Strictly Come Dancing 2023 launch date officially confirmed with special guests - and it's sooner than expected

The launch date for Strictly Come Dancing 2023 has been revealed - and it's sooner than thought. The new series had been expected to air at the end of September.

But the BBC has now officially confirmed that the first episode of the hit celebrity dancing contest will be on screens on Saturday, September 16. The famous theme tune will ring out in living rooms up and down the country at 6.35pm, with the episode finishing at 8.20pm.

Like previous series, the first episode will see the 15 brand new celebrities welcomed to the Strictly ballroom. Viewers will also find out which professional dancer they'll be paired with.

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Presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will return alongside judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse. The BBC has not yet said exactly when the live shows will begin - but in previous years it was a couple of weeks after the launch episode.

An announcement said: "Back with a bang are our professional dancers with three epic routines including a group number with our new cast and a not to be missed performance featuring all four of the Strictly Come Dancing judges. Current Strictly champions Hamza and Jowita make a triumphant return and the amazing Jessie Ware will perform one of her biggest hits in the ballroom.

"Who will the new celebrities be paired with and can they dance? We’ll find out on the launch of Strictly Come Dancing 2023!"

Professionals already revealed for the series include Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Graziano Di Prima, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Vito Coppola and Jowita Przystal – who won the competition last year with her dance partner, wildlife cameraman