Key events
R.I.P Len
Hearing we’ll get a tribute tonight to the late Len Goodman, who sadly died in April, aged 78. The former head judge hung up his Strictly scoring paddle in 2016 but continued to work on US edition Dancing With The Stars. Hope he’s pickling walnuts up in heaveennnn.
Let’s play launch show bingo
I’ll be continuing the noble tradition of a spotter’s guide to things we’re likely to see on-screen each week. Tick them off! Take a drink! I’m not judging. So for tonight’s launch show, here are your 10 predictions:
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Craig cracks a rare smile before getting his game-face on for the judging next week
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There are two pros you don’t recognise because they’re always on the subs’ bench/have had a haircut
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Johannes wears a scene-stealing garment in a group number or training VT
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Reigning champion Hamza Yassin advises this year’s cast to “enjoy every minute, guys”
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Shirley and Anton are described as “the Queen of Latin” and “the King of Ballroom” respectively. Or, more fun, vice versa
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A male celebrity insists he’s looking forward to being spray-tanned and “Strictlyfied”
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An “Our survey said…” gag about Les Dennis, even though he presented Family Fortunes fully 21 years ago
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Ginger Neil elbows his way to the front of a pros’ group shot, bless him
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A celebrity demonstrates their dance ability by doing the robot or running man, complete with white man’s overbite
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Claudia Winkleman mentions crisps, cheese or naps
Are you enjoying Alan Carr’s Picture Slam while you wait? Oddly addictive. Although I might have slight sunstroke, so my testimony is unreliable.
The queen’s speech
I also come bearing glittery gifts. Consider me a royal herald from the court of Queen Heidi, who asked me to deliver this farewell message:
Hey glitterati, just wanted to say a huge thank you for 13 incredible years as your Strictly liveblogger. It was a really hard decision to activate my glitter cannon and shimmy off the dancefloor, but it felt like the right time for me to hang up my sequinned heels.
We’ve built an incredibly special community here and I’m delighted that Michael is taking over – genuinely can’t think of a better person to hand the sparkly baton to.
Thank you for all the joy and laughter and support over the years, and keeeep dancing!
I’m not crying. You’re crying.
It’s the Strictly 2023 launch show!
And almost as importantly, it’s our first sequin-spangled liveblog of the year. Good evening all and welcome to the 21st series of Strictly Come Dancing. I’m Michael, your virtual dance partner this year, picking up the glittery baton from Heidi Stephens. More on Queen Heidi in a moment. I’m thrilled to be inheriting her sparkly sofa cushion and hope you’ll join me for an autumn of choreographed communal viewing.
Tonight’s pre-recorded launch show sees our 15 brand new celebrities paired up with their professional partners – followed by our first chance to glimpse their twinkle toes in action, as everyone hits the Elstree Studios floor for ye olde traditional curtain-raising group routine.
It’s showtime at 6.35pm on BBC One. I’ll be liveblogging from 6pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, analysis, reaction and mildly sarcastic asides. So gather snacks, drinks, friends, family members and a hired skip full of fake tan (shade: terracotta tango) and see you on the sofa. Yes, Strictly season is upon us, which I think means you’re legally allowed to pop the central heating on.
I’d love to hear from you too. You can tweet me @michaelhogan, email me michael.hogan.freelance@guardian.co.uk and the comments section below is back open for ballroom business. I’ll nip down every now and again to say hi, give a Len Goodman-style salute and gauge your reaction to the show, so please share your pearls of wisdom. I’m new around here too, so don’t be shy if you’re a first timer. If you’re a stalwart of Team Sparkle, a warm welcome back. It simply wouldn’t be the same liveblog without you.
Are we all limbered up, carb-loaded and wearing our Saturday night disco pants? Nearly time to staaaaaart pro-celeb pairing!
