When does Strictly Come Dancing start? Will start of series be cancelled following death of Queen Elizabeth II

Lots of things have already changed in the days since the sudden death of Queen Elizabeth II.

The late monarch died on Thursday 8 September at Balmoral Castle, with the news announced to the UK and the world via the media at around 6.30pm.

Immediately following her death, King Charles III was appointed the reigning monarch and he has since been formally proclaimed King at the Ascension Council.

The line of succession has also changed, and other members of the royal family now also have new titles in light of the change of monarch.

For the people of the UK, there’s also been some changes in their lives over the past couple of days, from events being cancelled to changes in TV viewing.

One of the most watched shows of the year, Strictly Come Dancing, was also due to launch shortly and viewers have been left wondering if the show will begin as planned.

Here’s everything we know so far.

When does Strictly Come Dancing start?

The new series of Strictly Come Dancing was due to launch on Saturday 17 September.

In line with previous series, the launch show is planned to last almost two hours, and would be the first time the public saw the celebrities take to the dance floor.

This is also when the public will find out which professional dancers the celebrities have been paired with.

The 2022 launch show was scheduled to take place between 6.10pm and 8pm on Saturday 17 September pm BBC One.

Has the launch of Strictly Come Dancing been delayed?

Yes, the launch of the 2022 series of Strictly Come Dancing has been delayed.

The launch show will now air on Friday September 23 at 7pm, the BBC has announced. The first live show will then follow on Saturday September 24, the broadcaster has said.

The timings for the the live show has not yet been revealed.

The official Twitter account for Strictly Come Dancing has remained silent since the news of the Queen’s passing broke, with the last tweet on the account being posted just hours before her death.

We know that following the Queen’s death there are 10 days of national mourning - as outlined in plans called Operation Bridge which detail what happens following the death of Her Majesty.

As the announcement of the Queen’s death was not made until later on 8 September, this period of mourning will last for 11 days.

The final day of mourning will be the day of the Queen’s state funeral, Monday 19 September - two days after the launch of Strictly was due to take place.

The government has said a period of national mourning will last until the end of the day of the Queen’s state funeral, and so this is why the BBC has taken the decision to postpone the launch of this year’s show.

Which celebrities are taking part in Strictly Come Dancing 2022?

A total of 15 celebrities are due to take part in Strictly Come Dancing 2022, which this year celebrates its 20th anniversary.

They are actors Kym Marsh, Will Mellor, Jayde Adams and James Bye, as well as TV presenters Richie Anderson, Kaye Adams, Tyler West and Helen Skelton, Paralympian swimmer Ellie Simmonds, singers Matt Goss, Molly Rainford, Fleur East and comedian Ellie Taylor, football legend Tony Adams MBE and wildlife cameraman Hamza Yassin.