Strictly Come Dancing makes a glittering return to Autumn TV schedules tonight. BBC bosses will be hoping to shake off the wave of controversy that has threatened to engulf their flagship show. Following last years series - won by Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola - an internal investigation was launched over the treatment of contestants on the show.
Allegations were made about Giovanni Pernice by former participant Amanda Abbington, which the professional has denied while his Graziano Di Prima was axed from the show after rehearsal footage stunned behind the scenes staff. Despite the drama, 1 5 celebrities have signed up to compete in this year's series - which marks the 20th anniversary of the hit show. The line-up includes soap stars, an Olympic athlete , and even a Gladiator .
The BBC has also turned a blind eye to their usual policy by allowing more reality stars to feature than ever before. Professional dancer Amy Dowden also makes a triumphant return to the competition tonight following her treatment for breast cancer. The star was forced to pull out of last year's series after being diagnosed in 2023.
Speaking before tonight's show, Amy said: "I literally can't keep still. I have to keep moving, I can't sit down. I'm like a bottle of pop waiting to burst with nerves and energy.
" Here's everything you need to know before series 22 kick starts this evening live on BBC One. Huge blow for one star hours before live show Strictly Come Dancing's Paul Merson has suffered a huge b.