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Strictly Come Dancing 2017 full line-up: Contestants announced by BBC, The Sun breaks embargo on celebrity pairings

X Factor winners, actors, and a vicar make up the 15 contestants

Jack Shepherd,Clarisse Loughrey
Friday 08 September 2017 04:37 EDT
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UPDATE: The Sun has broken the embargo on the announcement of the show's celebrity pairings for this year.

The BBC has said in a statement, "We are disappointed that The Sun broke the Strictly embargo regarding celebrity pairings. It spoils it for everyone involved, especially viewers looking forward to watching the launch show on Saturday night."

A spokesperson for The Sun said: "Our journalist found out the pairing in today's story from an independent source earlier this week, and put the information in the story to the BBC Press Office before the embargoed release of the dance pairings and at a time when our journalist was not aware there was ever any plan to embargo the details. We're content that this story is the product of good journalism."

All the sequins. All the glitz. Ready to return to TV screens once more when Strictly Come Dancing commences its 2017 season.

However, the loss Bruce Forsyth has added a sombre air to this year's proceedings, with the BBC announcing the launch show will play special tribute to the former host, who left back in 2015.

"The thoughts of everyone here at are still very much with Sir Bruce’s family,” a statement from Louise Rainbow, executive producer, reads. "Of course, we will be paying tribute to Sir Bruce at our launch show and this will include a heartfelt performance from out Strictly professional dancers.

"We want to celebrate him and all that he loved about the show. Sir Bruce was, and will always be, a huge part of Strictly Come Dancing."

When/Where can I watch?

Strictly Come Dancing launches on 9 September, at 7pm on BBC One.

Who are the contestants?

The BBC has announced the full line-up for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing, featuring a former X-Factor winner, various Holby City actors, and a Paralympic champion. You can see the full list below.

Who are the judges?

Judges Darcey Bussell, Craig Revel-Horwood, and Bruno Tonioli are all set to return. This year will also introduce new judge Shirley Ballas, who replaces Len Goodman as Head Judge, following his departure at the end of the 2016 series, which saw broadcaster Ore Oduba come out on top.

Who are the hosts?

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will once again host; Winkleman replaced Forsyth when he left in 2015.

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