Strictly Come Dancing will soon be returning to screens with a new line-up of famous faces performing in the ballroom.
However, viewers will also see a big change on the star-studded dance show this year as it’s set to make Strictly history.
The BBC has announced the upcoming 20th anniversary series of Strictly will be the most accessible yet as the show introduces live signing for the very first time.
Related: Best streaming services in 2024
Fans will be able to watch the programme with live signing via BBC iPlayer and the red button.
The celebrity dance competition is also available to watch with audio description and subtitling, allowing a wider audience to enjoy the show.
The programme has also welcomed more diversity among its cast this year with Love Island’s Tasha Ghouri becoming the shows second deaf competitor and comedian Chris McCausland joining the line-up as Strictly’s first blind contestant.
Strictly’s first deaf celebrity competitor was EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis who won the famous Glitterball Trophy in 2021.
Related: Amy Dowden reveals she originally turned down Strictly
BBC’s Director of Unscripted, Kate Phillips, celebrated the announcement in a statement explaining the importance of British Sign Language (BSL) inclusion.
“Strictly Come Dancing has always been at the forefront of inclusivity and representation and I’m delighted that our 20th anniversary series will be the most accessible yet for our audience,” she said. “Introducing live signing, alongside audio description and subtitling, means that there are more options than ever for the whole audience to come together to experience the glitz and glamour of our Saturday and Sunday night shows.”
The BBC’s focus on BSL is set to continue next year with the launch of a new BBC BSL season which aims to celebrate BSL and break down barriers. The broadcaster is set to deliver a range of content across BBC platforms as well as online resources and material to help people learn to sign.
Strictly Come Dancing will return later this year on BBC One, while spinoff Strictly: It Takes Two airs on weeknights on BBC Two. Both shows are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
Interested in talking about Strictly? Visit our dedicated sub-forum
Read more Strictly news on our dedicated homepage
You Might Also Like
EMEA Tribune is not involved in this news article, it is taken from our partners and or from the News Agencies. Copyright and Credit go to the News Agencies, email news@emeatribune.com Follow our WhatsApp verified Channel
