to lie! I’m used to dancing on a girls night out but I’m going to give it my all’

Paul Merson

Age: 56

Occupation: Former footballer

Paul says: ‘I only worry about it when it starts, but once it happens I get nervous. After all, I’ve only danced three times in my life!’