It was due to start this Saturday.

The highly anticipated launch of this year's Strictly Come Dancing will be postponed due to the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The monarch passed away last Thursday at Balmoral in Scotland. She was 96-years-old. As Britain enters its period of mourning, a number of scheduled television events have been cancelled, including the Strictly launch. The show was due to air on Saturday 17 September, but instead will be broadcast on Friday 23 September at 7pm. The first live show will kick off on 24 September. It's understood that BBC programming will be instead dedicated to covering the mourning period and honouring the Queen's memory. This year, the celebrities taking part in the show for its 20th season are Helen Skelton, James Bye, Hamza Yassin, Fleur East, Tony Adams, Molly Rainford, Ellie Taylor, Matt Goss, Tyler West, Ellie Simmonds, Jayde Adams, Will Mellor, Kaye Adams, Kym Marsh and Richie Anderson. https://www.instagram.com/p/CiND05LqC9q/ The judges panel for this year's series will consist of Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke. Du Beke is the latest judge to join the panel, after having danced on the show since its inception. In 2020, he initially stepped up to the judges' table to fill in for Motsi Mabuse who had to isolate after travelling to Germany. Then, last year, he became an official, permanent judge, replacing Bruno Tonioli. Bruno confirmed this year that he would not be returning to the show whatsoever citing logistical difficulties and other difficulties. In an appearance on The One Show, he said: "What’s happened with Covid, the travelling situation is so unpredictable. I used to leave on a Sunday and fly back on Thursday to do the show in London "It was impossible because the rules changed, getting through the airport was not like it used to be, it created a situation that was unsustainable. I miss it so much. "Unfortunately Dancing With The Stars has moved to Disney+ which is a big deal. Because of the travel situation I will be there."